In China, Old Traditional Chinese (TCM) medicine doctors （老中医) are widely known for their longevity and healthy life styles since ancient times. Some of them still work when over 100 years old.
Many studies have been done to examine this group. In 2015, Chinese government finished a study on 119 prestigious Old TCM doctors/masters Nourishing Life (养生) practices.
The Old TCM doctors based the Nourishing guidelines on "Yellow Emperor Internal Medicine"(Huang Di Nei Jing - see my April 10th posting). They incorporate the seasonal changes in order to balance the yin and yang, lead a stable routine life, harmonize emotion, eat and drink in moderation. Together these guidelines preserve health and promote recuperation.
1. Be abstemious in eating and drinking - Do not overeat. TCM doctors always emphasize that overeating can damage the spleen ( digestion) function and lead to many healthy issues. Not eating beyond 70% full is the golden rule. They eat a balanced diet, where foods are consumed in appropriate combinations according to their natures and flavors. This serves to supplement the essence that human body needs.
2. Be active - TCM doctors emphasizes gentle, regular, daily movement to improve mood and physical wellbeing. This is preferred over high intensity, strenuous bursts of movement. Movements that support this gentle and sustainable nature are practices include Tai chi, yoga, qigong, walking, stretching, and light jogging.
3. It has been emphasized that a sound mind in a sound body is essential to longevity. Long-term adverse emotional stimulation can cause the occurrence of diseases by impairing the health. These old TCM doctors have learned to be easy going, open minded and tolerant. They do not over think, worry unnecessarily, get upset easily, or complain a lot.
4. Prevention - Among the 119 the Old TCM doctors, 40% do not have any health issues, especially geriatric diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, or Alzheimer's disease. Although 49.1% do have chronic symptoms, most of them can still live a longevity life. As TCM doctors, they often take herbal formula and acupuncture to keep health in check and prevent small health issues from developing into full blown disease patterns. Some doctors take low dosage Chinese herbs for 30 -40 years to maintain healthy blood vessels, a younger looking appearance, and to foster internal organ health.
The data collected in the study shows their "Nourishing life" starts in the mid 40s. That's when most people start to feel age related symptoms. However, the stresses from the modern society cause people age earlier and geriatric diseases can manifest even in the 30s. So it's never too early to start "nourishing life".
Dr. Chen, tongyun (1920-), 100 years old, still works 4 days a week treating patients in Beijing, China
Dr. Wang, Changsong (1902-2014), 112 years old
Dr. Zhu, nansun (1920-), 100 years old, still treating patients in Shanghai, China
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