Modern Science Proves Ancient Daoism Correct:
Eating Less Prolongs Life
Translator’s Note: Daoism is an elaborate and diverse system of traditional Chinese developmental thought. As an elaborate body of knowledge evolved over thousands of years, both philosophical Daoism (道家 – Dao Jia) and spiritual Daoism (道教 – Dao Jiao) embrace the entire range of human endeavour, from the belief in gods, spirits and various superstitions, to complex and highly logical systems of medicinal knowledge and meditation-led psycho-physical development. The first part of this text is an English translation of a scientific article from China covering the apparent link between a reduced diet and the ability to live longer, whilst the second part is a summation of Daoist techniques as compiled by the very famous Daoist Immortal ‘Li Daochun’ (李道纯) who lived during the late Southern Song and early Yuan Dynasties.
ACW 24.5.2016
Scientists have demonstrated a link between eating less and living longer. This research focused upon the restriction of food intake in monkeys, and the results suggest that there is a correlation between an optimum reduction in calorific intake, and the prolonging of life expectancy. This experiment involved the observation of 100 monkeys who were allowed to eat normally, and another 100 monkeys who were restricted to around 70% to 80% of their normal calorific intake. Over a 10 year time-span, 50 of the monkeys who ate their normal diet, died. However, the monkeys on the restricted diet looked slim and healthy, and rarely developed illnesses or diseases. In a 10 year comparative time period, only 12 of the restricted diet monkeys died.
The scientific reasons why dieting extends life expectancy is as follows:
1) Eating less food reduces the burden upon the stomach. Excessive intake of protein and fat into the body, overly burdens the digestive system, and this leads to indigestion. This creates a slow digestive system, whereby undigested and partially digested food remains in the stomach for too long a time, allowing the build-up of toxins and carcinogens. This does not only cause the development of intestinal diseases, but also leads to these toxins and carcinogens being absorbed through the intestinal lining into the blood system, where the heart, brain and nervous system are subject to attack – causing damage and aging.
2) Eating too much food causes metabolic disorders in the brain. Research has shown that when too much food is eaten, this stimulates the rapid growth of harmful (collagen producing) fibroblast cells in the brain, when compared to the effect on the brain of a reduced diet. This creates (fatty) adipocyte cells and increases capillary endothelial cells (that thicken the inner lining of blood vessels), which can lead to the development of cerebral arteriosclerosis, through which the cerebral cortex suffers from an insufficient supply of oxygen. This causes the atrophy of brain cells and the loss of brain function. This often leads to dementia and a shortened life-span.
3) Eating too much food causes cell damage and premature aging. When more food is eaten, more oxygen is needed to fuel the digestion process. An increase of 2% in oxygen intake (for digestive purposes) can create the conditions for the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (i.e. ‘free radicals’). Oxygen can be an extremely reactive substance, harmful to the human body, which can cause cell damage, hardening of the arteries, illness, aging and even death. The greater the energy intake of the body, the more reactive oxygen species are produced, which shorten the human life-span.
4) The long-term eating of too much food makes people fat, causing arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other diseases.
In fact, in ancient China, there was often a discussion about the issue of diet in relation to longevity. The ancient sages devised the diet of ‘Avoiding Grain to Prolong Life’ (辟谷养生 – Bi Gu Yang Sheng). Today, in modern China, living standards are far better than in the past, but this has caused a health problem. Not only is there now fine rice flour to eat, wine to drink and ample meat and fish, but middle-aged people who have spent their lives pursuing a career (and have gotten a pot-belly and neglected their health during the good times) are getting ill and dying whilst still young. These people do not realise that an extravagant lifestyle leads to poor health and the development of many different illnesses.
