Traditional Chinese Medicine strives for a balanced treatment of body, mind and soul. Neijing’s “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” summarizes the theoretical principles and practical procedures of traditional Chinese medicine. The wealth of knowledge in this work is about a dialogue between Huangdi, the legendary “Yellow Emperor” (around 2600 BC) and his minister Qi Bo. It is said to have been written during the Warring States Period (221 BC – 220 AD). In a long conversation with his minister Qi Bo, he explores and explains “the deepest causes of nature, the causes of life and death, of illness and health”.
The first chapter explains the dependence of health and longevity on observing the Dao (path) as a natural principle. Huangdi asked his minister, “In ancient times people lived to be a hundred years old and were still healthy. Today people are only half as old and are becoming increasingly frail. Why is that?” Qi Bo replied, “In ancient times, people followed the Dao of yin and yang. They lived in harmony with nature. Today people are very different. They do not rest after work, go to bed at irregular times and get up at irregular times, drink and eat without moderation, and do not get enough exercise. So they are denied the joys of a long life. “
Today many diseases are caused by an unhealthy life. The most common causes of illness are due to social and emotional stress, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate rest and poor eating habits. “Yang Sheng” is a term in Chinese. It means the theory and technology for health and a long life. Yang Sheng is the art of nourishing life. It is the basis of health in Chinese medicine and the basis of Taoist cultivation. “Yang Sheng” includes Qigong, nutrition, acupressure, meditation and living in harmony with the cycles of nature. The methods and techniques are used to discover the secret of a long life, to prevent diseases, to activate self-healing powers and to control emotions.