The first principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine's "Five-Qi Health Preservation" is to cultivate the original Qi
TCM's emphasis on cultivating Qi for health is an important aspect of the art of preservation, which can be summarized in the following aspects.
Cultivate the Original Qi
The original Qi is the foundation of life. A person should have aspirations, but not make excessive demands. Unmet excessive demands will obstruct Qi and harm the body. One should seek what is within their power and let go of what is not, thereby cultivating the original Qi through a peaceful and contented mind.
Quietness to regulate Qi
If you can keep your mind quiet for half an hour or an hour each day, you can fully tap the potential of your brain cells, coordinate your physical and emotional states, and reduce energy consumption. A quiet mind allows the body's muscles to relax easily, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, and achieving a state of "a calm heart and a peaceful spirit, growing old without decline."
Peace of Mind
TCM believes that emotions are directly related to the internal organs. Excessive anger injures the lungs and causes blood congestion; extreme joy scatters Qi and blood; excessive worry weakens the spleen and stomach. A state of peace and calm can balance Yin and Yang, harmonize the six pulses, and prevent illness and prolong life.
A Wide Stomach to nourish Qi
Humans rely on the stomach and intestines to digest and absorb nutrients, so maintaining a "wide stomach" to nourish Qi is very important. Uncontrolled diet and excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol will lead to a deficiency of stomach Qi and a decline in Qi and blood.
Long Shouts to release Qi
When you let out a long shout, it massages and stimulates the nose, throat, chest, and abdomen. After meals or during leisurely walks, you can softly recite your favorite poems or hum a tune. This can soothe your mood, clear your mind of distracting thoughts, and achieve a state of "forgetfulness of self and the world."