China’s Ancient Daoist Health and Longevity Cultivation Methods:
According to information compiled by Li Daochun (李道纯) during the Yuan Dynasty, there were over 3000 methods of Daoist health and longevity self-cultivation exercises in existence, but only about 200 had been written down in Daoist books. All these methods and exercises can be summed-up and placed into ten broad categories:
1) This includes ‘guiding and pulling’ (导引 – Dao Yin) and ‘pressing and rubbing’ (按摩 – An Mo) exercises, designed to develop dynamic power by strengthening the body and enhancing fitness. Together with Dao Yin and Anmo practises are the methods of ‘Acupuncture’ (点穴术 – Dian Xue Shu), ‘Knock Teeth Law’ (叩齿法 – Kou Chi Fa), ‘Generate and Swallow Saliva Law’ (鼓漱咽津法 – Gu Shu Yan Jin Fa), ‘Beat the Divine-Sky Drum Law’ (鸣天鼓 – Ming Tian Gu), ‘Dry-Combing the Hair’ (干梳头 - Gan Shu Tou), ‘Dry Face Wash’ (干洗脸 – Gan Xi Lian), ‘Focus on Rubbing Ears’ (揉耳运目 – Rou Er Yun Mu), ‘Immortal Crane Touches Water’ (仙鹤点水 – Xian He Dian Shui), ‘Rub Soles of Feet’, (擦脚心 – Ca Jiao Xin), ‘External Kidney (i.e. ‘Testis’) Scrotum (Massage)’ (兜外肾 – Dou Wai Shen), ‘Self-Initiated Training’ (自发动 – Zi Fa Dong), ‘Whole-Body Tapping’ (周身拍打 – Zhou Shen Pai Da), and other similar activities. Many people shake the limbs as a method to circulate qi (气) energy, whilst focusing the mind’s attention on performing the movements correctly. This involves series of movements which serve as self-cultivation methods.
2) This category involves the practice of refined breathing exercise designed to regulate qi energy flow as a method of self-cultivation. Correct and enhanced breathing techniques strengthen and extend ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing), boosts qi (气) energy presence and flow, and invigorates ‘empty spirit’ (神 – Shen) so as to arrest the aging process and prolong life expectancy. This builds the ‘inner potential’ (内气 – Nei Qi) of a practitioner so that humanity can be selflessly assisted as a result, through altruistic actions. Qi energy can be gathered through ‘Eating Qi’ (食气 – Chi Qi), ‘Stopping Qi Leakage’ (闭气 – Bi Qi), ‘Refining Qi’ (炼气 – Lian Qi), ‘Expanding Qi’ (布气 – Bu Qi) – also known as ‘Emitting Qi’ (发气 – Fa Qi) – ‘Fetal Breathing’ (胎息 – Tai Xi), ‘Regulating the Breath’ (调息 – Diao Xi), ‘Six Character Formula’ (六字诀 – Liu Zi Jue) and so on. These practices can be broadly described as forming four sub-categories such as ‘External Qi’ (外气 – Wai Qi), ‘Swallowing Essential Qi’ (吞咽元气 – Tun Yan Yuan Qi), ‘Focusing the Mind’ (存思服气 - Cun Si Fu Qi) and ‘Internal Qi’ (内气 – Nei Qi).
3) Within spiritual Daoism the mind (and ‘intention’ [意 – Yi]) can be focused in three ways, but these can be summed-up through the self-cultivation method of ‘Stilling the Mind’ (静功 – Jing Gong). ‘Circulating Qi’ (行气 – Xing Qi), is a practice driven by the correct use of the breathing mechanism, and the appropriate focus (and discipline of the mind) in a method referred to as ‘Cultivating the Intention and Understanding Law’ (意念修炼法 – Yi Nian Xiu Lian Fa) – with the discipline of the mind being paramount, qi circulation is strengthened and circulated. However, just as there can be no river without water, controlling the mind and increasing qi flow may seem different and unconnected facets, but in reality the mind function complements the qi flow (around the body), and qi flow around the body complements the enhanced functionality of the mind. The essence of the ancient method of ‘Energy Centre Self-Cultivation’ (内丹 – Nei Dan) lies in the fact that a calm and directed mind creates the conditions in the body for the enhanced circulation of qi energy. The mind is calmed by focusing attention upon the breathing mechanism, which is then deepened and strengthened, thus improving and magnifying the intake of air and qi energy into the body, and boosting the over-all qi circulation. The use of the mind, breath and body-posture in this manner is a well-known historical self-cultivation technique in China.
4) Nei dan as a ‘Cosmic Circulation’ (周天 – Zhou Tian) category, refers to the ‘Prenatal’ (先天 – Xian Tian) cultivation of ‘Essential Nature’ (jing), ‘Vital Force’ (qi), and ‘Empty Spirit’ (Shen) as a form of self-developmental ‘Medicine’ (药物 – Yao Wu). This is achieved within the body by refining the (three) energy fields or centres of self-cultivation. Within spiritual Daoism there are many authoritative methods (法 – Fa), but ‘nei dan’ (or ‘Inner Alchemy’) is generally referred to as the most exquisite of practises, because it is the most profound and well-developed of all Daoist self-developmental techniques. This is why nei dan is considered the essence of qigong (气功).
