HEALTH
LET THE BRAIN RELAX Regular downtime is well documented and researched in modern times to increase performance and improve memory and cognitive functions. The most elite, high-performing creatives and athletes have extended periods of waking rest between intense levels of performance, not including sleep. Allowing the brain to relax replenishes
its stores of attention and motivation and encourages creativity and productivity. The Daoists saw it as a vital part of maintaining a sense of self. More importantly, the brain’s resting
state networks allow the brain to make sense of what has recently been learned and to allow a degree of reflection and self-introspection (Jabr 2013). Going from one class or workshop to
another without allowing yourself the time to integrate what you’ve learned is simply wasting your time (and money). You don’t need to fill every spare hour with more learning. Take a weekend off, stay home, cook a meal, listen to some music, or go hang out with friends.
USE INTELLIGENCE FOR GUIDANCE Relaxing the brain helps us create the space to come to know who we are, and we come closer to understanding our true nature. The Ten Questions text states that, “without intelligence there is no way of discerning whether one is inwardly empty or full”. Self-awareness was one of the virtues
that Confucius stated was vital for a person to cultivate in the process of becoming ‘perfected’. Wisdom comes from being able to understand the self, what is important to the self, and the reflection and integration of past experiences and learning. According to Confucius, this awareness
then helps to make choices that are appropriate for us. This is important, as many of us go from practitioner to practitioner or from one yoga class to another without really comprehending if what we are undertaking is benefitting us. When you can sense what you
need, you can then seek that which is going to serve you the best. If you’re ‘empty’, you can then fill yourself.
8 JULY | AUGUST 2017
Once you have discerned you are ‘full’ you can stop the practice.
EAT A VARIED DIET In Daoist medicine, food is considered the source of our daily energy, required not only to perform our tasks, but also to power all physiological functions. The Ten Questions states that, without food, “there is no way to fill the stomach and develop the frame”. This is referring to the fact that our
muscles, sinews, bones, and all cells in all tissue and organs require the nutrition we gain from the food we eat. In modern times, we have become
so caught up in the science of nutrition that we think about our nutritional needs in terms of molecules. But we don’t eat molecules – we eat food. And our meals are combinations of foods, which alchemically and synergistically unite to bring us pleasure as well as nutritive requirements. Instead of following dogmatic rules
and diets, consider having meals that are varied, using different fresh ingredients. Organic and seasonal foods are great, but let’s not get dogmatic about that either. Eat all foods, in moderation. Put all the
colours on your plate (not just the beige ones), eat without stress, anxiety, guilt, or shame and enjoy meals with friends and loved ones.
USE WORK FOR EXERCISE The author of the text explains that without work there is no way to “exercise the limbs and get rid of their afflictions”. Many of us nowadays don’t have physically demanding jobs, so doing something to move the body is important. But we can still do simple things like
stretches at the desk every hour or so. We can walk instead of using elevators and escalators. In fact, walking is highly underrated as a form of exercise. Of course, yoga, qigong, and tai chi
are all wonderful, well-rounded forms of exercise that work on multiple levels, including being great for the limbs. As a qigong teacher I encourage my students to do something, even if it’s not a full routine. Even five minutes of one movement will have a benefit if you don’t have the time to do an hour-long practice.
ENGAGE IN PLENTY OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE There are several ancient Daoist texts that go into great detail about the health benefits of sexual practices. Not confined to hedonistic pleasure or the pragmatic concerns of procreation, sexuality was seen as a potent practice for promoting good health and longevity. The practices described allow the full
flow of sexual energy to course through the channels and prevent ‘pathological blockage’. Chronic illness was believed to be due to a leakage of sexual vitality, congestion of the channels, and emotional instability. Sexual practices were, therefore, seen as ideal, as they took care of all three of these causes. The practices described, referred to
by some later Daoist schools as ‘dual cultivation’, were essentially qigong practices, combining breath and intentional movements in the context of intercourse. And let’s face it, it’s fun. And practised
in this way, it is also a wonderful way to connect with your partner and open the heart. The Daoists would say that when the heart is open and we are able to freely express joy and elation, then our qi flows freely and easily. Maintaining health and well-being
doesn’t have to be a chore. It doesn’t have to involve massive amounts of our time, energy, or money. If we keep it simple, balance activity with rest, eat a varied diet, have some quality downtime, and enjoy lots of good sex we can live well and live long. And most importantly, live our own way rather than someone else’s. n
References can be found on the online version at
www.livingnow.com.au
Connect with other readers & comment on this article at
www.livingnow.com.au
Peter Loupelis is a natural health consultant and Daoist medicine practitioner in Melbourne. He teaches aigong and Daoist health
practices and works with clients to simplify their hectic lifestyles and help them find their true nature.
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