Self care is having a moment. But the idea is very old.
In China, it has a name. Yang sheng (养生) means "nourishing life." It is the practice of small, daily habits that help you stay well, age gracefully and live in step with nature.
Here is what yang sheng is and how to bring it into your own life.
What does yang sheng mean?
Yang (养) means to nourish or cultivate. Sheng (生) means life.
Yang sheng is the preventive side of Chinese medicine. Rather than waiting to get sick, it focuses on the everyday choices that keep you healthy. Food, sleep, movement, emotions and the seasons all play a part.
Where it comes from
Yang sheng traces back more than 2,000 years to classic texts like the Huangdi Neijing, or Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. It advises people to eat in moderation, rest regularly and live in harmony with the seasons.
Today, it is still part of daily life for many people in China. Think of retirees doing tai chi in the park at dawn, or families simmering herbal soups on Sunday.
The pillars of yang sheng
Live with the seasons
Each season has its own rhythm. Spring is for growth, summer for activity, autumn for gathering in and winter for rest. See our guides to fall and winter.
Eat warm, simple food
Chinese medicine favors cooked, easy to digest meals and eating until you are about 70 to 80 percent full. The goal is to support the Spleen and digestion.
Protect your sleep
Going to bed at a regular time is one of the core yang sheng habits.
Move gently every day
Tai chi and qigong combine slow movement, breathing and focus. NCCIH notes research suggesting tai chi may help with balance and quality of life.
Keep your emotions in balance
Chinese medicine links each organ to an emotion. Too much of any one, even excitement, is said to strain the body. Meditation, journaling and time with loved ones all help.
Use herbs wisely
Herbal soups and teas are everyday yang sheng tools. Read What Are Herbal Tonics.
Simple yang sheng habits to start today
- Drink a glass of warm water when you wake up.
- Eat a warm breakfast.
- Take a 20 minute walk after lunch.
- Swap one cold drink for tea.
- Soak your feet in warm water before bed.
- Go to bed at the same time each night.
- Spend a few minutes breathing slowly.
Everyday tools
- Goji Berries and Red Dates Tea Mix, a classic daily tea
- Ginger Honey Crystals, for warming ginger tea in seconds
- Herbal Broth Bundle, for weekly soups
- Po Sum On Massage Oil, for evening self massage
For more everyday ideas, read Self Care Ideas That Work. To learn how the organs fit together, see our Chinese medicine organs guide.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese Medicine, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Tai Chi, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Qigong, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.