The Yellow Emperor’s Insights: Harmony with Nature for Longevity

The Yellow Emperor said: “Since ancient times, connecting with the celestial energies has been the foundation of life, and this foundation is none other than the balance of Yin and Yang in the heavens.

Between heaven and earth, within the six directions, from the vast nine provinces to the small nine orifices, five organs, and twelve joints of humans, all are connected with celestial energy.

Celestial energy gives rise to the Five Elements, and the energies of Yin and Yang fluctuate in three stages of waxing and waning. If one frequently violates the natural laws of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, harmful energies will invade the body. Thus, adapting to these laws is the key to longevity.

When the celestial energy is pure, the human spirit is calm and harmonious. Following the changes in celestial energy ensures robust Yang energy, preventing harm from pernicious winds, demonstrating the benefits of aligning with the seasonal changes.

Thus, wise individuals focus and adapt to celestial changes, understanding the principles of Yin and Yang. If one goes against these principles, it leads to internal blockages, external muscle stiffness, and the dispersal of protective energy, weakening the body. This is known as self-harm, as Yang energy becomes depleted.

The human Yang energy is as crucial as the sun in the sky. If Yang energy loses its position and cannot perform its vital role, it leads to shortened lifespans or premature death. The normal operation of the celestial body is due to the sun’s radiant light, and similarly, human Yang energy should be external and protective, guarding against external harm.

Cold weather should make Yang energy operate internally like a door hinge. Sudden movements disturb Yang energy, causing it to escape. In hot weather, excessive sweating and irritability lead to discomfort and delirium. Proper perspiration can dispel heat. In humid conditions, the head feels heavy and wrapped. Combined damp-heat damages muscles, causing contraction or relaxation, leading to weakness or stiffness. Wind can cause swelling. These four harmful energies interact, depleting Yang energy.

Excessive fatigue makes Yang energy overextend, depleting Yin essence. Repeatedly, excessive Yang leads to Yin deficiency, causing hot weather ailments like syncope, blurred vision, and auditory obstructions, breaking down rapidly like an uncontrollable flood.

Anger causes Yang energy to rise, making blood stagnate, leading to syncope. Damaged muscles lose their elasticity, hindering movement. Sweating on one side can lead to hemiplegia. Sweat blocked by dampness causes sores and rashes. Excessive nutrition and rich foods lead to abscesses. Labor-induced sweating, combined with cold wind, leads to acne.

Yang energy nourishes the spirit and muscles, making them flexible. Disrupted pore regulation invites cold, harming Yang energy and causing stiffness. Cold deep in the veins causes sores and sinuses. Cold entering through acupoints affects internal organs, leading to fear and panic. Prolonged cold prevents nutrient flow, causing boils. Insufficient sweat weakens body and Yang energy, leading to malaria.

Wind is the primary cause of various diseases. Adhering to principles of mental stability and balanced activity ensures tightly knit muscles, resisting external harm, despite harsh winds. This follows the natural order, preserving vitality.

Prolonged illness allows harmful energies to penetrate deeper, creating blockages between upper and lower body, and between Yin and Yang, making even the best doctors helpless. Accumulated and obstructed Yang energy can be fatal. Prompt and proper treatment is essential, as delayed or incorrect treatment by careless doctors can result in death.

During the day, Yang energy governs the body’s surface. It begins to activate externally in the morning, peaks at noon, and diminishes towards the evening as the sun sets, closing sweat pores. At night, Yang energy retreats internally, requiring rest and avoidance of fog and dew. Violating these daily Yang energy patterns causes weakness and depletion.

Qi Bo said: “Yin conserves essence internally, supporting Yang energy; Yang protects externally, ensuring body defense. If Yin cannot control Yang, excessive Yang energy makes blood flow rapidly, and combined with heat, leads to mania. If Yang cannot control Yin, excessive Yin energy disrupts organ functions and obstructs orifices.

Thus, sages balance Yin and Yang, achieving harmonious muscles, strong bones, and smooth blood flow. This harmony prevents harm, maintains keen senses, and normal energy flow. Wind invades and damages Yang energy, gradually affecting organs and depleting Yin essence, causing liver damage. Overeating hinders energy flow, causing muscle weakness and gastrointestinal issues. Excessive alcohol makes energy rise. Overexertion damages kidney energy, affecting the spine. The key to Yin and Yang lies in dense Yang energy, anchoring Yin internally. Without coordination, it is like having only spring without autumn or winter without summer. Harmony between Yin and Yang is essential for physiological balance.

Excessive Yang energy, without proper regulation, depletes Yin. Balanced Yin and Yang ensure normal mental functions. Separation of Yin and Yang leads to the exhaustion of vital energy. Fog, dew, and cold lead to fever. Spring wind causes rapid diarrhea. Summer heat leads to autumn malaria. Autumn dampness causes cough and weakness. Winter cold leads to spring fever. Seasonal harmful energies attack organs.

Yin essence comes from the diet’s five flavors. Overconsumption of these flavors damages the storing organs. Excess sourness overflows liver energy, weakening spleen energy. Excess salt damages bones, shortens muscles, and depresses heart energy. Excess sweetness clogs heart energy, causing breathlessness and darkening the face, affecting kidney balance. Excess bitterness dries spleen energy, stagnating stomach energy. Excess spiciness harms muscles, causing relaxation and mental damage. Balancing the five flavors strengthens bones, smooths blood flow, and tightens muscles. Proper health practices preserve innate vitality.