Music was an indispensable part of Ji Kang's life. He explicitly proposed the concept of music as a means of health preservation. He noted that those skilled in self-cultivation should frequently immerse themselves in natural landscapes, drinking mountain spring water, basking in sunlight, and playing the zither. In his "Reply to the Difficulties of the Treatise on Health Preservation," he also pointed out that Dou Gong did not live a life of luxury, yet enjoyed a long lifespan—was this not because he often played the zither to harmonize his emotions?This too is a method of cultivating the spirit, demonstrating Ji Kang's profound understanding of music's soothing effect on emotions and his belief that music is an important means of health preservation.
Having loved music since childhood, Ji Kang, when his political aspirations could not be realized, withdrew to seclude himself in the serene bamboo groves. Far from the clamor of the world, he played the zither and composed poetry with numerous poet friends, pursuing the path of health preservation and longevity.Ji Kang used music to express his grand aspirations, using beautiful melodies to vent his unfulfilled emotions. He immersed himself in the world of music, achieving inner peace and allowing both his spirit and body to attain a state of profound rest.
In his "Ode to the Zither," Ji Kang wrote: "From my youth, I cherished music, playing the zither often. Other pursuits gradually faded, yet this passion remained unchanged, never waning. For music channels vital energy, nurtures the spirit, and harmonizes emotions. In times of poverty and solitude, it dispels loneliness and gloom."During his lifetime, Ji Kang particularly cherished a piece titled "Guangling San." He loved it so deeply that he played it often. Even as he approached the execution ground, he requested his qin strings, remained composed, and played this piece with unwavering poise—a final farewell to the mortal world.
Regarding music's effects on the human body, its benefits broadly encompass the following:First, soothing music can relax the body, reduce stress, regulate sleep patterns, alleviate work-related tension, and help prevent various chronic illnesses. Second, music stimulates the cerebral cortex, increases neural transmission speed, activates brain cells, enhances memory and concentration, and delays brain cell aging. Third, music can unlock closed hearts, dispel melancholy, boost the body's immunity, and even achieve a certain degree of psychological healing.In short, music is a wondrous language that soothes the soul in unique ways, thereby promoting healthy living. Environmental Wellness Through Strategic Location The Suwen: Discussion on the Five Excesses states: "To diagnose illness, one must inquire about diet and dwelling place," clearly indicating that treating disease requires attention not only to dietary factors but also to the influence of geographical environment.
Ji Kang's Treatise on Health Preservation describes how geographical conditions affect human health, such as "living in rugged terrain leads to goiter," meaning those residing in mountainous areas are prone to neck swellings. "Goiter" refers to neck growths, similar to conditions like thyroid enlargement.Modern research confirms that in certain mountainous regions of China, where local soil and water lack iodine, residents are prone to simple goiter. The Treatise on Health Preservation also notes: "Teeth turn yellow in Jin," referring to residents in the high-fluoride areas of Qin and Jin who, due to long-term consumption of water with extremely high fluoride content, develop yellowing teeth.
Thus, people living in different geographical environments are influenced by varying soil, water quality, and climate. The differing chemical compositions of soil and water in distinct regions significantly impact the quality of life for local populations. Areas blessed with favorable climates, abundant resources, and pleasant scenery often yield higher longevity rates.Reports indicate that 56 kilometers northwest of Wu'an City, Hebei Province, lies Aihao Ping Village at the foot of Motian Ridge. Since its founding, villagers here have rarely fallen ill and enjoy exceptional longevity, with average lifespans exceeding 85 years—earning it the title of "Village of Longevity." The area boasts picturesque scenery with clear waters and lush mountains.The mountains yield abundant resources, including dozens of precious tree species and over 200 varieties of medicinal herbs. Dense vegetation, a humid climate, and ample rainfall, combined with the filtration of underground water by the root systems of these medicinal plants, have formed springs of sweet water. Rich in minerals and herbal components, this mountain spring water is consumed year-round by villagers, contributing to their robust health and longevity. This water is also known as the "Fountain of Longevity."
Geographical differences in living environments lead to varying lifespans—some people live long lives, others die young, and some even develop illnesses. Certain endemic diseases and tumors also exhibit distinct regional patterns.Different regions and natural geographical features give rise to distinct "endemic diseases." Since environmental impacts on the human body often manifest subtly and develop over extended periods, they are easily overlooked. People frequently fall ill without understanding the source of their ailments. Environmental pollution, like an invisible shadow, silently erodes human health. As the primary habitat for human survival, the living environment holds equally significant implications for health.
Alchemical Elixirs for Beauty and Vitality
Alchemical elixirs, also known as "medicinal pills," refer to the practice of ingesting substances (including elixirs and herbal remedies) for health preservation. Taoism posits that certain earthly and otherworldly substances, when consumed, can ward off illness, prolong life, and even grant immortality. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties when Ji Kang lived, the ingestion of herbal elixirs was relatively common. Ji Kang himself placed considerable emphasis on this practice.He once wrote about gathering herbs at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain to enhance his appearance through medicinal consumption, indicating his commitment to beauty and wellness. Ji Kang's striking good looks likely stemmed from his dietary practices.
Which Chinese herbs possess beautifying properties? Ancient texts document plants like aloe vera, angelica root, moutan bark, chuanxiong rhizome,clove, fangfeng, ginseng, honeysuckle, angelica dahurica, pollen, peach kernel, apricot kernel, coix seed, lingzhi mushroom, biota seed, solomon's seal, dodder seed, winter melon seed, ligusticum, zhi shi, licorice, and tribulus terrestris all possess beautifying properties.Additionally, animal milk and honey also offer excellent beauty benefits, so incorporating them into daily meals is advisable.
Ji Kang's Treatise on Health Preservation further documents foods with health-preserving properties: "Beans make one heavy, elm induces drowsiness, mimosa soothes anger, and daylilies dispel sorrow."Here, four medicinal herbs are mentioned: soybeans, white elm, mimosa, and daylilies, which help dispel sorrow. Soybeans are rich in protein, promoting growth and development, but prolonged consumption may lead to weight gain. White elm, also known as white elm, is described in the Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica as having bark and leaves that treat insomnia, inducing prolonged sleep when consumed in excess.The mimosa tree, according to the Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica, calms the five organs and the mind, bringing joy and peace. The daylily, also known as the forget-your-worries herb, has the effect of making one forget sorrow. Regular consumption of these foods can provide excellent health benefits.