Tao Wellness
Live Longer and Stay Younger
Tao wellness advocates living that flows with the rhythm of nature.
It covers issues including tao longevity and tao health.
For thousands of years, books on Tao especially Lao Tzu has been used as manuals for understanding the relationship between tao and longevity and the tao of health.
The principles is summed up very nicely by a fable of Chuang Tzu -- another notable Tao scholar. It offers much food for thought. Here it goes:
remarkably young, with a pinkish complexion of a child. “What is your secret for keeping your youth,” she was asked.
“This is because I know Tao,” said the old lady. According to her, one has to go through seven steps, In order to live longer and stay young.
Step 1: “When I am steadfast to Tao, three days later, I stay out of the world (外天下); oblivious to the happenings around me！”
Step 2: “Seven days later, I stay out of things (外物), and I’m burdened by worldly possessions no more.”
Step 3: “Nine days later, I stay out of life (外生). I live simply and enjoy the present, not bothered by life and death!”
Step 4: “Then, I perceive the light of dawn (朝彻). Clear of clutters, I feel my mind is as if a room brightened up with the light of dawn.”
Step 5: “Then I see the oneness (见独). I see the single principle that governs the whole universe, making me clairvoyant.”
Step 6: “Then I stay out of past and present (无古今). I am timeless.”
Step 7: “Then I see no life and no death (不生不死).”
The story reflects the philosophy of Tao wellness.
According to Lao Tzu, healthy living is very much a process of elimination.
Eliminate disturbances that upset the balance of life; among them, stress, anxiety, self-doubt and distrust. They are silent killers of the modern world.
Live a simple, contented, carefree and sanguine life. Like that of the grande dame. You are likely to be healthier and happier.
Tao Wellness Activities
Based on the principles of Tao wellness, to stay healthy, you cannot just work on the body alone. You will have to integrate the three treasures of life into one, which include ‘jing’ (精) or essence, “qi” (气) or energy and “shen” (神) or spirit.
‘Jing’ (精) or essence is the origin of life. It refers to our body, especially the internal organs like liver and heart. To stay healthy, and to live a long life, in addition to taking care of your body, you must nurture the “qi” (气) or energy and “shen” (神) or spirit.
Qi is is more than the air that we breathe in. It is the vital energy that flows around our body, which ensures proper functions of the body organs. When you cut your skin, you bleed and see your blood, but you can never see qi. Although qi cannot be seen, it can be felt, and becomes obvious when you are doing exercises like tai chi and qigong – which are meant to regulate the qi energy anyway.
Shen, or spirit, on the other hand, is the manifestation of life. It is our thoughts, emotion and desire that affect the flows of qi in our body and functions of our internal organs. If you are cheerful and optimistic, you generate positive qi and better function of our body. This ultimately leads to better health.
The Tao health exercises, including meditation, qigong and tai chi, all work on the three treasures to help us stay healthy. You don’t have to do these exercises, but knowing the principles behind would help you to appreciate Tao’s approach to health, and perhaps also offer you useful tips to make you health activities more rewarding.
Stress Management
You may want to consider applying the tao of health to stress management, and building stress relief into your daily routine. Not only does it help you with the relaxation, it also brings you closer to the center of your life. Click here to read more about natural stress relief
Meditation
While Tao meditation appears to be nothing but sitting still; underlying the tranquility is hustle and bustle of activities; from regulation of chi energy and cleansing of body system to boosting of vitality. Over the years, I have learned that the most effective Tao meditation is one that takes the least efforts. Click here to read more about meditation and tao wellness.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, also known as taij,tai chi chuan or taijiquan, is an ancient form of martial art based on Tao, practiced today more as a meditative exercise. It may be seen as a yoga and meditation combined, and is a very useful exercise for tao wellness.
Click here to read more about tai chi.
Qigong
Qigong, also translated as chi gong, qi gong, chi kung; regulates the chi energy to boost vitality in our body; and maintains the yin-yang balance which is critical to our health. Click here to read more about qigong.
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