TCM uses herbal prescriptions to strengthen constitutional weakness, prevent relapse, or support seasonal health.

Herbal Tonics and Preventive Formulas

TCM recognizes emotions as internal causes of disease. Prevention includes practices to cultivate emotional awareness, resilience, and moderation.

Emotional Regulation

These are internal martial arts and meditative movement systems that cultivate and regulate Qi, improve organ function, and calm the Shen (mind-spirit).

Qi Gong and Tai Chi

While typically used for treatment, acupuncture and moxibustion are also applied preventively, especially during seasonal transitions or when signs of imbalance arise.

Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Prevention

The foundation of TCM prevention is Yang Sheng, or “nourishing life.” This includes a broad range of practices aimed at preserving health across lifespan and adapting to seasonal, environmental, and constitutional needs

Nourishing Life

Food is considered first-line medicine in TCM. Preventive dietary strategies are tailored to a person:

Constitution
Seasonal and climatic influences
Current imbalances

Dietary Therapy

TCM Prevention

Prevention (预防 yù fáng) is a foundational concept — not merely the avoidance of illness, but the active cultivation of health, vitality, and balance. It emphasises maintaining the smooth flow of Qi, harmony of Yin and Yang, and the strength of Zheng Qi (正气, righteous or upright Qi) to resist external and internal disease factors. Prevention (预防) refers to all actions taken to:

Strengthen the body’s resistance (Zheng Qi)
Avoid or mitigate exposure to pathogenic factors
Support constitutional health (体质)
Harmonise emotional and lifestyle rhythms
Catch and correct imbalance in its earliest stage

The body’s Qi follows cyclical rhythms aligned with nature:

Spring: Liver Qi rises → encourage movement and expansion
Summer: Heart Fire expands → lighten the diet and calm the Shen
Autumn: Lung Qi contracts → protect against dryness and strengthen defense

Winter: Kidney stores → rest, warm foods, avoid depletion

Living According to Nature & the Seasons

A skilled practitioner assesses a patient's constitutional tendencies and detects pre-clinical signs of imbalance — before disease occurs.