Tag: wellness

Wisdom of the Huangdi Neijing: Timeless Health Tips for Modern Living

The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), a foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from over 2,000 years ago, offers profound guidance on living in harmony with nature to maintain health and prolong life. Its principles remain surprisingly relevant in today’s fast-paced, stressful world.

At its core, the Neijing teaches that human health is deeply connected to the rhythms of nature. Each season influences the body differently, and lifestyle habits should adapt accordingly. Good health comes from balance—between work and rest, activity and stillness, and the mind and body.

Key Principles:

  • Dietary Moderation:
    “Eat and drink in moderation” means avoiding excess and following nature’s cycles. In modern life, this could mean choosing fresh, seasonal produce, reducing processed foods, and practicing mindful eating instead of rushed or emotional eating.
  • Regular Lifestyle:
    “Keep a regular schedule” emphasizes consistent sleep and activity patterns. Sleeping at appropriate hours helps restore the body’s energy. For example, limiting late-night screen time can improve sleep quality.
  • Avoid Overexertion:
    “Do not engage in reckless labor” warns against both physical overwork and mental stress. Modern application includes balancing desk work with stretching breaks, managing workload, and maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
  • Mind–Body Unity:
    The text stresses “shape and spirit together” — caring for both physical health and emotional well-being. Meditation, hobbies, and supportive relationships can nourish the “spirit,” while regular exercise and balanced nutrition support the “shape.”

Seasonal Health Advice:

  • Spring: Rise early, move more, and embrace growth. Focus on light, fresh foods.
  • Summer: Avoid overheating, eat hydrating fruits, and keep emotions calm.
  • Autumn: Protect lung health, eat warm and moistening foods, and guard against dryness.
  • Winter: Rest more, store energy, and eat nourishing stews and root vegetables.

Emotional Balance:
The Neijing links emotions directly to organ health—anger harms the liver, fear affects the kidneys, and worry burdens the spleen. Practicing stress management, mindfulness, and emotional awareness can help prevent physical illness caused by long-term emotional strain.

Conclusion:
The Huangdi Neijing offers a holistic, preventive approach that modern science increasingly supports—healthy eating, adequate rest, moderate exercise, seasonal adaptation, and emotional regulation all contribute to longevity and quality of life. By integrating even a few of these ancient insights into daily routines, we can live healthier, more balanced lives, in step with nature’s rhythms.

Longevity Begins Before Illness: The Art of Preventive Care

Preventive care aligns closely with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concept of 治未病 (zhì wèi bìng), which translates to “treating before disease occurs” or “preventing illness before it happens”. This idea emphasizes proactive health management, aiming to maintain balance in the body and prevent diseases before they manifest.

What is 治未病 (zhì wèi bìng)?

The concept of 治未病 originates from ancient TCM texts like the《黃帝內經》(Huangdi Neijing, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon). It highlights three key aspects:

  1. Preventing illness before it occurs – Maintaining health through diet, lifestyle, and emotional balance.
  2. Stopping disease progression – Detecting early signs of imbalance and correcting them before they turn into illness.
  3. Preventing relapse after recovery – Strengthening the body to avoid recurrence of illness.

How Does It Connect with Modern Preventive Care?

TCM 治未病Modern Preventive Care
調理脾胃 (digestive health)Balanced diet and nutrition
養生氣血 (nourishing energy and blood)Regular exercise and hydration
情志調養 (emotional balance)Stress management and mental health care
季節養生 (seasonal health practices)Vaccinations and weather-appropriate habits
針灸+艾灸 (acupuncture + moxibustion)Physical therapy and alternative therapies
藥膳調理 (herbal medicine + food therapy)Dietary supplements and vitamins

Preventive Methods in TCM

  1. Dietary Therapy (食療) – Eating according to body constitution and seasons
  2. Herbal Medicine (中藥調理) – Strengthening the body’s defense system
  3. Acupuncture & Moxibustion (針灸與灸法) – Stimulating meridians to improve immunity
  4. Qigong & Tai Chi (氣功與太極) – Balancing body and mind through movement
  5. Mental Health Care (情志養生) – Meditation and emotional regulation

Example: How to Practice 治未病 Daily

Health FocusTCM MethodModern Equivalent
Digestive HealthGinger tea, Moxibustion on ST36Probiotics, Fiber intake
Stress ReliefMeditation, QigongYoga, Mindfulness
Immunity BoostAstragalus soup (黃芪湯)Vitamin C, Vaccines
DetoxificationGreen bean soup (綠豆湯)Hydration, Detox diets

Why Is This Important Today?

