Nourishing Life
(Yang Sheng)

What is Yang Sheng?

The concept of Nourishing Life — known as Yang Sheng (养生) — is a central principle for preventing disease, maintaining health, and promoting longevity. It is not simply about avoiding illness, but about actively cultivating harmony between body, mind, spirit, and environment. "Yang" (养) means to nourish, cultivate, or support. "Sheng" (生) means life, vitality, or growth. Together, Yang Sheng means: “to nourish life through the conscious cultivation of health and harmony.”

In TCM, disease is believed to arise from internal imbalances or disconnection from nature. Therefore, prevention begins not with treating pathology, but by preserving Zheng Qi (正气) — the upright or righteous Qi — and ensuring Yin-Yang balance. Yang Sheng focuses on:

Aligning with natural rhythms
Supporting organ function and Qi flow
Regulating emotions, diet, movement, and rest
Strengthening Wei Qi (defensive Qi) to resist external pathogens

Yang Sheng is recommended before illness: to prevent disease and maintain health; during recovery: to support convalescence and restore balance; and in chronic conditions: as a foundation for complementary care with acupuncture and herbs.

Each Yang Sheng (养生) lifestyle pillar is implemented in a TCM preventive health regime. These pillars form a comprehensive framework for maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual balance, helping to preserve Zheng Qi (upright Qi) and prevent disease. Each pillar of Yang Sheng connects to a specific TCM theory (Yin-Yang, Qi-Blood, Zang-Fu, Five Elements) and works proactively to keep the body in a state of harmony, reducing susceptibility to internal and external pathogens.

The Heart houses the Shen (神) — the spirit or consciousness. Emotional excesses disturb the Heart, Liver, and Spleen, leading to Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, or Fire.

Daily awareness of emotions and their effects on the body (e.g. anger on the Liver, worry on the Spleen). Practice calming the mind through meditation, qi Gong, nature walks, calligraphy, or artistic expression. Avoid emotional suppression or excessive stimulation

Mental-Emotional Regulation

The Spleen and Stomach are the root of postnatal Qi and Blood. Improper eating injures the Spleen → Damp, Phlegm, and Qi deficiency.

Eat according to season and constitution (e.g. warming foods in winter, lighter foods in summer). Avoid extremes: cold/raw, greasy, spicy, or processed foods. Eat at regular times, in a calm environment. Chew thoroughly, stop before full

Dietary Regulation

Sleep and Rest

Night belongs to Yin when Yang Qi should return inward. The Liver and Heart restore Blood and Shen during sleep

Sleep before 11 PM, especially during Liver time (11 PM–3 AM). Wake with the sun, especially in spring/summer. Limit screens, stimulants, and work in the evening

Movement ensures free flow of Qi and Blood, preventing stagnation. Overactivity or inactivity disturbs Liver, Spleen, and Kidney function.

Daily gentle movement (e.g. Tai Chi, walking, Qi Gong). Avoid excessive sweating or high-intensity training if Qi or Yin is weak. Exercise in alignment with seasons more active in spring/summer, more restful in autumn/winter

Moderate Exercise and Qi Circulation

Sexual activity directly affects the Kidney Jing (Essence), the foundation of vitality and reproduction.

Avoid excessive ejaculation (especially in men) → depletes Jing. Sexual activity should match age, constitution, and season. Conserve Jing in Yin or Yang deficient individuals

Sexual Regulation

Humans are governed by the same Yin-Yang and Five Element cycles as the natural world. Each season affects a different organ system, and climatic factor (Wind, Heat, Damp, Dry, Cold).

Seasonal Adaptation

Breath and Qi Regulation

The Lung governs Qi and breath and is the "tender organ" that links exterior to interior. Conscious breath supports Qi regulation and emotional stability.

Practice deep abdominal breathing.
Use breath awareness during stress, sleep preparation, or physical exercise.

Include breathing techniques in Qi Gong or meditation

Health is not only physical — it depends on living in harmony with Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Ethical behaviour and spiritual peace anchor the Shen and regulate Qi.

Practice honesty, compassion, self-discipline.
Reflect on purpose, values, and connection to nature.

Nourishing Life (Yang Sheng)