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The
search for the fountain of youth has continued throughout the ages.
It would be great if there existed a pill derived from natural sources
to insure a long and healthy life, but no such magical pill exists.
In the meantime, the best solution is to take impeccable care of ourselves.
There really is no other way around it.
Taking excellent
care of ourselves requires a multitude of lifestyle decisions including,
but not limited to, nutrition, exercise, stress, sex, emotions, and
rest. So much to learn, so much to do, so many decisions to make in
such a short time. Just knowing where to begin on this self-care quest
can present a dilemma, not to mention the challenge of making the right
health choices on a continuing basis once you actually decide what
they are.
Seeking guidance
from qualified health professionals, reading self-help books, learning
from the experience of family and friends, and personal trial and error
are all ways to proceed with a ‘personal health quest’. A good place
to start is with Chinese medicine texts which are a storehouse of ancient
knowledge describing how to live a long, fruitful, and healthy life.
Learning about
Chinese medicine creates a greater realization and understanding of
how your thinking & eating habits, along with your actions, affect
the quality and length of life.
Chinese texts
emphasize the existence of three aspects referred to as the “Three
Treasures” which are the basis for Chinese healing methods practiced
to promote health and longevity. Chinese Medicine espouses that the
degree to which the Three Treasures are protected directly relates
to one’s degree of health. A lifestyle which promotes cultivation and
protection of the Three Treasures provides a greater opportunity for
a long, healthful life.
Chinese texts
inform us that before birth the Three Treasures are plentiful and untainted.
What occurs after birth determines the extent to which the Three Treasures
are cultivated and preserved, or squandered and dissipated. Chinese
texts place great emphasis on lifestyle practices which have positive
effects on the Three Treasures, by bringing them closer to their original
state of abundance.
These practices
include Tai Chi & Qi Kung exercises, Chinese herbs and nutritious foods,
proper sleep, a balanced lifestyle along with acupuncture and massage
treatments. This is believed to be the key to prevent disease and degeneration,
retard the aging process, and prolong life.
Essence (Jing)
is the first of the Three Treasures and forms our genetic make up.
It is the basis of all tissues in the body, and determines the strength
of our immune system. Essence governs our growth and development, sexual
maturation and function, along with conception and pregnancy. It receives
its nourishment from food and water. It is most easily depleted through
chronic stress, malnutrition, and illness - all the more reason to
eat nutritious foods and lead a balanced lifestyle.
Chinese texts
teach that a set amount of Original Essence exists at birth and when
it is used up, death occurs. It is believed that any unused energy
at the end of the day is transformed into a new form of essence during
sleep. This is formed to protect the Original Essence from being depleted
too quickly. So, don’t run yourself ragged day in and day out! You
must save energy at the end of the day, get plenty of sleep, and minimize
stress to preserve and protect your Original Essence.
Energy (Chi) is
the second of the Three Treasures. It refers to the life force which
runs throughout every cell and tissue and motivates all vital functions
and transformations within the human body. Food, water, herbs, and
air are digested and eventually transformed into energy to provide
the source of Vital Energy. As is the case with Essence, life is only
possible when Energy exists; without it death occurs. Eating nutritious
foods in proper amounts, getting enough rest, using tonifying herbs,
indulging in moderate sex, expressing your emotions, and cultivating
the breath through gentle exercise are ways to protect and maximize
the flow of Vital Energy.
Spirit (Shen)
is the third of the Three Treasures. It is the vital life force seen
in the aliveness of one’s expression, spark in the eyes, luster of
complexion, and presence of mind. Chinese philosophy maintains that
a calm, peaceful, and centered mind promotes a harmonious and healthy
life. It is suggested that one practice meditative exercises such as
Tai Chi and Qi Kung to promote a clear and peaceful mind, and therefore,
a healthier and happier life.
All of the Three
Treasures feed each other on many levels - thus an abundance or deficiency
of one causes the same in the other. An accumulation of Energy produces
Essence which, in turn, creates a wholesome Spirit.
The maintenance
of balance, harmony, and protection of all Three Treasures of life
is important for creating optimal health and longevity. The solution
to protecting and cultivating these Three Treasures lies within ourselves.
Following sound principles of living provide a greater possibility
for a life without degenerative disease; a life filled with vitality
and longevity.
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