In modern life, many chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety stem from lifestyle habits and emotional imbalance. The TCM concept of 治未病 encourages:

  • Regular self-care
  • Holistic balance of body and mind
  • Early detection of small discomforts before they worsen

Take away

治未病 goes beyond treating symptoms—it’s a philosophy of proactive self-care. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or lifestyle adjustments, its goal is to maintain long-term health rather than simply curing disease.

Wei Qi and Sleep: The Rhythm of Rest and Protection

What is Wei Qi? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wei Qi (卫气), or Defensive Qi, circulates throughout the body in a rhythmic cycle. According to classical texts, Wei Qi completes 50 cycles in a 24-hour period:

  • 25 cycles during the daytime (yang phase), flowing through the body’s yang layers and the exterior to protect against external pathogens.
  • 25 cycles during the nighttime (yin phase), moving inward to nourish and repair the organs.

Wei Qi follows the 12-hour day-night cycle and aligns with the organ clock, circulating approximately once every 28.8 minutes through the body’s meridian system. This rhythm is essential for immunity, vitality, and overall health.

Wei Qi’s circulation plays a crucial role in sleep quality and overall restorative processes. Here’s how it affects sleep in TCM:

Wei Qi and Sleep Regulation

  1. Daytime (Yang Phase: External Circulation)
    • Wei Qi circulates at the body’s surface, protecting against external pathogens and supporting physical activity.
    • This active, outward movement keeps the body alert and energized.
  2. Nighttime (Yin Phase: Internal Circulation)
    • As the body prepares for sleep, Wei Qi retreats inward to nourish the zang-fu organs and support deep, restorative rest.
    • If this transition is smooth, sleep is restful and rejuvenating.

Imbalances in Wei Qi Circulation and Sleep Disorders

  • Wei Qi Failing to Retreat Properly → Insomnia or Restlessness
    • If Wei Qi remains too active on the body’s surface (excess Yang), falling asleep can be difficult. This can result in difficulty calming the mind, vivid dreams, or waking frequently at night.
    • Often seen in conditions like Liver Yang Rising, Heart Fire, or Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat.
  • Weak Wei Qi → Light Sleep & Frequent Waking
    • When Wei Qi is weak or deficient, it may not anchor properly in the body’s interior at night, leading to light sleep, frequent waking, and lack of deep rest.
    • This is often related to Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency or Heart and Kidney Disharmony.
  • Disrupted Wei Qi Flow → Night Sweats & Restlessness
    • If Wei Qi circulation is erratic, it can cause night sweats (especially in Yin Deficiency), leading to nighttime overheating and restlessness.

Supporting Healthy Wei Qi Flow for Better Sleep

  • Regulate the Sleep-Wake Cycle: Follow natural light patterns to support Wei Qi’s smooth transition from external (day) to internal (night).
  • Acupuncture & Herbs:
    • Heart & Liver imbalance: HT-7 (Shenmen), LV-3 (Taichong) for calming the mind.
    • Yin Deficiency: KD-3 (Taixi), SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) to nourish Yin and anchor Qi.
    • Wei Qi Deficiency: ST-36 (Zusanli), LI-4 (Hegu) to strengthen protective Qi.
    • Herbs: Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren, Long Gu, Mu Li for sleep support.
  • Breathwork & Meditation: Practices like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or meditation help regulate Wei Qi movement and calm the Shen (spirit).

Consult a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist to assess your constitution and recommend specific herbs, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments.

TCM Organs Overview

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the twelve zang-fu organs are divided into six zang (yin) organs and six fu (yang) organs. Each has its own function, relationships, and role in maintaining the body’s balance.

Zang (Yin) Organs – Storage and Regulation

  1. Heart (Xin, 心) – The Emperor
    • Governs Blood and vessels
    • Houses the Shen (Spirit/Mind)
    • Controls circulation and influences mental activity
  2. Liver (Gan, 肝) – The General/Strategist
    • Stores Blood and regulates its volume
    • Ensures the smooth flow of Qi
    • Controls emotions and planning
  3. Spleen (Pi, 脾) – The Granary Official
    • Governs Transformation & Transportation (digestion)
    • Controls Blood (keeps it within vessels)
    • Houses Yi (thought, intellect, memory)
  4. Lung (Fei, 肺) – The Prime Minister
    • Governs Qi and Respiration
    • Regulates Water metabolism
    • Controls Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and pores
  5. Kidney (Shen, 肾) – The Minister of Power
    • Stores Essence (Jing) and governs birth, growth, reproduction
    • Produces Marrow, which nourishes the brain and bones
    • Houses Zhi (Willpower)
  6. Pericardium (Xin Bao, 心包) – The Protector of the Heart
    • Shields the Heart from external and emotional disturbances
    • Assists in blood circulation
    • Plays a role in emotional relationships

