Staying healthy (Part I)

The TCm Path to Good Health

The idea of maintaining good health began in China with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, and gradually got interwoven with other disciplines including history, literature and philosophy. TCM encompasses a complete ideological and academic system geared to keeping fit. It reflects the human pursuit of longevity through avoiding illness and so improving the quality of life.

man as Part of nature

Traditional Chinese medicine perceives man as an integral part of nature, and any change in the universe as having impact on the human body. The emphasis of TCM in preserving health, therefore, is on human adaptation to changes of astronomical phenomena, the seasons, climate, temperature and the geographical environment.

Yin and Yang

The concept of Yin and Yang and the balance of these polar opposites are integral to TCM, whose principles and methods of keeping fit are based on such an equilibrium, according to the doctrine of the mean.

mental Exercise

The holistic approach of TCM takes into account the interaction of the human mind and body. It hence includes mental as well as physical exercise.

Staying Healthy in Spring

Spring is the season of growth, and a time to nourish the rising Yang as the Yin declines. Regularly going to bed and rising earlier promote healthy growth.

Good Summer Health

Summer marks the pinnacle of Yang growth and the nadir of Yin, a time when all things flourish. It is thus the season to nourish the heart. To keep the heart healthy, TCM advises outdoor pursuits and sufficient exercise to make the body sweat, and maintaining good humor.

Autumn Hale

Having reached its zenith in summer, Yang declines in autumn as Yin ascends. This is a season to nourish the rising Yin by taking care of the lungs through maintaining an even temper and preserving stamina. Lung health is maintained by rising at cocks crow and going to bed soon after dark.

Winter Welfare

Winter is when the harvests go into storage and all things submit. This corresponds to the function of the kidneys. To keep this vital organ healthy, TCM advises enjoying every minute of winter sunshine, keeping warm, and avoiding more consumption of Yang energy.