Eight secrets to illness-free living shared by five traditional Chinese medicine masters

A wide variety of interests helps keep this group of living national treasure TCM practitioners' minds active and upbeat. For them, every day lived is enriching and full of wonder.

Centenarian Dr. Chiang, also qualified in Western medicine, speaks fluent English and Japanese. In addition to reading the obligatory domestic papers and magazines each day, he also browses through various foreign journals and publications to get fresh information from the medical profession.

The cultured and genteel Prof. Ma, habitually dressed in a long gown with an ink brush in hand, was a closet singer. He frequently practiced at home with his karaoke setup, singing both Mandarin and Taiwanese songs and looking like a real pro.

6. Writing

Writing calligraphy, diary entries, or creating poetry and paintings are all excellent ways to relax and settle the mind and maintain equanimity.

Research conducted in the U.S. found that keeping a diary can help ease mental anguish, boost the immune system, and improve one's physical condition, even preventing or mitigating depression.

The quiet and unassuming Prof. Ma was known as a “worry-free old man.” He believed that the most important element to promoting health is relaxing, avoiding anxiety, and taking it slowly. Practicing calligraphy was the ideal way for him to cultivate his mind.

7. Tranquil Mind

One study conducted in the U.S. of 100 centenarians found that faith outweighed diet and exercise as the key factor in longevity.

Entering Prof. Ma's home, a life-sized image of a Guanyin Bodhisattva prominent in the living room was his anchor of tranquility.

Dr. Wu, on the other hand, is a devout Christian who attends church services every Sunday. Whenever he encounters difficulty in his medical practice or feels distressed, he clasps his hands together and prays.

8. Drink More Tea

Rich with numerous antioxidants, tea has long been known for its healthful properties. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, tea is a diuretic, not only detoxifying, but can engender liquid and is thirst quenching. Furthermore, it is heat-clearing and can awaken and steady the mind, making it ideal for people who habitually strain their minds and eyes.

However, care must be taken as follows:

*Water temperature 80℃: Water that is too hot will destroy the active ingredients in the tea.

*Control steeping time: The tea leaves should be scooped out after steeping and must not be left for longer than eight hours, after which time they produce excessive tannin, which can harm the intestinal walls.

*Avoid strong tea after a meal: The digestive action (peristalsis) of the stomach is slowed by the interaction of the tannin contained in tea and the protein contained in food, thus impeding proper digestion.

Translated from CommonWealth Magazine by David Toman

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