Taoism is about longevity and well-being by living healthy. By living in harmony with the Tao, aka with all that is, the source of everything, health is achieved. Through health and inner peace one lives a harmonious simple life.
In South Korea the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy was established in 1575 to honor Toegye (Yi Hwang 1501-1570), one of the greatest Confucian scholars of the Joseon period. Via Toegye is known that Confucian scholars made efforts to keep their health through methods of good breathing and regimen while studying Chinese classics. Toegye put great emphasis on mental and physical health and acquisition of knowledge. The favorite book of Toegye was by a Chinese Taoist. The only remaining copy is of his own transcription.
The contents one can do in one's daily life for health and therefore longevity are:
In South Korea the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy was established in 1575 to honor Toegye (Yi Hwang 1501-1570), one of the greatest Confucian scholars of the Joseon period. Via Toegye is known that Confucian scholars made efforts to keep their health through methods of good breathing and regimen while studying Chinese classics. Toegye put great emphasis on mental and physical health and acquisition of knowledge. The favorite book of Toegye was by a Chinese Taoist. The only remaining copy is of his own transcription.
The contents one can do in one's daily life for health and therefore longevity are:
- good music helps digestion during meals;
- a moderate drinking makes us spirited and the circulation of blood smooth, whereas an excessive drinking keeps us cool and enough to hurt kidney and debilitate our intestines;
- do not drink tea too much because it keeps the lower part of one's belly cool and weak. Especially, taking tea before meals is very bad to our health. One or two cups is advised to take after meals;
- the strong sour foods and drinks have a and effect on spleen, the very hot on liver, the strong salty on heart, the too bitter on lung and the too sweet on kidney;
- much combining can prevent us from stroke and let us have a good sight. Too frequent bathing impairs the heart and stomach, enough to make us feel languid.