Knowledge                       

Words of wisdom obtained from the ancient Chinese medical text Huang Di Nei Jing 黃帝內經 or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine which was written over three thousand years ago......

Huang Di asked, "I've heard that in the days of old everyone lived one hundred years...In our time, however, people age prematurely, living only fifty years.  Is it due to a change in the environment, or is it because people have lost the correct way of life?"

Qi Bo replied, "In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life.  They understood the principle of balance, of yin and yang, as represented by the transformation of the energies of the universe.  Thus, they formulated practices such as Dao-in, an exercise combining stretching, massaging, and breathing to promote energy flow, and meditation to help maintain and harmonize themselves with the universe.  They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided overstressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds.  They maintained well-being of body and mind; thus, it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years.

These days, people have changed their way of life.  They drink wine as though it were water, indulge excessively in destructive activities, drain their jing-the body's essence that is stored in the kidneys and deplete their qi.  They do not know the secret of conserving their energy and vitality.  Seeking emotional excitement and momentary pleasures, people disregard the natural rhythm and order of the universe.  They fail to regulate their lifestyle and diet, and sleep improperly.  So it is not surprising that they look old at fifty and die soon after."

"In the  old days the sages treated disease by preventing illness before it began, just as a good government or emperor was able to take the necessary steps to avert war.  Treating an illness after it has begun is like suppressing a revolt after it has broken out.  If someone digs a well when thirsty, or forges weapons after becoming engaged in battle, one cannot help but ask:  Are not these actions too late?"

"From ancient times it has been recognized that there is an intimate relationship between the activity and life of human beings and their natural environment."

"In healing, one must inquire closely as to the state of the patient's elimination, differentiate the pulse patterns, and observe accurately the patient's emotional, psychological, and spiritual states and other physical manifestations.  If a patient is superstitious and does not believe in medicine, or if a patient refuses to be treated by acupuncture, or if a patient refuses any treatment, then no matter what the practitioner does, the patient will not get well.  This is evidence that healing actually comes from within."