Chapter Fifteen: The Essence of Health Preservation by Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Li Zhenhua, Wang Yuchuan, Deng Tietao

Chapter Fifteen: The Essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine Masters' Health Preservation Methods – A Ladder to Male Health and Sexual Well-being

On June 19, 2009, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine held a commendation conference in Beijing to recognize the first batch of 30 "National Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine" selected since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among these 30 masters, the oldest was 93 years old and the youngest was 74, all having worked in clinical practice or pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 55 years. Despite their advanced age, they remained energetic and spirited; their diagnostic and treatment methods were clear; and they dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to teaching students. This is inseparable from their long-standing emphasis on health preservation. They absorbed the health preservation theories of various schools of thought, especially the "unity of man and nature" concept from the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), combining it with their own constitution and living environment, living and working in accordance with natural laws. Their consistent adherence to health preservation has allowed them to maintain the mindset and physique of youth even in old age.

The saying "Famous doctors have often lived long lives" is embodied in the "National Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine".

The life experiences of these "National Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine" not only record their academic expertise but also leave behind invaluable traces of their health and wellness practices. Their shared health and wellness experiences include: indifference to fame and fortune, a willingness to dedicate themselves to service; moderation in diet, a balanced intake of meat and vegetables; regular daily routines, and a commitment to physical activity; moderate exercise, a balance of activity and rest; and a broad-mindedness and kindness towards others. However, each master's approach is unique and diverse. The health and wellness experiences of these National Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine can be seen as a ladder to longevity, and also a beautiful and bright path to men's health.

Li Zhenhua's words are rooted in the principles of the classics, and their value lies in their practical application.

(1) Promote the essence of traditional Chinese medicine health preservation and promote human health and longevity.

In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) health preservation has become a popular topic among the general public. However, some unsatisfactory and laughable phenomena have also emerged in society, with some people using TCM health preservation as a guise to deceive the public. Professor Li Zhenhua, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, said: "TCM health preservation is a unique science of the Chinese nation, and it should be fully and correctly understood. If it is not properly popularized and vigorously promoted, pseudoscience will take advantage of the situation and occupy people's minds."

(2) Harmony with the four seasons, and the unity of heaven and man

When encountering abnormal weather, immediate measures should be taken to avoid illness. For example, "movements should be made to avoid the cold, and seclusion to avoid the heat," allowing the body to adapt to the changing climate and thus preventing disease. The elderly, children, and those with chronic or weak constitutions should pay particular attention. Those who practice health preservation can promptly prevent illness caused by the six pathogenic factors of the climate (including viruses and bacteria), thus harmonizing with the four seasons and achieving unity between humanity and nature.

(3) Emotional tranquility and smooth flow of Qi and blood

Maintaining emotional tranquility in life allows for the smooth flow of Qi and blood, which helps prevent illness. Emotional tranquility is a key aspect of health preservation. In terms of health preservation, the main focus is on emotional cultivation, ideally following the principles outlined in the "Treatise on the Primordial Innocence of Antiquity" in the *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine): "When the mind is at ease and desires are few, the heart is at peace and without fear, one enjoys one's food, is content with one's clothing, delights in one's customs, does not envy those above or below, is tranquil and detached, and thus the Qi flows smoothly."

(4) Combining movement and stillness, and achieving unity of form and spirit

Movement is physical exercise, while mental stillness, free from delusions, is spiritual exercise. If the mind is not still during exercise and is filled with random thoughts, it will actually disrupt the flow of qi and blood.

(5) Eat in moderation to protect the spleen and stomach.

The spleen and stomach are the "source of qi and blood production in the human body," the "root of the internal organs and meridians," the "foundation of acquired constitution," and the "granary" of nutrients in the human body. Therefore, the way of health preservation emphasizes the importance of protecting the spleen and stomach. In terms of diet, it is best to eat regularly, in fixed quantities, and with consistent characteristics. Breakfast should be substantial, lunch can be filling, and dinner should be light.

Humans should mainly eat rice, wheat, grains, beans, etc., supplemented with some fruits. It is better to eat less meat and more vegetables to supplement the diet.

In general, it is advisable to eat foods that are both medicine and food, such as jujubes, yams, ginkgo nuts, Job's tears, lotus seeds, longan, walnuts, black fungus, lilies, etc.

