Sun Simiao, the "King of Medicine," was an outstanding Tang Dynasty physician and health preservation expert who proposed concepts such as "cultivating one's nature," "treating illness before it manifests," and "eliminating potential ailments." In his work Sun Simiao's Prescriptions, he stated: "Speak sparingly, harbor few concerns, eat moderately, and sleep little. Following these four principles of moderation reveals the secret to immortality.""Few words, yet they reveal a simple and practical principle of health preservation.
Speak sparingly.
Opening your mouth disperses vital energy; moving your tongue breeds discord. Saliva and breath are the foundations of life. If they are constantly wasted, it will lead to mental exhaustion and illness. Throughout history, both Taoist and Buddhist traditions have emphasized quiet meditation and few words to achieve the goal of preserving essence and nurturing the spirit.Speaking at a measured pace helps gather lung energy. Moreover, from a health perspective, it's best to avoid talking while eating, walking, using the restroom, or lying down.
Fewer worries in the mind.
Elderly folks shouldn't dwell on troubles daily, mulling over every little thing. Sometimes it's wise to be a bit "clueless"—this not only reduces anger but also avoids much unnecessary trouble.Fewer troubles lead to a more relaxed state of mind, which naturally benefits the body. Many elderly people frequently worry about their children's affairs, even getting upset with them often, which is detrimental to both physical and mental health. Children are their parents' treasures, but letting go is a more important form of love for them.
Eat less.
Practice moderation in eating; stop when eighty percent full. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states: "When food intake doubles, the stomach and intestines suffer."The Three Essentials of Health Preservation also notes: "Keep the viscera and intestines comfortably spacious, allowing vital energy to circulate freely and reducing illness." Frequent overeating not only overburdens the digestive system long-term, accelerating organ aging and weakening immunity, but excess calories also lead to fat accumulation, triggering lifestyle diseases.Long-term overeating may also accelerate brain aging, trigger angina attacks in coronary heart disease patients, and induce gallstones, cholecystitis, diabetes, and other conditions. For occasional overeating, drinking a cup of yogurt can aid digestion. Additionally, consuming papaya after meals can relieve indigestion and even offer some therapeutic effect for gastric ulcers.
"Prolonged lying harms vital energy." Excessive indulgence in comfort and lack of activity impede the smooth flow of qi and blood, weaken bones and muscles, and diminish organ function. Therefore, seniors should increase outdoor activities like post-meal walks or evening tai chi to exercise their limbs.Moreover, if one can achieve "fewer words spoken, fewer worries held, and less food consumed," vital energy and spirit won't be overly depleted, eliminating the need for excessive sleep to replenish strength. This embodies the Daoist principle: "When essence is abundant, one fears no cold; when qi is abundant, one craves no food; when spirit is abundant, one desires no sleep." Optimal sleep duration should be limited to 7-8 hours daily. While ensuring sleep quality, it's best not to linger in bed excessively.