Fu (Yang) Organs – Transport and Transformation

  1. Small Intestine (Xiao Chang, 小肠) – The Separator of the Pure from the Impure
    • Receives food from the stomach and extracts nutrients
    • Separates pure from turbid, sending waste to the Large Intestine and Bladder
  2. Gallbladder (Dan, 胆) – The Decision Maker
    • Stores and excretes bile to aid digestion
    • Governs decision-making and courage
  3. Stomach (Wei, 胃) – The Official of Fermentation
    • Receives and decomposes food
    • Works with the Spleen to transform food into Qi and Blood
  4. Large Intestine (Da Chang, 大肠) – The Dreg Official
  • Governs the movement of waste and water absorption
  • Related to letting go physically and emotionally
  1. Bladder (Pang Guang, 膀胱) – The Water Reservoir
  • Stores and excretes urine – the transformation, evaporation, distribution, and excretion of body fluids.
  • Works with the Kidneys to regulate fluids
  1. Triple Burner (San Jiao, 三焦) – The Irrigation Official
  • Regulates water pathways and Qi movement
  • Divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao to coordinate bodily functions

Each organ not only has a physiological function but also a spiritual and emotional aspect in TCM. This holistic approach ties the physical, mental, and energetic aspects of health together.

Five Elements & Emotional Health

In Five Element Theory (Wu Xing) from Asian Medicine, emotional health is deeply connected to the balance of the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element corresponds to specific organs, emotions, and cycles of energy in the body. When an element is imbalanced, it can manifest as emotional disturbances.

1. Wood (Liver & Gallbladder) → Emotions: Anger, Frustration, Resentment

  • Balanced Wood: Clear decision-making, healthy ambition, patience.
  • Excess Wood (Liver Qi Stagnation): Irritability, frustration, outbursts of anger, tension headaches.
  • Deficient Wood (Liver Blood/Yin Deficiency): Indecisiveness, lack of motivation, depression.
  • Healing Practices:
    • Move Qi with gentle exercise (Tai Chi, Qi Gong, walking).
    • Express emotions healthily—journaling, creative arts.
    • Use herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) to soothe Liver Qi.

2. Fire (Heart & Small Intestine) → Emotions: Joy, Excitement, Anxiety

  • Balanced Fire: Healthy enthusiasm, love, good communication.
  • Excess Fire (Heart Fire Rising): Overexcitement, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, mania.
  • Deficient Fire (Heart Qi/Yang Deficiency): Lack of joy, sadness, low self-esteem.
  • Healing Practices:
    • Cultivate inner peace with meditation, prayer, laughter.
    • Cool excess Fire with lotus seed tea or Bai He (Lily Bulb).
    • Strengthen Fire with warm foods, social connection, and music.

3. Earth (Spleen & Stomach) → Emotions: Worry, Overthinking, Pensiveness

  • Balanced Earth: Nurturing, grounded, ability to focus.
  • Excess Earth (Dampness or Spleen Qi Stagnation): Overthinking, worry, obsession, brain fog.
  • Deficient Earth (Spleen Qi Deficiency): Fatigue, digestive issues, self-doubt, feeling unsupported.
  • Healing Practices:
    • Eat warm, cooked foods (avoid cold/raw foods).
    • Ground yourself with routine, nature walks, self-care.
    • Strengthen digestion with Ginseng, Dang Shen (Codonopsis), and Ginger Tea.

4. Metal (Lung & Large Intestine) → Emotions: Grief, Sadness, Letting Go

  • Balanced Metal: Ability to process grief, strong boundaries, integrity.
  • Excess Metal (Lung Qi Constraint): Prolonged sadness, difficulty letting go, isolation.
  • Deficient Metal (Lung Qi Deficiency): Low energy, vulnerability to illness, lack of inspiration.
  • Healing Practices:
    • Deep breathing (Qi Gong, meditation) to nourish the Lungs.
    • Release emotions with crying, journaling, therapy.
    • Strengthen Metal with spicy foods (garlic, radish) and warm teas like Bai He (Lily Bulb) for grief.

5. Water (Kidney & Bladder) → Emotions: Fear, Insecurity, Willpower

  • Balanced Water: Courage, resilience, wisdom.
  • Excess Water (Kidney Yin Deficiency or Fear Stagnation): Chronic fear, paranoia, excessive caution.
  • Deficient Water (Kidney Yang Deficiency): Lack of willpower, insecurity, exhaustion, fear of change.
  • Healing Practices:
    • Strengthen Kidneys with warm, nourishing foods (bone broth, black sesame, walnuts).
    • Address fear through gentle movement, self-reflection, and mindfulness.
    • Use He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) or Goji berries to nourish Kidney energy.

