mental Health Foremost
　　There is an ancient Chinese saying, “Longevity goes hand-inhand with moral cultivation.” Traditional Chinese medicine lays great store by moral cultivation, as it relates to mental health. The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine states, “When a person is indifferent to fame and benefits, genuine qi (vital energy) ensues. When he keeps a sound mind, how can pathological factors invade him?”
　　


　　Healthy Diet
　　A rational diet is the main path to sustained good health. It should be adjusted according to a person’s physical makeup as regards nutritional variety, combinations, quantities, eating habits and cooking methods, and harmful ingredients should be avoided. Auxiliary ingredients generally used in Chinese cooking, such as ginger, garlic, cassia bark and spices, are also elements of traditional Chinese medicine.
　　


　　physical Exercise
　　Since ancient times, Chinese people have been aware of the importance of physical exercise, which combined with breathing exercises and meditation promotes circulation of the blood and of qi, and hence maintains health. Such exercises include Wuqinxi, the so-called five animals play that mimics the movements of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey and bird; Baduanjin, the eight-section qigong exercises; Yijinjing, muscle and bone strengthening exercises; and Taijiquan, or shadow boxing, and various other martial arts.
　　


　　meditation and Breathing Exercises
　　Meditation combined with breathing exercises can relieve mental strain and nourish the internal organs, bringing physical strength and longevity. Taoism and traditional martial arts are sources of extensive documentation on such methods.
　　


　　Healthy Environment
　　Retreating to a quiet place, often in the mountains, where there is brilliant sunshine, lush forest and clear waters, is traditionally considered an idyllic sojourn. We can bear this in mind when selecting sites on which to build dwellings and working environments.
　　


　　medicinal tonics
　　Traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated large quantities of tonic remedies. They include prescriptions for the elderly that invigorate qi, for women that enrich the blood, and those that nourish the internal organs. All help to cure sub-health, improve the immune system, promote physical rehabilitation, and prolong life.
　　


　　acupuncture and moxibustion
　　These methods of health preservation are unique to China. Acupuncture on certain acupoints stimulates qi circulation and promotes metabolism, resulting in good health and longevity. It is especially beneficial for patients convalescing after long illness.
　　


　　 maintaining the Life Essence through moderation
　　Essence, energy and spirit are the three treasures of humankind, and life essence is the source of human energy. People can maintain vitality through moderation, rational tonics and healthy diet.