Wudang Natural Health Preservation Exercises (Health Preservation in Four Seasons)

The Yellow Emperor said: In ancient times, true men could control the universe, grasp Yin and Yang, breathe essence and qi, stand alone and keep their spirits, and have their muscles as one. Therefore, they could live long in the universe without end. This is the birth of their way. In the Middle Ages, there were sages who had pure virtues and a complete path, harmonizing Yin and Yang, and regulating the four seasons (that is, following the four seasons and regulating the four qi to naturally maintain health). They left the mundane world, accumulated their essence and spirit, traveled through the universe, and could see and hear beyond the eight directions. This was to prolong their lifespan and make them strong (that is, those who secluded themselves in quiet places to cultivate the three treasures of essence, qi, spirit and human body). However, when one cultivates the qi, the essence is abundant and the qi is sufficient; when one cultivates the qi and the spirit, the qi is abundant and the spirit is clear, and the spirit is full and vigorous, extraordinary powers and abilities can occur. Even in the long lifetimes, when one has the age of a pine and the longevity of a crane, this also belongs to the true person. Secondly, there are sages who are in harmony with heaven and earth, follow the principles of the eight directions, adapt to their own desires, have no anger or resentment in the mundane world, do not wish to depart from the world in their actions, do not wish to observe the mundane in their deeds, do not overwork their bodies externally, and have no mental troubles internally. They always take pleasure and satisfaction as their mission and self-satisfaction as their achievement. Their bodies and spirits are not scattered, and they can also live a long life. "Human" It is born from the intersection of heaven and earth, formed by the transformation of Yin and Yang, and comes to an end when the spirit is exhausted. Moreover, qi is born from essence, and spirit is born from qi. Therefore, essence and qi are in the spirit and are the masters of a person's life, death, success or failure. They are called the Three Treasures of the human body. From ancient times to the present, there have been countless people who have comprehended the mysteries of the universe, broken through the secrets of heaven, and left behind cultivation methods for the world. However, among all the methods, nothing is more important than cultivating the three treasures of essence, energy, spirit and human body. The natural health preservation method is one of the ancient health preservation exercises. It is based on the natural changes of the four seasons and four qi in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and conducts cultivation and training such as generation (tonification), development (exercise), contraction (rest), and storage (nourishment). It is a health preservation exercise that follows the natural order to cultivate the three treasures of the human body - essence, energy and spirit. It is a treasure of Taoist culture and also a stepping stone for those who enter the Taoist path. In the third month of spring, it is called the period of growth and renewal. At this time, both heaven and earth are in harmony and all things thrive. One should go to bed at night and get up early, walk widely in the fields, and eat regularly to nourish oneself without causing harm. Nourishment leads to growth, and growth leads to death. This is the response to the spring energy and the way of health preservation. If one goes against it, the young Yang energy will not grow, the liver energy will change internally, and the liver will be harmed. In summer, it is cold transformation, and there will be fewer people to absorb. Note: The three months of spring are the season when all things come back to life. The vitality between heaven and earth is activated, and all plants thrive. At this time, people should follow the rising energy of these three months of spring, go to bed late and get up early, take a walk in the courtyard or in the vast fields, relax their bodies, so that their minds can be relaxed and lively along with the rising energy of spring. In terms of diet, it is often necessary to supplement nutrients to promote the growth of Yang energy. Nourish the south without depleting it, and give birth without causing harm. This is the way to adapt to the spring of nourishment. If a person goes against the way of nurturing in spring, the Shaoyang qi cannot be generated, which will cause the liver qi to be internally depressed and lead to illness. In summer, they will suffer from cold-induced diseases because the foundation for nurturing in spring is poor, and the material basis for growth in summer is also poor. In the third month of summer, it is called "fragrant and beautiful". The energy of heaven and earth is in harmony, all things are flourishing and full of vitality. People go to bed at night and get up early, never tiring of the day. Eating well and having a light diet, and releasing the emotions through events, can