Sun Simiao, often referred to as the “King of Medicine,” was one of the most influential figures in Chinese medicine1. Born over 1,400 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, he devoted his life to healing and preserving life through both traditional medical practices and wisdom.
What made his advice stand out was his profound understanding of health, not just in terms of physical ailments but also in mental and spiritual well-being. His teachings on self-care have become timeless and are still relevant today.
Here are ten essential tips based on Sun Simiao’s principles that could make a significant difference in your health and life2.
1. Guard Your Mind (啬神)
Sun Simiao believed that overthinking and excessive worry could harm the body’s energy and spirit. He stressed the importance of mental peace and a positive mindset.
According to his teachings, constantly worrying about trivial matters can lead to mental exhaustion, causing physical ailments such as headaches or insomnia.
The key is to maintain a relaxed, open mind, allowing your thoughts to flow without being bogged down by negativity.
So, whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment.
2. Cherish Your Vital Energy (爱气)
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) places great emphasis on the concept of “Qi” or vital energy3. Sun Simiao taught that a healthy life depends on preserving this energy from a young age.
To keep your Qi flowing smoothly, it’s essential to adopt a balanced lifestyle with proper rest, regular exercise, and a diet that nourishes both body and spirit.
Rather than pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, learn to listen to your body’s signals, and make adjustments when needed to ensure your energy reserves stay intact.
3. Take Care of Your Body (养形)
Your physical health is your foundation. Sun Simiao believed in the importance of maintaining a strong, healthy body through consistent physical activity.
He often quoted the saying, “Water that does not flow becomes stagnant,” which highlights the importance of movement.
Regular exercise strengthens the body, boosts the immune system, and enhances overall vitality.
Whether it’s walking, yoga, or weight training, incorporating movement into your daily routine is essential to staying in optimal health4.
4. Practice Qi Gong and Breathing Exercises (导引)
In TCM, it’s not just about keeping the body physically healthy, but also ensuring the smooth flow of energy throughout the body.
Sun Simiao recommended specific practices like breathing exercises and Qi Gong, which can improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity5.
These practices help to harmonize the body and mind, enabling you to prevent illness and maintain a state of balance and well-being. Try incorporating these exercises into your daily routine to reap the long-term benefits.
5. Mind Your Words (言论)
One of the more surprising tips from Sun Simiao concerns speech. He advocated for moderation in talking, as excessive speech could deplete one’s energy.
According to him, speaking too much can lead to mental fatigue, affecting both health and relationships. Instead, Sun Simiao recommended speaking thoughtfully and listening more, maintaining a calm, composed manner in conversations6.
By doing so, you’ll not only preserve your energy but also create more meaningful interactions with others.
6. Eat in Moderation (饮食)
Sun Simiao was ahead of his time in understanding the relationship between diet and health. He believed that eating in moderation was key to a long, healthy life.
He advised against overindulging in rich, greasy foods, and instead emphasized a balanced diet rich in simple, nourishing ingredients. Foods like vegetables, grains, and lean proteins should form the bulk of your meals7.
He even mentioned that “food should not be eaten to excess; balance is the most important thing.” Eating smaller, more frequent meals also helps in maintaining optimal digestive health.
Wow! Although so many years have passed, his dietary concept is almost exactly the same as our modern concept of healthy eating!
7. Sleep Well (房室)
Good rest is a cornerstone of good health. Sun Simiao emphasized the importance of sleep in maintaining balance and harmony within the body. He believed that a good night’s sleep not only rejuvenates the body but also replenishes vital energy.
Additionally, Sun Simiao also advised a balance in sexual health, recommending moderation and harmony in intimate relationships. When the body and mind are both rested, it can repair and renew itself.
8. Live in Harmony with Nature (反俗)
Sun Simiao’s teachings were deeply rooted in the belief that we must align ourselves with the natural world. He advocated for living in tune with the seasons and following nature’s rhythm.
For example, in the winter, he recommended staying warm and avoiding excessive physical exertion. In the summer, staying cool and hydrated was essential.
By respecting the natural cycles of the environment, we can maintain balance within our own bodies and prevent illness.
9. Use Medicine Wisely (医药)
Although Sun Simiao strongly believed in the power of natural remedies and prevention, he also recognized the importance of medical treatments when necessary. He advocated for a balanced approach to health, one that combines both lifestyle habits and appropriate use of medicine.
Sun Simiao emphasized that healing is not just about treating symptoms but addressing the root cause of illness. His famous book, “Qianjin Yao Fang” (Valuable Prescriptions), contains thousands of remedies for various ailments, showcasing his comprehensive knowledge of medicinal herbs and treatments.
10. Avoid Excess (禁忌)
Lastly, Sun Simiao provided a series of lifestyle prohibitions, many of which are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
He warned against excessive indulgence in anything, be it food, speech, or physical activity. Moderation is the key to a balanced and healthy life.
In his view, living without excess ensures longevity, protects the body from harm, and allows you to live in harmony with the world around you.
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FAQs
1. What should I do to preserve my Qi?
Sun Simiao recommends maintaining a balanced lifestyle with enough rest, healthy food, and exercise to keep your Qi flowing smoothly. Avoid overworking or overexerting yourself.
2. Can Sun Simiao’s advice be applied to modern life?
Absolutely! Many of his teachings, such as moderating diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress, are highly relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
3. How often should I practice Qi Gong or breathing exercises?
For optimal health, aim to practice these techniques daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The benefits of consistent practice compound over time.
4. What types of foods are best for maintaining health?
Sun Simiao recommended a simple diet, avoiding rich, greasy foods. Focus on vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and foods that nourish your body without excess.
5. How can I balance modern medicine with traditional methods?
Sun Simiao believed in using both modern medicine and traditional remedies. If you need medical treatment, seek professional help, but also incorporate natural methods to support your healing process.
The Bottom Line
Sun Simiao’s health principles have stood the test of time. His emphasis on balance, moderation, and aligning with nature offers a holistic approach to well-being. By applying his teachings, we can improve both our physical health and mental peace, leading to a longer and more fulfilling life.
As we navigate modern challenges, Sun Simiao’s wisdom can serve as a guiding light to ensure we maintain our health and vitality in a constantly changing world.
Trusted source
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%AD%99%E6%80%9D%E9%82%88/430161 ↩︎
- http://www.natcm.gov.cn/hudongjiaoliu/guanfangweixin/2019-02-19/9061.html(National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People’s Republic of China) ↩︎
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-5275-1_2 ↩︎
- https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/health-and-wellbeing/helpful-links/movement ↩︎
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/qigong-meditation ↩︎
- http://health.people.com.cn/n1/2019/0217/c14739-30758780.html ↩︎
- http://szyyj.gd.gov.cn/zyyfw/ysbj/content/post_4175196.html ↩︎