5) The practice of ‘Avoiding Grains’ (辟谷 – Bi Gu) falls within the category of abstaining from eating food, or particular types of food. Bi Gu is also known as ‘Declining Grains’ (却谷 – Que Gu), ‘Cutting-off Grains’ (休粮 – Xiu Liang), ‘Abstaining from Grains’ (绝粒 – Jue Li), and ‘Breaking with Grains’ (断谷 – Duan Gu), and so on. This is a practice over-time that develops the inner body. In fact this can be practised over a long period of time, and involves not eating vegetables, grains, or cooked food. Within traditional Chinese practice, the Bigu method is used to build robust health and prolong life expectancy. In this technique food is reduced, but not completely cut-off.
6) This is the category of taking in or imbuing nourishment such as that found in Jujube, Lingzhi (灵芝), Linseed, Wu Jia Pi (五加皮), Fuling (茯苓), Chinese Wolfberry, Rosin, Schisandra Chinensis, Ginseng, Radix Rehmanniae Exsiccata, and many other similar compounds that build and preserve health.
7) Sexual Exercises for Robust Health and Longevity (房中养生 – Fang Zhong Yang Sheng).
8) This is the category of the art of daily living, which includes self-cultivation techniques for building robust health and longevity - preserved within the philosophical school of Daoism. These exercises are centred around nei dan practice, and include the ‘Circulation of Qi Energy’, ‘Clearing Perceiving the Mind’ (存思 – Cun Si), ‘Diet’ (服饵 – Fu Er), ‘Bedroom (Sexual) Arts’ (房中 – Fang Zhong), ‘Stretching and Leading’ (导引 – Dao Yin), and other external arts. Also included are training regimens that include nourishing life through training the mind and body in the realising of the Dao (道). This includes meditation practice whilst standing, sitting and lying down. There are instructions for food and drink, as well as spoken language, and mood, as well as many other methods. This really is an impressive and all-encompassing body of profound Daoist knowledge to assist in the quest for Immortality. Included are ‘Four Seasons Recuperation Law’ (四时调养法 – Si Shi Tiao Yang Fa), ‘Gathering and Harmonising the Activity of the Mind Law’ (情绪调摄法 – Qing Xiu Tiao She Fa), ‘Dietary Recuperation Law’ (饮食调养法 – Yin Shi Tiao Yang Fa), and ‘Daily Life Recuperation Law’ (起居调养法 – Qi Ju Tiao Yang Fa).
9) Fragrant Soup Bath (香汤沐浴 – Xiang Tang Mu Yu) category.
10) Finger Gesture Spells and Charms (指印符咒 - Zhi Yin Fu Zhou). This is where philosophical Daoism and Tantric (密宗 – Mi Zong) Buddhism share the same practice. Different positions of the hands and fingers signify the generation of specific spells and charms. Generally these gestures are considered ‘secret formula’ (诀 – Jue), or ‘Secret Hand Formula’ (手诀 – Shou Jue). These Daoist hand positions are also known as ‘Gathering the Fingers Together Formula’ (掐诀 – Qia Jue), and there are dozens of variations. These formulas have the same function as those found within Tantric Buddhism (but the shapes and meanings are different). Within spiritual Daoism, the finger gesture formulas are known as ‘invocations’ (祝 – Zhu) or ‘charms’ (咒 – Zhou). There are three categories of accompanying chanting: a) Rhyming verse, b) Non-rhyming verse, and c) Mantras borrowed from Buddhism.