help Hua Ying and Yang Xiu to have no anger in their hearts. This is the response to the summer qi and the way to nourish. If it goes against the trend, the sun will not grow long, the heart qi will be blocked internally, which will harm the heart. In autumn, there will be malaria, and few people will be absorbed. In winter, serious diseases will occur. Note The three months of summer are a season when grass and trees thrive and become beautiful. During this period, the Yin and Yang energies of heaven and earth interact, and every plant blossoms and bears fruit. People are also full of energy. At this time, people should go to bed late and get up early, have a light and full diet, not be tired of the long days, work hard (or practice martial arts), and use exercise to release their qi, making their muscles and bones strong and free from anger. This is the way to adapt to the growth of summer. If one goes against the energy of summer, then the energy of the sun cannot grow, and the heart energy will be hollow, causing changes and harming the heart. In autumn, one may get malaria. Because the foundation for growth in summer is poor, the ability to supply autumn for contraction will also be poor. In the third month of autumn, it is said to be peaceful and calm. The weather is rapid and the earth's energy is clear. One should go to bed early and get up early, rising with the rooster. A warm and nourishing diet helps to keep the autumn energy calm and free from external desires, and to clear the lung energy. This is the response to the autumn energy and the way of nourishing and conserving. Nourish the spirit and energy to prepare for the cold of winter. When the excessive Yin does not converge, the lung qi becomes overly hot and full. It harms the lungs. In winter, it is eaten on 绁, and few are served. Note: Autumn is the season when plants naturally ripen. The golden wind is approaching, and the weather is tough. The summer heat has passed, and the earth's energy is clear and bright. In this season, one should rise when the rooster crows and go to sleep when it gets dark. One should maintain a stable will, keep the spirit within, and not be in a hurry or impatient, so that the desolate and bleak atmosphere of autumn can be calmed down. The way to adapt to autumn is to keep the lung qi even. If one goes against the way of autumn, the Yin qi cannot be restrained, which will cause the lung qi to become restless and depressed, leading to illness. Once the lungs are damaged, in winter, there will be indigestion and diarrhea. Because the foundation for adoption in autumn is poor, the ability to supply the hidden energy in winter is also weak. In the three months of winter, it is called the period of seclusion and storage. In the cold and freezing weather, the Yang energy is subdued. When going to bed early and getting up late, one must wait for the sunlight. Do not suppress the Yang energy or let the skin escape. One should avoid cold and seek warmth, and nourish with warmth. The response of winter. It is the way of nurturing and storing. When reversed, the lesser Yin is not stored, and the kidney qi sinks alone. In spring, there is atrophy and fainting, and few people are born. Note: The three months of winter are the season when all living things are in hibernation and hiding, and water freezes. When the ground cracks due to freezing, people should not stir up the Yang energy. One should go to bed early and get up late (get up after sunrise and go to bed at sunset), keeping the will in a state of both concealment and storage. One should also have a nourishing diet, avoid cold and seek warmth, and prevent the skin from sweating. This way, the Yang energy can be stored without being released. This is the way of nourishing and storing suitable for winter. If it goes against the energy of winter, then the lesser Yin energy cannot be hidden, which will cause the kidney energy to decline and its function to deteriorate. When spring comes, one will suffer from atrophy and fainting. Because the foundation of winter storage is poor, the ability to supply spring health preservation is also poor. The Yin and Yang of the four seasons are the foundation of all things. Yes, the sage nourishes Yang in spring and summer and Yin in autumn and winter to follow the root. All things rise and fall at the gate of growth. To go against their roots is to cut off their essence and destroy their true nature. Therefore, Yin and Yang, the four seasons, are also the beginning and end of all things and the root of life and death. Going against them will bring about disasters, and following them will prevent severe diseases from arising. This is what is called the Dao. Therefore, the sage does not treat existing diseases but treats diseases before they occur, nor does he control personal chaos but treats chaos before it occurs. This is what is meant by this. When a disease has already developed, one should only take medicine; when one's own disorder has already occurred, one should only treat it. It's like going through a well when thirsty or forging an awl when fighting. Isn't that too late? Those seeking should be cautious.