(6) Nourishes the kidneys and strengthens essence, and promotes complete physical health.

During youth and middle age, one should practice moderation in sexual activity, cultivate a pure and desireless mind, pay attention to nourishing essence and strengthening the kidneys, and cultivate a holistic approach to physical health.

Wang Yuchuan practiced quiet contemplation, frugality, and moral cultivation.

Wang Yuchuan, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, believes that the way to maintain health is to cultivate tranquility, be indifferent to fame and fortune, live a simple life, cultivate virtue for longevity, and take comprehensive care of one's health.

(1) Cultivate the spirit through tranquility

"Tranquility and emptiness." One should think less about fame and fortune, maintain optimism, and be free from evil thoughts and delusions. Qigong, focused attention, breath regulation, and meditation are all beneficial for preserving one's inner spirit. A regular daily routine is also an important aspect of quiet cultivation.

(2) Indifference to fame and fortune

One should be adept at regulating one's emotions in order to nourish the spirit and heal the body. Regarding external fame and fortune, one should both be aware of them and maintain mental stability, clearly distinguishing right from wrong and preserving a harmonious and stable psychological state.

(3) Living a simple life

Wang Yuchuan, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, has disliked rich and greasy food since childhood, preferring instead the simple, unpretentious, and orderly lifestyle of ordinary people.

(4) Cultivating virtue leads to longevity

Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, proposed the theories of "virtue nourishes the body" and "the benevolent live long." In the Doctrine of the Mean, he further pointed out: "Cultivate oneself with the Way, cultivate the Way with forbearance," and "Great virtue will surely lead to longevity." The Suwen (Plain Questions) states that the reason why ancient sages "were able to live to be over a hundred years old and still move without decline was because their virtue was complete and without danger."

(5) Comprehensive conditioning

Comprehensive conditioning includes following the four seasons, adjusting diet, abstaining from sexual desire, regulating emotions, exercising the body, as well as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine.

Deng Tietao's Four Essentials of Health Preservation

According to Deng Tietao, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, cultivating virtue, nourishing the heart, nourishing the spleen and stomach, and nourishing the kidneys are essential for maintaining health.

(1) Cultivating virtue

Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Deng Tietao strongly agrees with the views that "the benevolent live long" and "only those of great virtue can attain longevity." Cultivating one's own moral character can help purify the mind, making thoughts pure and healthy, emotions tranquil and joyful, and the spirit at peace. This, in turn, harmonizes the body's Qi and blood, thus promoting harmony and health of body and mind.

Those who cultivate virtue must read widely and put their knowledge into practice. Besides reading works on traditional Chinese medicine, the renowned traditional Chinese medicine master Deng Tietao also enjoyed reading classic works of traditional Chinese culture, such as the *Analects*, *Great Learning*, *Doctrine of the Mean*, *Mencius*, *Tao Te Ching*, and *Zhuangzi*, and he also loved reciting poetry and prose.

(2) Nourishing the heart

To maintain mental well-being, one must first pay attention to regulating the seven emotions.

To cultivate stillness through movement, practice meditation techniques. This involves achieving inner peace through methods such as sitting meditation, entering a meditative state, and contemplation. Practicing Tai Chi and Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) can also bring about a peaceful state of mind.

Calligraphy is a medium through which one cultivates the mind and spirit.

Sufficient sleep helps regulate the mind and nourish the heart.

Dietary therapy and medicinal treatment are wonderful methods for nourishing the heart. He likes to eat oranges and durians, and in summer he eats some bitter melon. He also likes to stew ginseng and notoginseng, usually about 10g of each each time, and can add 5g of dried tangerine peel.

(3) Nourish the spleen and stomach

Eat in moderation.

Diverse but not biased.

It should be warm, not cold.

Exercise nourishes the spleen. Old Deng particularly enjoyed the Eight-Section Brocade exercise.

(4) Nourishing the kidneys

Cherish your vital energy and abstain from sexual desire.

Taking a midday walk helps to nourish the kidneys and promote yang energy.

The medicine should be mild and taken regularly to nourish the kidneys. Dietary therapy is best. The renowned traditional Chinese medicine master Deng Tietao particularly favored herbs such as wolfberry, he shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum), eucommia bark, cistanche, ganoderma, mulberry, royal jelly, privet fruit, and cornus fruit.