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2016.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4ecc95450100f46l.html
科学证明少吃什么能长寿
科学证明少吃什么能长寿 科学家通过对猴子限食的试验证明了适量节食能长寿。让100只猴子随它吃饱,另外100只猴子只吃七八分饱,定量供应。结果,随它吃饱的100只猴子过一段时间死了50只,另外只吃七八分饱的猴子长得既苗条又健康,还很少生病,10年养下来才死12只。
少吃点为什么能长寿,科学家分析有以下原因:
一、少吃点能减轻肠胃负担。人体过多摄取蛋白质和脂肪,使消化系统负担过重,易导致消化不良。这样,未被消化的食物长时间滞留在肠道内,会产生许多毒素和致癌物质。这些毒素和致癌物质不但易使人患肠道疾病,还会被肠道吸收,透过心脑屏障,损害中枢神经系统,使人衰老。
二、饱食使大脑代谢紊乱。科学研究证明,饱食后,大脑中有一种叫“纤维芽细胞”生长因子会比不饱食时增长数万倍,而这种生长因子会使脂肪细胞和毛细血管内皮细胞增大,促使脑动脉硬化,脑皮质血氧供应不足,脑组织萎缩和脑功能退化,最终出现痴呆而缩短人的寿命。
三、饱食损伤细胞,使人早衰。人们呼吸时吸收的氧,有2%被氧化酶催化形成活性氧(自由基),活性氧是对人体极其有害的物质,能导致细胞损伤,动脉血管硬化,引发疾病、衰老,甚至死亡。而人体摄入的能量越大,产生的活性氧就越多,人老化的程度也就越快。而少吃点可以减少活性氧的产生,使细胞免受其害,从而延缓衰老。
四、长期饱食会使人肥胖,引起动脉硬化、冠心病、糖尿病、癌症等一系列疾病。
实际上,在我国古代便有节食能长寿的论述。为了长寿,古人还创造了“辟谷养生”的学说,“辟谷”即节食。现在的生活水平远比古人高多了,不但有细米白面吃,还有大鱼大肉吃,尤其是中年朋友,事业有成,更有一些人当了单位领导、企业干部,今天参观检查,明日迎来送往,餐餐山珍,顿顿海味,吃得红光满面,吃得大腹便便,殊不知美酒佳肴的后面便是疾病、短寿。
资料:中国古代道家的养生修练方法
据元代李道纯的统计,当时流传的养生修炼方法有三千余种,而道书上记载的大约只有二百种,归纳起来,大致可分为十大类。
1、导引按摩类 这一类功法是以健身强体为目的的动功,包括导引术、按摩术、点穴术、叩齿法、鼓漱咽津法、鸣天鼓、干梳头、干洗脸、揉耳运目、仙鹤点水、擦脚心、兜外肾、自发动、周身拍打等等。多以动摇肢体为门径,与服气、存思配合,组成系列功法。
2、吐纳行气类 这类功法是以调炼呼吸为门径,达到精满、气足、神旺的延年益寿效果,并能发放内气利他济人。这类方法包括采气、食气、闭气、炼气、布气(发气)、胎息、调息、六字诀等。大体可归为服食外气、吞咽元气、存思服气、调动内气等四种。
3、意念修炼类 道教三大类功法足以概括我国气功中的一切静功,其中“行气”以呼吸修炼为主,“意念修炼法”以意念修炼为主;然而两者却又不是河水不犯井水,泾渭分明,而是你中有我,我中有你,相辅相成。“行气”功法常须借助意念活动进行配合,而“意念修炼法”也少不了呼吸的参与,只不过是各有专攻,侧重不同罢了。而“内丹”之术则综合“呼吸”、“意念”,嫁接孕育,另展奇姿,从而成为我国气功中的千古绝招。
4、内丹周天类 这是指以自身先天精气神为“药物”,而在体内炼“丹”的系统修炼方法。在道教修炼诸法中,内丹的理论最称精湛,方法最为周密成熟,堪称道教气功的代表、精髓。
5、辟谷断食类 辟谷亦称“却谷”、“休粮”、“绝粒”、“断谷”等,即在一段时间内,乃至长期不食蔬谷和烟火食。中国传统辟谷养生法是限食而非断食。
6、滋补服食类 比如适量的服食大枣、灵芝、胡麻、五加皮、茯苓、枸杞、松脂、五味子、人参、干地黄等对人均有滋补作用。
7、房中养生类
8、起居摄生类 道家养生修炼之术,除内丹、行气、存思、服饵、房中、导引等法之外,还包括心身两方面的养生之道,涉及行止坐卧、生活起居、饮食、语言、情绪等方面的杂修之法,这就是起居摄生类修炼法,可谓博大精深,网罗无遗。它包括四时调养法、情绪调摄法、饮食调养法、起居调养法等。
9、香汤沐浴类
10、指印符咒类 道教和佛教密宗一样,也有手印、咒语。道教的手印称“诀”、“手诀”,手指做成诀的姿势叫“掐诀”。诀的种类有数十种,其作用与佛教的手印相同,但手指配合之法则相异。道教的咒语,称为“祝”或“咒”。大约有三种形式:第一种是韵文,第二种是无韵的短语,第三种取自佛教咒语。
ACW 24.5.2016
Scientists have demonstrated a link between eating less and living longer. This research focused upon the restriction of food intake in monkeys, and the results suggest that there is a correlation between an optimum reduction in calorific intake, and the prolonging of life expectancy. This experiment involved the observation of 100 monkeys who were allowed to eat normally, and another 100 monkeys who were restricted to around 70% to 80% of their normal calorific intake. Over a 10 year time-span, 50 of the monkeys who ate their normal diet, died. However, the monkeys on the restricted diet looked slim and healthy, and rarely developed illnesses or diseases. In a 10 year comparative time period, only 12 of the restricted diet monkeys died.
