Ancient Wisdom: Annotated Classics of Chinese Medical Literature

Author: Cao Tingdong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-06-01
Features: This book is written in classical Chinese and is not suitable for readers with a low cultural level or weak medical knowledge. We have annotated, translated, and provided a brief reading summary of the original text, making it more convenient for readers. A specialized work on elderly health preservation. Also known as Notes on Health Preservation. Authored by Cao Tingdong of the Qing Dynasty. Five volumes. The first two volumes discuss the appropriateness of daily routines and activities, the next two list items for daily use, and the final volume includes a rice porridge recipe book for health maintenance and disease treatment. It advocates that health preservation should adapt to daily habits and not force unnatural practices; that health preservation practices should be integrated into daily routines; and emphasizes the importance of regulating the spleen and stomach, advocating for rice porridge, listing 100 rice porridge recipes (14 self-created), and stressing that elderly health preservation should focus on calming the mind and cultivating temperament. The book contains many insightful yet practical and applicable discussions. Its references span classics, history, philosophy, and poetry, totaling 307 sources. This book is an important work on health preservation from the Qing Dynasty and is highly praised by later generations. The Constant Practice of Elderly Health Preservation is a specialized work on elderly health preservation written by Cao Tingdong, a talented literary figure of the early Qing Dynasty. Cao was known as Jiaoren, styled Liupu, and also called the Recluse of Cishan. Born in 1699 in Dingui, Jiaxian, Zhejiang, he was a man of simple nature, diligent and erudite, skilled in calligraphy and painting, and lived to over 90 years old. After falling ill at the age of 74, he wrote this book while lying in bed and groaning. Cao’s approach to health preservation has the following characteristics:
1. Believing that the guiding principle of health preservation lies in nature. Cao never relied on medicine or Qigong for health preservation, adhering solely to the philosophy of nature to maintain harmony with the heavens and enjoy a long life. He advocated that health preservation should adapt to daily habits without any forced effort. Cao criticized the Han Dynasty’s Gufu Poetry for urging “strive to eat more meals,” arguing that “the elderly should not reduce their food intake, but adding more would surely disturb their stomach qi. Moreover, striving feels forced—even if one meal is added, it will not be sustained afterward. What benefit is there?” He pointed out, “Eat to your satisfaction, dress for comfort.” This is the elixir of health preservation.
2. Emphasizing that the focus of health preservation should be on daily routines and diet. He noted that prolonged sitting causes stagnation in blood vessels, and during idle time, walking slowly around the room for dozens of circles can activate the joints, promote blood circulation, enhance leg strength, and prevent the harm of “sitting too long damages the muscles.” The book advises that when walking, one should first stand up, shake the clothes, stabilize the breath, and perform Qigong exercises before taking a leisurely stroll. Then, walk with ease, ensuring that qi and blood do not stagnate and that energy and strength are doubled. After meals, when food lingers in the stomach, it is essential to walk slowly for hundreds of steps to aid digestion. Avoid talking while walking to prevent qi from becoming disrupted. While walking, alternate between standing and walking in a relaxed and effortless manner. The distance of the walk should be gauged based on one’s stamina, without forcing it. After returning home from a walk, one should rest briefly on a couch and drink a warm drink to harmonize the body. These methods are very suitable for the elderly.
3. Highlighting the role of regulating the spleen and stomach in restoring vitality. Cao believed, “The spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal health, and for the elderly, regulating them is particularly crucial.” Since a weak stomach qi leads to all diseases, while a sufficient spleen yin heals all ailments, ancient methods of health preservation emphasized diet, stating, “Food and drink are like medicine.” Cao linked dietary regulation to daily life. For example, in the summer, upon waking, avoid immediately filling the stomach with food. Instead, start with rice porridge to moisten the lungs. In winter, when waking, wrap oneself in blankets, sit for a while, and drink warm drinks like milk, lotus root tea, or jujube soup to nourish the spleen, or consume a small amount of yellow wine to invigorate the stomach. During seasonal changes, it is even more important to regulate the spleen and stomach. After the summer solstice and before the autumn equinox, avoid rich and greasy foods, and be cautious with cold fruits and raw foods to prevent harming the spleen and stomach. On a daily basis, the elderly should eat and drink moderately, as a well-functioning spleen easily digests and transforms food into essential fluids. Even highly nourishing foods can harm the spleen if overconsumed. If the elderly occasionally fall ill, they should eat foods with healing properties, while generally limiting their intake to keep the stomach relatively empty, allowing blood vessels to circulate more easily and vitality to gradually recover, “weakening minor pathogens naturally.”
4. Advocating for the health-preserving and therapeutic benefits of rice porridge for the elderly. Cao pointed out that rice porridge benefits the body, especially the elderly. Eating a small bowl of plain rice porridge on an empty stomach each day can moisten the mouth and stomach, “the benefits are not insignificant.” This method is simple, easily accessible, and suitable for both health preservation and disease treatment. The book suggests that rice porridge is best consumed on an empty stomach or as dinner, but avoid eating other foods afterward. Do not overeat rice porridge, as while it may not cause stagnation in the stomach, a bloated feeling in the upper abdomen indicates that the stomach’s function is impaired. Rice porridge should be eaten warm, and sweating slightly during consumption can promote blood circulation. Avoid having music played or gifts offered to encourage eating, as this diminishes the benefits of the porridge. If the taste is too bland, a small amount of salt can be added to improve the flavor.
Additionally, in terms of spiritual cultivation, the book requires the elderly to calm their minds, avoid anger, be content, and develop the ability to self-soothe to ensure physical and mental health and live a long life.