Have you heard people talking about staying healthy or preventing diseases? This article talks about the concept of “Yang Shen” 养生, which one should practice for longevity.

Health preservation is a systematic approach to strengthening the body, preventing disease, and prolonging life by harmonizing the body and mind and adapting to nature. Its core principles are “prevention before illness” and “harmony between man and nature.” The theory is implemented to influence the four aspects of life: diet, habits, exercise, and emotion. Through a regular sleep schedule, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and a peaceful state of mind, one can achieve a balance of yin and yang, harmonizing qi and blood, and thereby promoting harmony within and without the body and mind.

1.Diet: Eat Well, Eat Enough, and Eat Right

Balanced Nutrition:

Intake of sufficient vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, eggs, and meat ensures a balanced diet and so maintains normal bodily function.

Reducing Intake:

Limit your intake of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and oil, opting for whole foods instead, avoiding overconsumption.

Adapting to the Seasons:

Adjust your diet according to seasonal changes. For example, in summer, when yang energy is at its peak, it’s advisable to consume warming foods and avoid cold foods.

2.Habits: Maintain a Regular Lifestyle and Sleep

Regular Sleep: Establish a consistent wake-up and bedtime routine. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule (best before 11:00) helps with physical and mental recovery and boosts immunity.

Adequate Sleep: (Quantity & Quality) Achieve at least 6-8 hours of high-quality sleep daily.

3. Exercise: Incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine.

Moderate Exercise: Choose an exercise that suits you, such as Tai Chi or Five Animal Exercises, or incorporate activities like walking and climbing stairs into your daily routine.

Avoid Injuries: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, avoiding excessive exertion or strenuous exercise.

4.Mental Health: Maintaining a Calm and Stable Emotions

Regulate Emotions: Avoid excessive anger and irritability. Maintain a cheerful and optimistic mindset, cultivate a calm and peaceful state of mind, and focus your mind.

Reducing Stress:

Find appropriate stress-relieving strategies, such as meditation and deep breathing, to maintain a balanced mind and body. Core Principles: Harmony between Man and Nature and Prevention

Harmony between Man and Nature:

This emphasizes that the human body should conform to the laws of nature, corresponding to circadian rhythms and the four seasons.

Prevention:

Through the above-mentioned health-preserving methods, we can prevent illness before it occurs and maintain good health.

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