The scientific reasons why dieting extends life expectancy is as follows:
1) Eating less food reduces the burden upon the stomach. Excessive intake of protein and fat into the body, overly burdens the digestive system, and this leads to indigestion. This creates a slow digestive system, whereby undigested and partially digested food remains in the stomach for too long a time, allowing the build-up of toxins and carcinogens. This does not only cause the development of intestinal diseases, but also leads to these toxins and carcinogens being absorbed through the intestinal lining into the blood system, where the heart, brain and nervous system are subject to attack – causing damage and aging.
2) Eating too much food causes metabolic disorders in the brain. Research has shown that when too much food is eaten, this stimulates the rapid growth of harmful (collagen producing) fibroblast cells in the brain, when compared to the effect on the brain of a reduced diet. This creates (fatty) adipocyte cells and increases capillary endothelial cells (that thicken the inner lining of blood vessels), which can lead to the development of cerebral arteriosclerosis, through which the cerebral cortex suffers from an insufficient supply of oxygen. This causes the atrophy of brain cells and the loss of brain function. This often leads to dementia and a shortened life-span.
3) Eating too much food causes cell damage and premature aging. When more food is eaten, more oxygen is needed to fuel the digestion process. An increase of 2% in oxygen intake (for digestive purposes) can create the conditions for the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (i.e. ‘free radicals’). Oxygen can be an extremely reactive substance, harmful to the human body, which can cause cell damage, hardening of the arteries, illness, aging and even death. The greater the energy intake of the body, the more reactive oxygen species are produced, which shorten the human life-span.
4) The long-term eating of too much food makes people fat, causing arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other diseases.
In fact, in ancient China, there was often a discussion about the issue of diet in relation to longevity. The ancient sages devised the diet of ‘Avoiding Grain to Prolong Life’ (辟谷养生 – Bi Gu Yang Sheng). Today, in modern China, living standards are far better than in the past, but this has caused a health problem. Not only is there now fine rice flour to eat, wine to drink and ample meat and fish, but middle-aged people who have spent their lives pursuing a career (and have gotten a pot-belly and neglected their health during the good times) are getting ill and dying whilst still young. These people do not realise that an extravagant lifestyle leads to poor health and the development of many different illnesses.
China’s Ancient Daoist Health and Longevity Cultivation Methods:
According to information compiled by Li Daochun (李道纯) during the Yuan Dynasty, there were over 3000 methods of Daoist health and longevity self-cultivation exercises in existence, but only about 200 had been written down in Daoist books. All these methods and exercises can be summed-up and placed into ten broad categories:
1) This includes ‘guiding and pulling’ (导引 – Dao Yin) and ‘pressing and rubbing’ (按摩 – An Mo) exercises, designed to develop dynamic power by strengthening the body and enhancing fitness. Together with Dao Yin and Anmo practises are the methods of ‘Acupuncture’ (点穴术 – Dian Xue Shu), ‘Knock Teeth Law’ (叩齿法 – Kou Chi Fa), ‘Generate and Swallow Saliva Law’ (鼓漱咽津法 – Gu Shu Yan Jin Fa), ‘Beat the Divine-Sky Drum Law’ (鸣天鼓 – Ming Tian Gu), ‘Dry-Combing the Hair’ (干梳头 - Gan Shu Tou), ‘Dry Face Wash’ (干洗脸 – Gan Xi Lian), ‘Focus on Rubbing Ears’ (揉耳运目 – Rou Er Yun Mu), ‘Immortal Crane Touches Water’ (仙鹤点水 – Xian He Dian Shui), ‘Rub Soles of Feet’, (擦脚心 – Ca Jiao Xin), ‘External Kidney (i.e. ‘Testis’) Scrotum (Massage)’ (兜外肾 – Dou Wai Shen), ‘Self-Initiated Training’ (自发动 – Zi Fa Dong), ‘Whole-Body Tapping’ (周身拍打 – Zhou Shen Pai Da), and other similar activities. Many people shake the limbs as a method to circulate qi (气) energy, whilst focusing the mind’s attention on performing the movements correctly. This involves series of movements which serve as self-cultivation methods.
