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The spirit (Shen) governs the body; essence (Jing) nourishes Qi; replenishing Jing benefits Qi; food supplies Qi. Food is the heaven of the people's livelihood and the root of human life. Therefore, when diet is sufficient, Gu Qi (Grain Qi) becomes abundant; when Gu Qi is abundant, Qi and Blood become prosperous; when Qi and Blood are prosperous, sinews and bones become strong. Thus, the Spleen and Stomach are the masters of the Five Zang Organs. The Qi of the four other Zang organs relies on the Spleen; therefore, in all four seasons, Stomach Qi serves as the foundation. *Su Wen: Sheng Qi Tong Tian Lun* states: "Acrid and sweet flavors that disperse and ascend belong to Yang; sour and bitter flavors that induce vomiting and purging belong to Yin." Hence, within the whole body, the operation of Yin and Yang, and the mutual generation of the Five Elements, all depend on diet.

For young people, their True Yuan Qi is robust. Even if they suffer from irregular meals or consume raw and cold foods, because their foundation is strong, illness does not easily arise. However, for the elderly, their True Qi is depleted, and the Five Zang Organs are weak; they rely entirely on diet to supplement Qi and Blood. If there is no restraint in consuming raw and cold foods, if meals are irregular, or if regulation lacks moderation, diseases will readily occur.

Generally, human diseases are caused by none other than the Eight Evils. The so-called Eight Evils refer to Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Hunger, Fullness, Labor, and Rest. As children, how can one not be cautious?

If a disease arises, one should first carefully examine the methods of dietary therapy, assess the condition of the illness, and treat it with food. Only if dietary therapy fails to cure the illness should medicine be prescribed, with the paramount principle being not to injure the Zang and Fu organs.

All dietary preparations must be personally managed by the children; one must not allow maidservants or servants to neglect the food provided.

The diet of the elderly should generally consist of warm, cooked, and soft foods, avoiding sticky, hard, raw, and cold items. Every morning, after drinking mellow wine, one should first take a dose of medicine to gently tonify the Lower Yuan. For women, a dose of medicine to gently nourish the Blood Sea (Chong and Ren Mai) should be taken first, preferably without drying or heating properties. This should be followed by a cup of pork kidney or sheep kidney millet porridge to settle the stomach; porridges made with Wuwei Zi (Schisandra), Scallion, Xie (Buckthorn fruit), or Quail meat are also suitable. At Chen hour (07:00–09:00), take a dose of Renshen Pingwei San (Ginseng Powder to Calm the Stomach). Thereafter, gradually introduce soft and cooked foods that accord with the seasonal changes. After eating, walk for 100–200 steps to promote digestion and dispersion. Before sleep, take a dose of Ren Shen Ban Xia Wan (Ginseng and Pinellia Pill to Resolve Phlegm and Benefit the Diaphragm).

Elderly persons should not eat until fully stuffed at once; instead, food should be offered frequently to facilitate easy digestion by the Spleen and Stomach, ensuring the continuous presence of Gu Qi. If forced to eat until full suddenly, it often leads to abdominal distension and fullness, because the intestines and stomach of the aged are weak and thin, unable to digest and absorb large amounts of food, thus causing disease. Children should deeply understand this; this is the essential principle of caring for the elderly.

One should not exceed three doses of the aforementioned medicines per day, nor take excessive amounts. If there is no illness, medication is unnecessary; simply regulating the diet will naturally ensure well-being.