To achieve longevity, keep the bowels clear
Ancient health experts placed great importance on maintaining regular bowel movements to extend life and promote longevity. Wang Chong of the Han Dynasty, in his work "Lun Heng," pointed out: "To achieve longevity, keep the bowels clear; to achieve immortality, keep the bowels free of waste." Daoist culture also has a health preservation method called the "Dao Cang Fa" (Reversing the Granary Method), which emphasizes daily or frequent bowel movements in pursuit of a long life.
Stool is the visible waste within the human body. The great Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing, in his medical writings, referred to stool that remains in the body for an extended period as "sù shí" (lodged food) and noted its many complications. Modern medical research has shown that long-term accumulation of feces in the intestines can produce toxic substances such as nitroso compounds, methyl indole, and benzopyrene, which seriously harm human health.
People with long-term constipation are prone to harmful gas produced from the fermentation of stool in the intestines, which can impede venous return. This can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, a thick and greasy tongue coating, a bitter taste and bad breath, nausea and bloating, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. Chronic constipation can not only cause or worsen conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal prolapse but can also induce illnesses such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and colon cancer.
What is "constipation"? Traditional Chinese Medicine says that any bowel movement that is not smooth is considered "bì" (constipated). Western medicine also states that regardless of whether the stool is hard or soft, it is considered constipation if it is not passed for more than 48 hours.
Currently, due to the pressures of modern life, study, and work, the number of people suffering from constipation is on the rise. To prevent and treat constipation, the following methods can be adopted:
1. Mental Attitude. No matter how busy you are every day, bowel movements are a priority. Develop the habit of going to the toilet at a regular time.
2. Focus on Hydration. Drink at least 8 glasses (about 1500 ml) of water daily, with an increase in summer.
3. Dietary Choices. In addition to eating high-fiber foods like spinach, celery, and wormwood, one should also consume foods rich in gelatinous fiber, such as tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, taro, wood ear mushrooms, tremella mushrooms, bananas, and papayas.
4. Increase Physical Activity. It is especially important to choose exercises that promote intestinal peristalsis, such as abdominal contractions, bending, and squatting-to-standing movements.
5. Massage. Two hours after meals, or before bedtime and upon waking up, place one hand over the other, press down firmly on the navel area with the palms, and rotate and massage left and right for 30 to 50 times. Note that the position of the palms should remain fixed and not be moved randomly.
It is worth mentioning that during a bout of constipation, one must refrain from indiscriminate use of laxatives. If the prevention and treatment methods mentioned above do not provide relief, it is important to seek timely medical attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also frequently uses methods to clear the bowels and unblock the fu-organs (internal organs) when treating certain diseases. When used appropriately, the effects can be quite significant. For example, if a child has a fever that persists for several days and also has dry stool, clearing the bowels can quickly reduce the fever.
Of course, keeping the bowels clear is a principle of health preservation, but people must have a clear understanding of the current trendy topic of "cleansing the bowels." This is especially true for women, who, influenced by media, link dull skin and facial spots to "lodged food" and spend a lot of money on laxatives and health supplements, or even go to beauty salons for bowel cleansing, dreaming of an overnight transformation with radiant skin and no spots. This is unrealistic and can even cause unnecessary harm to the body.