Traditional Chinese Wellness

Popular Science Knowledge

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contains a wealth of wellness knowledge. Its core is maintaining harmony between the body’s internal and external environments and keeping yin and yang in balance. As stated in the Huangdi Neijing, spring nourishes the liver, summer nourishes the spleen, autumn nourishes the lungs, and winter nourishes the kidneys. Key TCM wellness principles include preventing illness before it occurs, preventing worsening after illness begins, supporting vital qi while expelling pathogenic factors, and preventing relapse. Wellness should follow seasonal changes, maintain regular routines, eat a balanced diet, exercise appropriately, and may incorporate acupuncture, qigong, and other practices.

1. Dietary Wellness

TCM emphasizes “70% nourishment, 30% treatment.” Diet is a major part of wellness, advocating whole grains, balanced combinations of coarse and fine foods, and harmony among the five flavors. TCM values the nature and taste of foods—sweet, bland, salty, bitter, pungent, sour—each having its own regulatory effect. Therefore, one should eat fewer greasy and irritating foods, and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

2. Exercise Wellness

TCM views the body as an integrated whole. As people age, physical ability declines, so moderate exercise helps maintain health and strengthen immunity. TCM promotes “seasonal exercise”: walking in spring, swimming in summer, running in autumn, and walking in winter. It also values qigong and Tai Chi, both beneficial for physical and mental wellness.

3. Sleep Wellness

TCM believes sufficient sleep is crucial for health. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality weakens immunity, leading to various health problems. TCM sleep wellness emphasizes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, going to bed before 11 PM, and avoiding staying up late.

4. Psychological Wellness

TCM believes psychological health is essential for physical well-being. It emphasizes keeping a joyful and calm mindset and avoiding excessive emotional fluctuations. TCM also focuses on balancing yin and yang to achieve harmony between mind and body.

5. Herbal Wellness

TCM herbal therapy helps activate the body’s own regulatory mechanisms. The fundamental idea is prevention—preventing illness while improving immunity. However, herbal use must be guided by professionals to avoid harm from incorrect usage.

In summary, TCM wellness involves many dimensions and requires integrating diet, exercise, sleep, mental health, and other lifestyle factors for comprehensive health maintenance.