Old age

Author: (Qing) Cao Tingdong / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Insomnia and lack of sleep are major problems for the elderly. The Neijing states that if the defensive qi fails to enter the yin, it often remains in the yang, leading to deficiency of yin qi and thus inability to close the eyes. It includes prescriptions, but few are proven effective. The Shaozi says: "When awake, the spirit resides in the eyes; when asleep, it resides in the heart." It also says: "The spirit governs the heart, and the most crucial aspect is to keep the mind clear. However, the heart is indeed difficult to grasp. One must first practice quiet cultivation during waking hours. When lying down, eliminate all thoughts of worldly concerns and plans, and gradually let them fade until they cease entirely. Naturally, you will achieve restful sleep. If you are restless all day, with emotions agitated and worries turning over, how can you expect them to dissipate at once? The Nanhua Jing says: "In sleep, the soul unites." The Shengyang Jia says: "First quiet the heart, then close the eyes." These are merely empty words and speculations. In my opinion, there are two methods for achieving sleep: Cao (active control), such as focusing on the top of the head, silently counting breaths, or observing the Dantian, to keep the mind focused and prevent it from wandering. Zong (passive letting go), allowing the mind to drift into the boundless void, which can also gradually lead to a drowsy state. To avoid forcing sleep only makes it harder to fall asleep, as the transition between wakefulness and sleep is beyond conscious control. Only by forgetting about sleep can the mind, whether actively controlled or passively let go, enter the realm of sleep. The Analects say: "Sleep without lying like a corpse." This refers to avoiding supine positions. Legend has it that the Xi Yi sleep method involves lying on the left side with the left foot bent, the left arm bent to support the head, the right foot extended, and the right hand placed on the right thigh. The right side is the opposite. The poem by Banshan Gong says: "If the immortal of Huashan were to meet you, he would seek a sleep method rather than an elixir of life." Is this truly a sleep method? Lying in this manner may be more stable and comfortable, but it should not be taken too literally—just avoid supine positions. The Records of the Grand Historian says: "Sleep with the head facing east," meaning to align with the flow of qi. The Bao Sheng Xin Jian states: "In summer and autumn, the head should face east; in winter and spring, it should face west." In my view, one must maintain a consistent sleeping posture, as the Records mention "constant" (), but changing with the seasons may cause discomfort. It also says: "Avoid sleeping with the head facing north," to avoid yin qi. The Yun Jie Qi states: "In winter, sleep with the head facing north," meaning to align with the dominant qi. According to the Jia Yu (Home Sayings): "The living face south, the dead face north, both following their initial direction." Thus, for beds oriented east or west, the head should face south. If sleep is uneasy, one should turn frequently. Even after falling asleep, one should move occasionally to promote the flow of meridians, otherwise, one may experience half-body stiffness, lower back or rib pain, or joint soreness. According to Buddhist precepts, one should sleep on the right side without turning, known as the "auspicious sleep." This is to prevent deep sleep and aid quick waking, which is the opposite of the elderly's sleep needs. After eating, when the stomach has not yet digested, one may feel tired and want to sleep. One must persevere. The Li Hai Ji says: "The orbits belong to the spleen; when the eyes open and move, the spleen responds and moves; it also says: the spleen moves when it hears sound, and this movement aids digestion." According to the Jia Yu: The spleen and stomach are in the center of the body, with their membranes connected to the left side of the stomach, so the pulse is on the right while qi flows to the left. If one must sleep after eating, it is better to lie on the right side to ease the spleen's qi. The Continuation of the Museum of Natural History states: "Avoid sleeping with the left side of the body elevated," meaning the same. When eating is farther away, either side is suitable. Upon waking, one should stretch the limbs; there is no need to worry about curling them during sleep. The Continuation of the Museum of Natural History says: "Sleep with the feet curled," but in winter, the colder it gets, the more one curls. The Yudong Yao Lue states: "Sleep with extended feet, and the whole body will be warm." This has been proven effective. The poem by Yang Chengzhang says: "Tonight, I dare not complain that sleep is like a bow." Is this not the opposite of curling up and feeling colder? When going to bed, turn off the lights to avoid dazzling the eyes, keeping the spirit focused. The Yun Jie Qi says: "Sleeping with a light on makes the mind restless." The Zhen Xishan Health Song says: "Sleep silently in darkness, and the spirit remains calm." Some cannot sleep even in the dark. A tin lantern with a small hole on one side to let in light, placed behind the bed, can avoid direct glare. Avoid loud shouting in bed. When sleeping, the five organs are like suspended bells and chimes, incapable of making noise. Practitioners of longevity say that much speech harms the qi, and one should speak less even when awake, let alone when sleeping? The Yuxi Yao Lian states: "Keep the mouth closed when sleeping to prevent the vital qi from escaping and external pathogens from entering. This is the body's quiet and auspicious state, otherwise it may cause the face to lose color. The head is the crown of the yang. The Shengyang Yao Lun says: "In winter, freeze the brain." It also says: "Do not cover the head when sleeping." Some wear sleep hats that leave the top empty, meaning to freeze the brain. This is too hot, so wrapping the forehead with light gauze, like a woman's headscarf, adjusted to fit the season, is a flexible solution.
P1-3