China ranks first in terms of population. Not only because of the high birth rate, as is commonly believed, but also because of the high life expectancy. Specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, Professor Li Junyi reveals the basic national principles of maintaining youth and health.
Traditional Chinese medicine is over 2000 years old. Its theoretical basis was the philosophical and religious trend of Taoism. Unlike Western medicine, from the very beginning, Eastern medicine paid great attention to the prevention of diseases, and a person was considered as a single system in which everything is interconnected. This approach laid the foundations for longevity in Chinese style. But what are its main secrets today?
Food
The diet of Chinese people has always been rich in soy and bean products, vegetables, fish, mushrooms and algae. How do they help prolong life?
For example, the nutrients found in soy can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, normalize blood pressure, promote weight loss, and prevent osteoporosis. Vegetables provide the body with essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. However, most vegetables have a low glycemic index.
Professor Lee advises to eat less fatty, salty and sugary foods and consume more fruits, grains and water.
Fish is an excellent source of high quality protein and healthy fats. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A, B2, iron, zinc and other trace elements. Mushrooms and algae are good for their low calorie content and beneficial properties. For example, black tree mushrooms prevent blood clots, and shiitake lowers cholesterol.
To preserve youth, women should eat as much bean curd as possible tofu, seaweed, radish and other alkaline foods that increase cellular activity, speed up metabolism, improve skin condition, making it smoother and shinier. But the consumption of chicken, beef, corn, beer and other acidic foods should be reduced.
Professor Li’s advice is to stick to the “Three more and three less” rule: eat less fatty, salty, and sugary foods and consume more fruits, grains, and water. Finally, the Chinese approach to food is about moderation. Overeating increases the load on the heart, disrupts metabolism and leads to various diseases.
Acupuncture
According to the theory of Chinese medicine, the internal organs of a person are connected with the external environment and among themselves through the meridians, along which the qi energy moves. It affects the state of health and the quality of communication with the world. Diseases, according to Chinese doctors, arise due to a violation of the circulation of qi energy in the body. The easiest way to restore its course is with the help of acupuncture.
By influencing the acupuncture points, where the meridians come closest to the surface of the body, the doctor can cure or prevent the disease. In China, preventive acupuncture is very common for the prevention of stroke, seasonal colds, boosting immunity and slowing down the aging process.
Физическая активность
The morning of many Chinese people begins with qigong breathing exercises. In the evening, almost everyone goes for a walk, play badminton or table tennis. Daily exercise for 30 minutes helps to increase immunity and the accumulation of yang energy in the body. A person becomes more enduring, and his movements – fast, maneuverable, accurate. Studies show that 80% of centenarians regularly engage in physical labor or sports.
Work and rest mode
Even in ancient times, Taoist ascetics – the so-called “Seekers of Immortality”, who sought to achieve longevity – suggested that there is a close relationship between long life and intelligent daily planning of work and rest. If the daily routine is violated, there is a risk of mental disorders and malfunctions of the internal organs.
“Thoughts by day, dreams by night,” says a Chinese proverb. A deep and healthy night’s sleep is essential for everyone. After all, it is at night that the energy of qi of the liver, kidneys and lungs accumulates. To combat insomnia, Chinese doctors recommend eating 30-60 grams of boiled red dates.
Life position
The modern way of life is inconceivable without stressful situations. However, each person reacts to them individually: where an optimist sees an opportunity, a pessimist sees an obstacle. Therefore, for the first, moderate stress can become a motivational impetus, for the second, it can turn into excessive stress, which changes metabolism and increases the likelihood of all kinds of diseases.
So if you want to get sick less, learn to be optimistic. After all, all centenarians know how to enjoy life and look at the world positively.
About expert
Lee Junyi – Professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specialist of the clinic “Nature of Life”.