2) This category involves the practice of refined breathing exercise designed to regulate qi energy flow as a method of self-cultivation. Correct and enhanced breathing techniques strengthen and extend ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing), boosts qi (气) energy presence and flow, and invigorates ‘empty spirit’ (神 – Shen) so as to arrest the aging process and prolong life expectancy. This builds the ‘inner potential’ (内气 – Nei Qi) of a practitioner so that humanity can be selflessly assisted as a result, through altruistic actions. Qi energy can be gathered through ‘Eating Qi’ (食气 – Chi Qi), ‘Stopping Qi Leakage’ (闭气 – Bi Qi), ‘Refining Qi’ (炼气 – Lian Qi), ‘Expanding Qi’ (布气 – Bu Qi) – also known as ‘Emitting Qi’ (发气 – Fa Qi) – ‘Fetal Breathing’ (胎息 – Tai Xi), ‘Regulating the Breath’ (调息 – Diao Xi), ‘Six Character Formula’ (六字诀 – Liu Zi Jue) and so on. These practices can be broadly described as forming four sub-categories such as ‘External Qi’ (外气 – Wai Qi), ‘Swallowing Essential Qi’ (吞咽元气 – Tun Yan Yuan Qi), ‘Focusing the Mind’ (存思服气 - Cun Si Fu Qi) and ‘Internal Qi’ (内气 – Nei Qi).
3) Within spiritual Daoism the mind (and ‘intention’ [意 – Yi]) can be focused in three ways, but these can be summed-up through the self-cultivation method of ‘Stilling the Mind’ (静功 – Jing Gong). ‘Circulating Qi’ (行气 – Xing Qi), is a practice driven by the correct use of the breathing mechanism, and the appropriate focus (and discipline of the mind) in a method referred to as ‘Cultivating the Intention and Understanding Law’ (意念修炼法 – Yi Nian Xiu Lian Fa) – with the discipline of the mind being paramount, qi circulation is strengthened and circulated. However, just as there can be no river without water, controlling the mind and increasing qi flow may seem different and unconnected facets, but in reality the mind function complements the qi flow (around the body), and qi flow around the body complements the enhanced functionality of the mind. The essence of the ancient method of ‘Energy Centre Self-Cultivation’ (内丹 – Nei Dan) lies in the fact that a calm and directed mind creates the conditions in the body for the enhanced circulation of qi energy. The mind is calmed by focusing attention upon the breathing mechanism, which is then deepened and strengthened, thus improving and magnifying the intake of air and qi energy into the body, and boosting the over-all qi circulation. The use of the mind, breath and body-posture in this manner is a well-known historical self-cultivation technique in China.
4) Nei dan as a ‘Cosmic Circulation’ (周天 – Zhou Tian) category, refers to the ‘Prenatal’ (先天 – Xian Tian) cultivation of ‘Essential Nature’ (jing), ‘Vital Force’ (qi), and ‘Empty Spirit’ (Shen) as a form of self-developmental ‘Medicine’ (药物 – Yao Wu). This is achieved within the body by refining the (three) energy fields or centres of self-cultivation. Within spiritual Daoism there are many authoritative methods (法 – Fa), but ‘nei dan’ (or ‘Inner Alchemy’) is generally referred to as the most exquisite of practises, because it is the most profound and well-developed of all Daoist self-developmental techniques. This is why nei dan is considered the essence of qigong (气功).
