Health & Life

9 Powerful Ancient Techniques for Longevity and Vitality

Throughout history, people have always desired to prolong their lifespan and live to be a hundred years old. Now, let's explore how our ancestors took care of their health.

Administrator

9 January, 2024

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1. Optimal Nourishment in Different Seasons

Many classical works of Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasize the importance of nourishing the body according to the different seasons.

Just like everything on Earth, there are four stages in the growth and development of all things: birth (growth), flourishing (maturity), harvest (reaping), and concealment (hidden). These stages correspond to the different changes in the climate during the four seasons.

The human body is no exception. Therefore, in terms of clothing, food, movement, and rest, it is necessary to adopt the appropriate methods according to the current situation in order to adjust and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which can help prevent diseases.

The proper functioning of the organs in the human body and the circulation of qi and blood need to adapt to the different seasons. If the body goes against the energy of Spring, it can harm the Liver; going against the energy of Summer can harm the Heart; going against the energy of Autumn can harm the Lungs, and going against the energy of Winter can harm the Kidneys.

2. Nourishing the Body with a Balanced Diet

According to the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a balanced diet can regulate the vital energy, correct imbalances in the organs, and prevent and treat diseases, thus promoting longevity. Therefore, ancient practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasize the importance of a diverse diet and the regulation of the five flavors.

The emperor once said, “Cereals nourish, fruits assist, livestock supplements, and vegetables invigorate.” This means that cereals are the basic food that humans rely on for survival and nutrition. Fruits, vegetables, and various types of meat are supplementary and nourishing foods.

“Cereals” include rice, barley, corn, millet, and soybeans.

“Fruits” refer to large apples, apricots, hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts.

“Livestock” refers to meat from animals such as cattle, dogs, pigs, goats, and chickens.

“Vegetables” include green vegetables with stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, which can all be consumed.

3. Regulating the Meridians for Health

According to the internal classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the regulation of the meridians plays a vital role in determining life and death, resolving illnesses, and balancing excess and deficiency. The meridians, like an extensive “network,” are spread throughout the human body, controlling the circulation of blood and qi to ensure the normal function of tissues and systems.

As the saying goes, “Pain arises when the meridians are blocked, illness arises when communication is blocked.” In other words, if the meridians are not clear and unobstructed, diseases will occur in the body.

Ancient practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine believed that clearing the meridians is an important method of nourishing life. The simplest method is to regularly stimulate and massage the vital acupoints, such as the REN-3 point, which can prevent and treat diseases related to the face and the five organs. The NÈI GUAN point can assist in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The ZÚ SAN LÌ point can prevent diseases of the five zang organs, especially gastrointestinal disorders.

4. Detoxification for Health

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, five emotions, namely, anger, joy, overthinking, sadness, and fear, are closely related to the organs. Excessive emotions can affect the balance of the functions of the organs, leading to fatigue. This viewpoint has been applied in the field of health preservation by many famous doctors throughout history.

Ancient practitioners believed that if abnormal emotional states persist, it can disturb the balance of yin and yang and disrupt the flow of qi and blood in the body, leading to various diseases and premature aging. Therefore, they considered these factors as “toxins.” Thus, detoxification is essential to preserve the vital energy of the body.

Detoxification methods include adjusting dietary habits, using herbs, or using different techniques to eliminate accumulated toxins in the body, preventing diseases, reducing aging, and prolonging longevity.

5. Balancing Life Energy for Health

According to ancient Chinese views, the transformation and promotion of the body’s vital energy, as well as the nourishment of blood and organs, can counteract disease-causing factors and enhance the functions of the organs. Balancing the circulation of qi and blood is closely related to emotions and the human mind, and it is the key to maintaining good health.

Balancing life energy involves daily life care, adapting to the four seasons, avoiding excessive physical exertion, adjusting diet and emotions, and cultivating tranquility. These actions help to balance the body and maintain vitality.

6. Spiritual Cultivation for Health

Anger harms the Liver, joy harms the Heart, worry harms the Lungs, and fear harms the Kidneys. Excessive worries and sadness that cannot be controlled can lead to imbalances in the functions of the nervous system, causing disturbances in the yin and yang within the body and giving rise to diseases. Therefore, in traditional health preservation practices, tranquility of the spirit plays a crucial role. Through methods such as nurturing the mind and regulating emotions, individuals can maintain stable organ functions, prevent diseases, enhance their health, and prolong their lifespan.

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7. Balancing Qi for Health

Ancient Chinese thinkers believed that a person’s vital energy can be transformed and strengthened, boosting and consolidating the circulation of qi and blood, nourishing all the tissues and organs of the body, resisting disease-causing factors, and enhancing the functions of the organs. Adjusting the circulation of qi and blood and the state of mind are directly related and are the key to maintaining good health.

Balancing Qi involves daily life practices such as careful living, following the seasons, avoiding excessive physical or mental strain, adjusting diet and emotions, and speaking less. These practices allow for the regulation and cultivation of vital energy, leading to healing effects and prolonged longevity.

8. Self-Cultivation for Health

The ancients believed that those who pursued health and longevity should start with self-cultivation.

The ancient philosophy of “Laozi’s Taoism” emphasizes the cultivation of morality to achieve spiritual development, which promotes physical well-being. The saying goes: “Excessive sexual desires harm the body.” This means that uncontrolled sexual desires can deplete the essence of the body, leading to weak physical conditions, diseases, and shortened lifespan. Preserving the essence can delay aging and enhance longevity.

The renowned doctors Mạnh Thuyết Vân and Tôn Tư Mạc both emphasized the cultivation of virtue and the practice of benevolent actions, which could maintain a serene and open mind, bring joy to the soul, and contribute to physical health.

9. Supporting Essence for Health

According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood is the essence and vital substance of the body, which serves as the material foundation of life. The smooth supply of blood to the five zang organs ensures their normal function. Supporting the essence of the kidneys is a unique aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s approach to health preservation.

If sexual desires are uncontrolled and involve excessive activity, it can lead to excessive depletion of blood, resulting in physical weakness, a greater susceptibility to illness, and shortened lifespan. By preserving the essence, one can delay aging, enhance longevity, and protect their own health.