Library

The *Lingshu: Shanggu Tianzhen Lun* (Treatise on the Natural Truth of Antiquity) states: The physiological cycle for women is based on the number seven, and for men, on the number eight. When a woman reaches forty-nine years old (7 x 7), the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes deficient, the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) declines, Tian Gui (the substance promoting reproductive maturity) is exhausted, and menstruation ceases. When a man reaches sixty-four years old (8 x 8), the Zang-Fu organs (internal organs) all decline, sinews and bones become loose and weak, Jing Qi (Essence and Qi) is depleted, the pulse is weak, and the body form withers.

When women pass the age of sixty, or men exceed seventy, they have surpassed their natural lifespan limits. Those who reach high longevity, provided their food and clothing are abundant and complete, their descendants diligently support them, and they receive filial piety and obedience from their children; if they can regulate their diet, adapt to cold and warmth, harmonize with the heavens and spirits, and conform to human ethics, this is following the Way of Heaven. It is naturally expected that elderly people will have emaciated forms and weak Qi. Is it normal for men and women over seventy to have ruddy complexions, strong physical constitution and Qi, unimpaired appetite, and yet suffer from constipation and internal heat? Moreover, physical frailty is the norm for the elderly. If one presents contrary to this, it is not because of robust True Yang (True Vital Fire), Blood Sea (Liver storing blood), or True Qi. Instead, upon palpating the pulses at both left and right positions, they must be large, tight, and rapid; this is a sign of extended life in the elderly. Since the True Qi of the elderly has already declined, this condition arises from Deficient Yang Qi (floating false fire) being excessively abundant in the body tissues, resulting in large pulses in both hands, doubled food intake, persistently red cheeks, and vigorous spirit—all aided by Deficient Yang Qi. Although there may occasionally be irritability, chest diaphragm heat, and dry stool, one should simply use mild resolving decoctions like Changping Tang (Constant Peace Decoction) as needed; within three to five days, the condition will naturally resolve. As long as Deficient Yang Qi remains, food intake continues naturally, which is Heaven granting extended life. One must strictly avoid frequently using bitter, cold purgative or draining medications to resolve minor heat symptoms. If Deficient Yang Qi recedes and returns to the True Body, the form and Qi will become extremely emaciated, Zang-Fu organs will weaken, cold diseases will multiply, and recovery through tonification will be impossible. For those who never had Deficient Yang Qi and have always been exhausted, treatment relies entirely on carefully斟酌 (deliberating) decoctions, frequently adding warming and tonifying agents, using congee as the foundation for nourishment and treatment; this is the primary principle of elder care.

In the late years of aging, mental energy is fatigued, spirit is diminished, and one is reluctant to engage in any affairs. This is caused by the state of Qi, Blood, sinews, and strength. It fully depends on the filial support of descendants, who must exert themselves in nursing and protection to avoid unexpected mishaps. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, daily living arrangements must be cleverly designed to aid comfort and entertainment. The resting room must always be elegant and clean; in summer, it should be airy and open, while in winter, warm and enclosed. The sleeping bed need not be high or wide; it should be reduced by one-third compared to standard sizes. A lower height facilitates getting up and down, and a narrower width prevents drafts from blowing freely. Mattresses and bedding must be soft and flat, with screens set up on three sides to prevent wind and cold. Pillows should be made of double-layered dyed silk, stuffed with chrysanthemum flowers, and crafted to be low and long. A low profile prevents wind entering gaps during sleep, while a long shape prevents the head from slipping off when turning. Sitting chairs should be designed like low beds, allowing the feet to touch the ground when seated, facilitating ease of rising and sitting. Railings should be placed on both sides, and a table in front. Since the elderly often feel drowsy and may fall asleep while sitting, railings prevent injuries from falling sideways. Clothing should not be overly wide or long; excessive length causes tripping hazards, and excessive width fails to keep the body warm. Because elderly people have loose bones and muscles and fear cold, wind and cold easily invade. Tight-fitting clothes retain body warmth, ensuring smooth flow of Qi and Blood and harmony in the four limbs. Even in midsummer, one should not expose the body. The area behind the neck and extending to the nape should be covered with soft purple double-layered silk, hanging from a head covering behind the neck, touching the skin, and tucked into the collar down to the spine, to protect the Cou Li (skin texture and pores). Elderly people have thin muscles and open Cou Li; if wind pathogen damages the Cou Li, it can lead to serious complications, so great caution is required.