5) The practice of ‘Avoiding Grains’ (辟谷 – Bi Gu) falls within the category of abstaining from eating food, or particular types of food. Bi Gu is also known as ‘Declining Grains’ (却谷 – Que Gu), ‘Cutting-off Grains’ (休粮 – Xiu Liang), ‘Abstaining from Grains’ (绝粒 – Jue Li), and ‘Breaking with Grains’ (断谷 – Duan Gu), and so on. This is a practice over-time that develops the inner body. In fact this can be practised over a long period of time, and involves not eating vegetables, grains, or cooked food. Within traditional Chinese practice, the Bigu method is used to build robust health and prolong life expectancy. In this technique food is reduced, but not completely cut-off.
6) This is the category of taking in or imbuing nourishment such as that found in Jujube, Lingzhi (灵芝), Linseed, Wu Jia Pi (五加皮), Fuling (茯苓), Chinese Wolfberry, Rosin, Schisandra Chinensis, Ginseng, Radix Rehmanniae Exsiccata, and many other similar compounds that build and preserve health.
7) Sexual Exercises for Robust Health and Longevity (房中养生 – Fang Zhong Yang Sheng).
8) This is the category of the art of daily living, which includes self-cultivation techniques for building robust health and longevity - preserved within the philosophical school of Daoism. These exercises are centred around nei dan practice, and include the ‘Circulation of Qi Energy’, ‘Clearing Perceiving the Mind’ (存思 – Cun Si), ‘Diet’ (服饵 – Fu Er), ‘Bedroom (Sexual) Arts’ (房中 – Fang Zhong), ‘Stretching and Leading’ (导引 – Dao Yin), and other external arts. Also included are training regimens that include nourishing life through training the mind and body in the realising of the Dao (道). This includes meditation practice whilst standing, sitting and lying down. There are instructions for food and drink, as well as spoken language, and mood, as well as many other methods. This really is an impressive and all-encompassing body of profound Daoist knowledge to assist in the quest for Immortality. Included are ‘Four Seasons Recuperation Law’ (四时调养法 – Si Shi Tiao Yang Fa), ‘Gathering and Harmonising the Activity of the Mind Law’ (情绪调摄法 – Qing Xiu Tiao She Fa), ‘Dietary Recuperation Law’ (饮食调养法 – Yin Shi Tiao Yang Fa), and ‘Daily Life Recuperation Law’ (起居调养法 – Qi Ju Tiao Yang Fa).
9) Fragrant Soup Bath (香汤沐浴 – Xiang Tang Mu Yu) category.
10) Finger Gesture Spells and Charms (指印符咒 - Zhi Yin Fu Zhou). This is where philosophical Daoism and Tantric (密宗 – Mi Zong) Buddhism share the same practice. Different positions of the hands and fingers signify the generation of specific spells and charms. Generally these gestures are considered ‘secret formula’ (诀 – Jue), or ‘Secret Hand Formula’ (手诀 – Shou Jue). These Daoist hand positions are also known as ‘Gathering the Fingers Together Formula’ (掐诀 – Qia Jue), and there are dozens of variations. These formulas have the same function as those found within Tantric Buddhism (but the shapes and meanings are different). Within spiritual Daoism, the finger gesture formulas are known as ‘invocations’ (祝 – Zhu) or ‘charms’ (咒 – Zhou). There are three categories of accompanying chanting: a) Rhyming verse, b) Non-rhyming verse, and c) Mantras borrowed from Buddhism.
