Confucianism and TCM’s

Teachings on Health and Longevity Confucianism holds that the human desires for food and sex are fundamental aspects of life.They are the two basic instincts that ensure survival of the individual and procreation of the species.According to Confucianism，although these drives are necessary，they must be strictly controlled.It is believed that regulating emotion and repressing desire protects jingqi（essential Qi），the fundamental life force.

Such discipline is accomplished by complying with the principles of li（rites），a strict set of rules that controlled interpersonal and political relations in feudal China.Confucius said，”Do not see things inconsistent with the rites；do not listen to ideas inconsistent with the rites；do not say things inconsis-tent with the rites；do not do things inconsistent with the rites.”He particularly emphasized the ThreeDisciplines that should be practiced by the superior person:”There are three things which the superior person guards against.In youth，when the physical powers are not yet settled，one guards against lust.When strong and the physical powers are fully vigorous，one guards against quarrelsomeness.When old and the animal powers are decayed，one guards against covetousness.”

These precepts of Confu-cianism had a great influence on TCM’s teachings on health and longevity.According to TCM，Yin essence is the fundamental substance that constitutes the human body and promotes growth and development.It is the core of life，present at birth，stored in the kidneys，and nourished by the five zang organs.Yin essence is intimately connected with all physiological functions.When it is plentiful，the body and mind are vigorous；when it becomes depleted，disease and disorder occur.Unregulated sexual activity is considered the primary cause of depletion of Yin essence.Tradi-tional Chinese medicine，influenced by Confucian teachings，strongly emphasizes the importance of regulating sexual activity in order to conserve Yin essence and maintain health and vitality.The male and female libido is considered to be a normal biological imperative that should be neither completely eliminated nor indulged in to excess，but rather moderated through self-restraint.According to Confucianism，the self-restraint necessary to conserve Yin essence may be attained through spiritual self-cultivation.Confucius believed that self-cultivation produces an evolved moral character and subsequent serenity when dealing with others，and thus promotes health and longevity.Traditional Chinese medicine places great importance on serenity and self-restraint as well.

The Nei-jing states that when desire is regulated，the harmonious circulation of Qi is maintained.When jing（essence），Qi（energy），and shen（spirit）are conserved and nourished，disease does not occur.The trad tional Chinese belief that charitable work brings merit and contributes to longevity was also absorbed by TCM.Both Confucianism and traditional Chinese medicine considered spiritual self-cultivation to be the foundation of good health.

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