Longevity For You

The Wisdom of Ancient Natural Healing and Health Systems

Wisdom is the ability to interpret information in order to influence one' s choices in actions that will ultimately transform the body and mind.

The wisdom of some of the ancient health and healing systems manifests the importance of well-being and the power of natural healing:

1. Hippocrates (born around 450 B.C.) was the Father of Medicine. His Greek medical system was based on moderation for a balanced lifestyle in harmony with nature for natural healing. Hippocrates once said: "A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession, and learn how to treat his illnesses by his own judgment."

2.  The Tibetan health system came under the influence of Buddha, and Tibetan monks practiced compassion and mindfulness. Tibetan medicine emphasizes virtuous conduct, a healthy diet, regular daily activity and seasonal routines to promote all-round health and natural healing. In addition, its medical system heavily relies on herbal cures for natural healing.

3. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also embraces an extensive herbal medicine. For thousands of years, Chinese doctors have believed that "qi" (internal life energy) flows throughout the body by way of channels or meridians. This internal life force is capable of continuous circulation provided there is balance between opposite forces of "yin" and "yang" which are energies of the universe. Imbalance results in stagnation or blockage of "qi", which is the cause of disease.

4. The Ayurveda system in India is the "science of life" that has been practiced for thousands of years. This medical system advocates all inclusiveness for natural healing. Essentially, any doctrinal or ideological imperative must defer to the well-being of the patient. In other words, Ayurveda not only eliminates the process of disease but also restores the health of the patient to its original physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The major difference between the wisdom of these long-standing health systems and that of modern Western medicine is that the former focuses on the prevention and natural healing, while the latter emphasizes the cure and the removal of disease symptoms There is a saying that if the only tool you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail to you. For Western doctors, their hammers are the prescription drugs. They emphasize eliminating the symptoms of disease, instead of eradicating the causes. 

For more information on Tibetan natural healing, go to: The Five Tibetan Rites.

Also, visit my web pages: Chinese Natural Healing and Zen Is the Way.

Stephen Lau

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

The Antidote to Stress

Stress is the common denominator of all diseases and illnesses.

Hans Selye was the first physician to introduce the concept of stress. Scientific studies have documented that stress can create enough pressure - physical,  chemical, emotional or electromagnetic - to cause the increase of adrenaline in the blood, elevation of blood sugar and insulin in the body to cause distress, which is the initial stage of disease. After repeated exposure to the same stressor, stress reaction no longer occurs. It is this adaptation to stress that lowers the threshold for new stresses. This vicious cycle will ultimately cause the individual to "burn out" or to snap.

The antidote to stress is its exact opposite. If you are tense, then relax through relaxation techniques, such as natural sleep, meditation techniques, aromatherapy, and color therapy. If you are pressed for time, then learn better time management. If you find yourself too focused on the self, then be mindful of others. If your heart always beats fast, then do some breathing exercises, and learn how to breathe right. 

Visit my new website on healthy living: The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Stephen Lau

About Stephen Lau

Liver Health - From the Chinese Perspective

In Chinese medicine, liver health is longevity health. The liver is responsible for promoting the smooth flow of "qi" (which is internal life energy) and "blood" throughout the body. Hence, a healthy liver is extremely important for the overall wellness of an individual.

In Chinese medicine, "qi" is the invisible energy that flows through the universe, and the human body is a microcosm of the universe. If the flow of "qi" is disrupted for any reason, virtually any of the body system will be in jeopardy.

In Chinese medicine, "blood" is quite different from that observed in Western medicine. To the Chinese, "blood" serves three major functions in the body system:

1. It nourishes the body by providing nutrients. After your food and drink are digested in you stomach, they are extracted by your spleen and transformed into blood.

2. It moistens and lubricates the body by giving it movement and flexibility.

3. It anchors the mind, making your thoughts clear and stable.

In Chinese medicine, a healthy liver regulates the amount of blood circulation. If you are active, you liver will produce and release more blood, and your blood flow will be strong and flexible. If our liver is impaired, your blood flow will be disrupted. Liver disharmony, due to liver damage, often leads to emotional disharmony, such as anger and outbursts. Emotional problems are often stress-related. People suffering from mental depression often have a weak liver constitution.

Because liver function also affects your blood, liver problems also have an adverse impact on tendons, that is, your movements and flexibility. Liver problems are manifested in your nails and your eyes. Nails are seen by the Chinese as tendons. Good liver health is indicated by strong nails, and liver problems result in pale and brittle nails. Your eyes, considered by the Chinese as "windows" of your internal health, require nourishment of your liver. A health liver gives you good vision, while liver damage results in inability to see clearly, both visually and mentally.

Eat healthy for a healthy liver. Do not damage your liver with alcohol. If you have a drinking problem, stop alcohol addiction right away. From the Chinese perspective, the liver is more than just an organ for detoxification. Asian Detox Secrets shows you how to detoxify your body the Oriental way.

For more information on Chinese health and healing, visit my web page: Chinese Health and Healing

Stephen Lau

All About Stephen Lau

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