Extending our life has always been the Holy Grail of medicine. Longevity is an empty prize without good health and contentment to enjoy these extra years of life.
Modern research has just started to recognise that there is a strong connection between lifestyle and longevity, quality of life and life expectancy.
The ancient Taoists have long recognised the connection between lifestyle and health. They expected to live at least 100 years healthy, happy and sexually active until the end! The Nei Jing, a medical text written in China over 2000 years ago gave advice on health and lifestyle.
Chinese medicine as practiced today is based on the ancient Taoist traditions. When we are studying this we learn about the connections between organs within the body and the connections our body has with the Tao, our Universe. It is not only a medicine but a lifestyle and a philosophy.
In our modern world it can be very difficult to lead a calm and healthy lifestyle. A visit to the acupuncturist or Chinese medicine practitioner will involve a consultation and treatment and lifestyle advice. This advice is important; the practitioner is applying knowledge handed down over thousands of years. We need to adapt our lifestyle to support our health and happiness.
The main elements of good health are:
Diet Food as medicine; we should eat regularly and moderately, only ever to 70% full, slowly and calmly. The Chinese diet chooses food according to the person and season. Children and old people would eat very little raw cold food and adults eat according to their energies.
Exercise This should be regular and moderate, appropriate for age, and not too exhausting.
Environment Our homes and workplaces should protect us from the elements and provide a calm and soothing place where we can rest. Pollutants and toxins in the atmosphere are very harmful. We cannot avoid these but can reduce our toxin loads by avoiding chemicals in foods, smoking and drinking excessively.
Emotions Regular meditation helps. Avoid rushing and over-stretching appointments and allow time to travel to places. Take time to reflect and consider life.
Sex Moderate loving sex is conducive to a long and happy life. The Taoist bedroom arts ensure satisfaction for both partners and makes recommendations for frequency based on age and health.
Regular acupuncture maintains the health of the organs, boosts the immune system and calms emotions and spirits. Chinese herbs help adjust disharmonies and clear disease. Certain herbs such as ginseng and reshi used regularly boost the body’s defences and energy. Your practitioner will guide you and advise you through all of this.
It is possible to lead a healthy happy life yet work hard and achieve plenty. We must keep our minds and hearts on the importance of staying tuned to our bodies and respecting our constitution. When you find a good Chinese Medicine Practitioner, you will work together as a team for many healthy and happy years.
Maureen Cromey
Maureen Cromey is a highly respected acupuncturist with over twenty years of experience. She specialises in breast cancer both during and post treatment, nutritional advice, paediatrics, cosmetic and fertility acupuncture and is based out of Harley Street and Chiswick. www.goodacupuncture.co.uk