Balancing Emotions with the Five Elements

  1. Identify your dominant emotional pattern (anger, fear, worry, sadness, overexcitement).
  2. Balance the corresponding organ system through food, herbs, movement, and mindset shifts.
  3. Use Elemental Cycles:
    • Control Cycle: If one element is excessive, another can temper it (e.g., Water (fear) can control excessive Fire (anxiety)).
    • Generating Cycle: Strengthen a deficient element by supporting the one that nourishes it (e.g., Earth (digestion) supports Metal (lungs), so improving digestion helps emotional resilience).

(All the herbs mentioned above should be used under the guidance of a licensed practitioner)

Benefits from drinking body-temperature or warm water

In Asian Medicine, the temperature of water plays a crucial role in balancing the body’s internal energy (Qi) and supporting organ function. Here’s how drinking body-temperature or warm water aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Asian healing traditions:

  1. Supports Digestive Fire (Yang Energy)

The Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion in TCM. They rely on warm energy (Yang) to transform food into Qi and Blood.

Drinking ice or room temperature, which is generally lower than the body temperature, water can weaken the digestive fire, leading to bloating, sluggish digestion, and Dampness accumulation.

Warm water helps the Stomach function optimally, reducing symptoms like nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

  1. Prevents Qi and Blood Stagnation

Warm water promotes smooth Qi and Blood circulation, helping prevent stagnation that could lead to pain, headaches, or fatigue.

Cold water, especially after meals, may constrict blood vessels and slow circulation, causing discomfort or sluggish energy flow.

  1. Clears Cold and Dampness

Cold and Dampness in the body can contribute to conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and sinus congestion.

Drinking warm water helps dispel internal Cold and supports the Kidney Yang, which governs warmth and vitality.

This is especially important for people with Yang Deficiency, who often feel cold, have low energy, or weak digestion.

  1. Strengthens the Kidney and Lung Systems

The Kidneys (associated with Water element) regulate fluids in the body. Drinking warm water supports Kidney function, preventing excessive Cold accumulation.

The Lungs control breathing and fluid metabolism. Warm water helps loosen mucus, making it beneficial for coughs and respiratory health.

  1. Aids Menstrual and Reproductive Health

In TCM, cold in the uterus can cause menstrual cramps and fertility issues.

Warm water helps maintain proper Blood circulation in the uterus, reducing pain and promoting smooth menstruation.

Practical Tips from TCM Perspective

Drink warm water or herbal teas instead of cold beverages, especially in the morning and with meals.

Avoid iced drinks, particularly in colder seasons or if you have a cold constitution.

Add ginger or lemon to warm water for extra digestive and warming benefits.

Drink warm water slowly to support absorption and avoid overwhelming the Stomach.

Yin and Yang

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts that describe the dynamic balance of opposing but complementary forces in the body and nature. This philosophy, rooted in Daoist thought, provides a framework for understanding health, disease, and treatment. Here’s why Yin and Yang are important in TCM:

1. Balance is Key to Health

  • Health is achieved when Yin and Yang are in harmony.
  • Imbalances (excess or deficiency) lead to disharmony, which can manifest as illness.

2. Defines Physiological Functions

  • Yin represents the cooling, nourishing, and moistening aspects of the body (e.g., blood, fluids, rest).
  • Yang represents warmth, activity, and transformation (e.g., metabolism, movement, energy).
  • The interaction between Yin and Yang ensures proper bodily functions.

3. Guides Diagnosis

  • TCM practitioners assess whether a person has a Yin deficiency (e.g., dryness, heat, insomnia) or a Yang deficiency (e.g., cold limbs, fatigue, slow digestion).
  • Symptoms often reflect an excess or deficiency of one aspect.

4. Directs Treatment Strategies

  • Treatments aim to restore Yin-Yang balance.
  • For Yin deficiency, cooling and nourishing herbs/foods are used.
  • For Yang deficiency, warming and invigorating therapies (moxibustion, warming herbs) are applied.
  • Acupuncture points are selected to regulate Yin and Yang flow.

5. Explains Relationships in the Body

  • Every organ has a Yin and Yang aspect (e.g., Kidney-Yin vs. Kidney-Yang).
  • The interaction of Yin and Yang influences internal organ function and overall vitality.

6. Influences Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Balance in diet, sleep, emotions, and activity is encouraged.
  • Overwork depletes Yang, excessive stress depletes Yin—lifestyle adjustments help maintain harmony.

7. Yin-Yang in Nature and the Cosmos

  • Just as day and night, summer and winter alternate, the human body follows cycles.
  • TCM treatments often consider seasonal and environmental Yin-Yang influences.

By understanding Yin and Yang, TCM provides a holistic and dynamic approach to wellness, addressing both symptoms and root causes of disease.