Health preservation through labor

The Importance of labor health preservation Labor health preservation refers to the use of labor as a means to enhance physical health and prolong life. Labor is one of the important means to maintain health and live a long life. Throughout the history of human development, labor has been closely related to human survival and development. It is a prerequisite for human survival and has also promoted human understanding of nature, enhanced wisdom, facilitated brain development, strengthened the human body and soul, prolonged human lifespan, and made humans the most intelligent of all creatures. To this day, labor remains the primary need of human life, an important means for human survival and development, and the source of physical and moral health. The principle of health preservation through labor (1) Be diligent in labor and persevere: The "Record of Nourishing Nature and Prolonging Life" states: "If the human body desires labor, it is like a pivot; it will never die." " In the "Secret Essentials of Cultivation" written by Wang CAI Chuan of the Ming Dynasty, there is a section called "The True Man's Inscription on Health Preservation", and the first sentence reads: "If one desires to exert oneself physically, all diseases cannot be cured." If the four body parts are always active, the qi and blood of the five internal organs will be vigorous, the muscles will be full and firm, the joints will move flexibly, and the meridians will be unobstructed. Therefore, the movements will be agile and the reactions will be quick. This is a manifestation of the healthy physiological functions of the body. Physical labor has the effects of exercising the body, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, stretching muscles and bones, and regulating the spirit. Therefore, people who work frequently, due to their certain activity levels, increase the oxygen demand of their muscles, prevent or slow down the physiological atrophy time of muscles, delay muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and movement failure, thereby making their muscles well-developed and powerful, their joints flexible in movement, improving heart and lung functions, enhancing and activating life functions, and laying a good foundation for health and longevity. (2) It is advisable to do small labor frequently: Labor also depends on an individual's physical condition. Most elderly and weak people have weakened qi and blood. If they do physical labor like ordinary people, they often feel exhausted. However, they can often do some labor within their capabilities, such as wiping the dust and sweeping the floor every day, tidying up the indoor environment, or raising fish, growing flowers, watering, weeding, fertilizing, going up and down stairs, etc. These are all good ways to exercise the body. They not only exercise the body but also benefit life. It can also enhance the elderly's interest in life. If one can persist every day and do it regularly, life will be fulfilling and rhythmic. Of course, one should control the amount of activity to the extent that they do not feel tired. They should not force themselves to cope or take it as a burden. They should work when they are in a good mood. If they feel slightly tired, they need to take a break immediately; otherwise, it is not good for health preservation. (3) It is important to balance work and rest: If the human body engages in moderate activities regularly but not excessively, it can have a health-preserving effect. Excessive consumption can easily deplete one's vital energy. Not only does it fail to achieve the goal of improving health, but it is also harmful. The Baopuzi states: "Health preservation should be based on not harming the body's vital energy." Labor should also be carried out within one's capacity, with a balance between tension and relaxation, and a proper combination of work and rest. One must not force oneself too hard. When the external environmental conditions are harsh, it is advisable to temporarily avoid them. After long hours of labor, one should take appropriate breaks; otherwise, their working ability will gradually decline, leading to uncoordinated movements and a lack of energy. Some labor is restricted by conditions, and the body needs to maintain a certain position or be confined to a fixed posture, repeating a single action. Sitting for long periods during labor can cause poor blood circulation. Standing for long periods during labor can cause prolonged tension in the lower limbs and the muscles of the waist and back. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently change body positions to help the body ease the fatigue and tension. Adequate rest and relaxation can not only restore physical strength but also enhance work efficiency.