Sun Simiao's Complete Book of Health Preservation

Author: Li Changfu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: The manuscript of "Sun Simiao's Complete Book of Health Preservation" is rich in materials, encompassing all the health-preserving content from Sun Simiao's two monumental works. It is meticulously categorized, providing a detailed introduction and elaboration on Sun's health-preserving thoughts and methods. From a philosophical and social science perspective, it offers an in-depth analysis, making it a highly innovative monograph in terms of both comprehensive and systematic content and broad and unique perspectives. This book not only comprehensively presents Sun Simiao's health-preserving materials but also provides valuable references for current academic research and health preservation practices. Particularly, studying and grasping Sun's health-preserving thoughts from a philosophical and social science perspective is an excellent approach worth, and in this regard, the book can be considered a pioneering work in monographs. Excerpt: 5. Those who consume qi are harmonious, tranquil, and live longer The Yellow Emperor asked: May I hear about the functions of the five flavors of grains? Bo Gao replied: Those who consume wind are spiritual and light, those who consume qi are harmonious, tranquil, and live longer, those who consume grains are intelligent and tire their spirits, those who consume grass are foolish and strong, and those who consume meat are brave and easily angered. Therefore, the liver, which corresponds to the wood element and the color green, favors sourness; the heart, which corresponds to the fire element and the color red, favors bitterness; the spleen, which corresponds to the earth element and the color yellow, favors sweetness; the lungs, which correspond to the metal element and the color white, favor pungency; and the kidneys, which correspond to the water element and the color black, favor salt. Internally, they are the five zang organs; externally, they govern the five elements, and their colors are matched to the five directions. [Note] ① Anger (chén): Rage, irritation. [Analysis] In the above passage, from the perspective of health preservation, it is particularly noteworthy that it points out, "Those who consume qi are harmonious, tranquil, and live longer." This highlights the longevity benefits of qigong and also emphasizes the importance of fresh air for human health.