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2016.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4ecc95450100f46l.html
科学证明少吃什么能长寿
科学证明少吃什么能长寿 科学家通过对猴子限食的试验证明了适量节食能长寿。让100只猴子随它吃饱,另外100只猴子只吃七八分饱,定量供应。结果,随它吃饱的100只猴子过一段时间死了50只,另外只吃七八分饱的猴子长得既苗条又健康,还很少生病,10年养下来才死12只。
少吃点为什么能长寿,科学家分析有以下原因:
一、少吃点能减轻肠胃负担。人体过多摄取蛋白质和脂肪,使消化系统负担过重,易导致消化不良。这样,未被消化的食物长时间滞留在肠道内,会产生许多毒素和致癌物质。这些毒素和致癌物质不但易使人患肠道疾病,还会被肠道吸收,透过心脑屏障,损害中枢神经系统,使人衰老。
二、饱食使大脑代谢紊乱。科学研究证明,饱食后,大脑中有一种叫“纤维芽细胞”生长因子会比不饱食时增长数万倍,而这种生长因子会使脂肪细胞和毛细血管内皮细胞增大,促使脑动脉硬化,脑皮质血氧供应不足,脑组织萎缩和脑功能退化,最终出现痴呆而缩短人的寿命。
三、饱食损伤细胞,使人早衰。人们呼吸时吸收的氧,有2%被氧化酶催化形成活性氧(自由基),活性氧是对人体极其有害的物质,能导致细胞损伤,动脉血管硬化,引发疾病、衰老,甚至死亡。而人体摄入的能量越大,产生的活性氧就越多,人老化的程度也就越快。而少吃点可以减少活性氧的产生,使细胞免受其害,从而延缓衰老。
四、长期饱食会使人肥胖,引起动脉硬化、冠心病、糖尿病、癌症等一系列疾病。
实际上,在我国古代便有节食能长寿的论述。为了长寿,古人还创造了“辟谷养生”的学说,“辟谷”即节食。现在的生活水平远比古人高多了,不但有细米白面吃,还有大鱼大肉吃,尤其是中年朋友,事业有成,更有一些人当了单位领导、企业干部,今天参观检查,明日迎来送往,餐餐山珍,顿顿海味,吃得红光满面,吃得大腹便便,殊不知美酒佳肴的后面便是疾病、短寿。
资料:中国古代道家的养生修练方法
据元代李道纯的统计,当时流传的养生修炼方法有三千余种,而道书上记载的大约只有二百种,归纳起来,大致可分为十大类。
1、导引按摩类 这一类功法是以健身强体为目的的动功,包括导引术、按摩术、点穴术、叩齿法、鼓漱咽津法、鸣天鼓、干梳头、干洗脸、揉耳运目、仙鹤点水、擦脚心、兜外肾、自发动、周身拍打等等。多以动摇肢体为门径,与服气、存思配合,组成系列功法。
2、吐纳行气类 这类功法是以调炼呼吸为门径,达到精满、气足、神旺的延年益寿效果,并能发放内气利他济人。这类方法包括采气、食气、闭气、炼气、布气(发气)、胎息、调息、六字诀等。大体可归为服食外气、吞咽元气、存思服气、调动内气等四种。
3、意念修炼类 道教三大类功法足以概括我国气功中的一切静功,其中“行气”以呼吸修炼为主,“意念修炼法”以意念修炼为主;然而两者却又不是河水不犯井水,泾渭分明,而是你中有我,我中有你,相辅相成。“行气”功法常须借助意念活动进行配合,而“意念修炼法”也少不了呼吸的参与,只不过是各有专攻,侧重不同罢了。而“内丹”之术则综合“呼吸”、“意念”,嫁接孕育,另展奇姿,从而成为我国气功中的千古绝招。
4、内丹周天类 这是指以自身先天精气神为“药物”,而在体内炼“丹”的系统修炼方法。在道教修炼诸法中,内丹的理论最称精湛,方法最为周密成熟,堪称道教气功的代表、精髓。
5、辟谷断食类 辟谷亦称“却谷”、“休粮”、“绝粒”、“断谷”等,即在一段时间内,乃至长期不食蔬谷和烟火食。中国传统辟谷养生法是限食而非断食。
6、滋补服食类 比如适量的服食大枣、灵芝、胡麻、五加皮、茯苓、枸杞、松脂、五味子、人参、干地黄等对人均有滋补作用。
7、房中养生类
8、起居摄生类 道家养生修炼之术,除内丹、行气、存思、服饵、房中、导引等法之外,还包括心身两方面的养生之道,涉及行止坐卧、生活起居、饮食、语言、情绪等方面的杂修之法,这就是起居摄生类修炼法,可谓博大精深,网罗无遗。它包括四时调养法、情绪调摄法、饮食调养法、起居调养法等。
9、香汤沐浴类
10、指印符咒类 道教和佛教密宗一样,也有手印、咒语。道教的手印称“诀”、“手诀”,手指做成诀的姿势叫“掐诀”。诀的种类有数十种,其作用与佛教的手印相同,但手指配合之法则相异。道教的咒语,称为“祝”或“咒”。大约有三种形式:第一种是韵文,第二种是无韵的短语,第三种取自佛教咒语。