The Evolution of Health Preservation Practices

The Concept of "Medicine and Food Homology"

"Medicine and food homology" refers to the idea that many foods can also serve as medicines, with no strict boundary between them. Ancient medical practitioners applied the theories of the "Four Natures" (cold, hot, warm, cool) and "Five Flavors" (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to foods, believing that each food also possessed these characteristics. This concept suggests that Chinese medicine and food originated simultaneously. As stated in the ancient text "Huainanzi·Xiuwu Xun": "Shennong tasted the flavors of hundreds of herbs and the sweetness and bitterness of water sources, teaching the people what to avoid and what to consume. During this time, he encountered seventy poisons in a single day." This indicates that in Shennong's era, medicine and food were not distinct; non-toxic substances were consumed, while toxic ones were avoided. Dietary regulation is a new aspect of health preservation, aimed at maintaining normal bodily functions and promoting health through a reasonable diet structure and food combinations.

Five Senses Healing

Five senses healing is a new aspect of health preservation. It emphasizes that only by achieving harmony between the body and mind can one attain health and longevity. Natural healing is an ancient health regulation method that uses natural resources and environments to adjust emotions, relieve stress, and maintain psychological balance, thereby promoting physical and mental health and delaying aging.

Healing and health maintenance involve more than just products and techniques; they also encompass the infiltration of cultural cultivation. This approach highlights the connection between human health and the natural environment, emphasizing self-cultivation and spiritual enrichment. It is a more lifestyle-oriented expression of health preservation.

Regulation of Qi and Blood

The regulation of qi and blood is a fundamental principle of health preservation and the core of TCM theory. Qi regulation includes both internal and external aspects. Internal qi refers to the internal energy of the body, including the functions of the organs, meridians, essence, and spirit. External qi refers to the external environment, including weather, surroundings, and social interactions. Harmonizing internal and external qi is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health and can be achieved through dietary regulation, physical exercise, and emotional adjustment. The abundance and balance of qi and blood are key to maintaining health.

The Theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements

The theory of yin-yang and five elements is central to TCM theory. It posits that the universe and the human body are composed of two opposing yet interdependent forces: yin and yang. The five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—correspond to the five organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys), five sensory organs, and five emotions. These elements relate to the internal organs, tissues, body fluids, and other aspects of the human body, forming a link between the body and nature. The five elements theory suggests that these elements interact through processes of mutual promotion and restraint, with their balance and coordination being vital to health. This theory also integrates with seasonal changes, exercise, and emotions, forming a diverse range of health preservation methods.