At the Winter Solstice, life's activities begin to shift from flourishing to declining and from movement to stillness. It is especially important at this time to apply the principles of health preservation scientifically. With proper conditioning, one can maintain vigorous energy, prevent premature aging, and achieve the goal of a long and healthy life. Winter Solstice health preservation should pay attention to the following:
1. Calm the spirit and worry less
1) Maintain a cheerful and optimistic mindset, do not let trivial matters trouble you, and do not obsess over fame and fortune or suffer from anxiety over gains and losses;
2) Use your brain reasonably, consciously develop your mind, cultivate a good character, and find spiritual support for your career;
3) Learn to appreciate the strengths of others; listen to more music in your spare time from work and study, which will bring you endless joy;
4) Pay attention to your appearance and attire, ensuring they are appropriate for different occasions. Keep a youthful mindset to invigorate your spirit and add fun to life.
2. Work diligently but not excessively
1) Avoid long-term "overload" to prevent excessive fatigue and illness from accumulated strain;
2) Adjust your life rhythm according to your own situation and establish a new order of life;
3) Take various opportunities to exercise appropriately. There is a saying: "Move a little in winter, and you'll suffer from fewer illnesses; be lazy in winter, and you'll have to drink more medicine," which highlights the importance of exercise in winter.
3. Moderation in desires to preserve essence
1) Desires should not be indulged. Moderate sexual activity according to your own physical condition. Do not damage your kidney qi due to excessive sexual activity, which can lead to internal injury from strain. The kidneys are the foundation of innate constitution. When kidney essence is abundant, the five organs and six viscera are all vigorous, the body's disease resistance is strong, and one can be healthy and long-lived. Conversely, if kidney essence is deficient, the five organs will decline, leading to various illnesses and an early death.
2) Nourish blood and solidify essence. The Tang dynasty medical expert Sun Simiao used "for men, it is precious to maintain a pure heart and few desires to nourish their essence; for women, they should calm their minds and will to nourish their blood" to explain the importance of moderation in desires to preserve essence, meaning men focus on essence and women on blood. The Eastern Han medical expert Zhang Zhongjing stated, "Children conceived by moderate desires are noble and long-lived, while those conceived by excessive desires are common and short-lived," elaborating that moderation in desires not only benefits health but is also the primary guarantee for healthy childbirth and rearing.
3) Mental cultivation (be content, humble, and not slack in old age). Maintain a mindset of "humility and yielding, respecting others and holding oneself" and "contentment brings no disgrace, knowing when to stop avoids danger." This means being open-minded, magnanimous, humble, and kind in dealing with the world; being content in life without excessive desires; loving life, maintaining self-confidence, and keeping your mind active.
4. Dietary attention to "three mores and three lesses"
That is, more protein, vitamins, and fiber; less sugar, fat, and salt. Experts recommend that during the Winter Solstice, the diet should be varied, with a reasonable combination of grains, fruits, meat, and vegetables, and the appropriate selection of high-calcium foods. Food should be light, not overly thick, greasy, or salty. As the yang energy declines daily in winter and the spleen prefers warmth and dislikes cold, it is advisable to eat warming foods to protect the spleen and kidneys. Meals should be eaten slowly and in small portions, frequently, to ensure adequate nutrition without harming the spleen and stomach. Food should be warm and thoroughly cooked.