Looking for ways to boost your health this spring? Ancient Chinese wisdom might have the answers you’re seeking. Zhang Dongyuan, a seventh-generation inheritor of Yang-style tai chi, shares timeless health recommendations from “Huang Di Nei Jing,” or “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon.”
As China’s earliest medical text and one of the classics of traditional Chinese medicine, “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” presents dialogues about medical concepts between the legendary Yellow Emperor and his advisor Qibo. The text emphasizes harmony with nature, suggesting that aligning our diets and habits with the seasons can promote well-being.
According to Zhang, spring is the ideal time to nourish the body with fresh, light foods and engage in activities that invigorate the mind and body. Incorporating practices like tai chi can enhance this seasonal rejuvenation.
Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art with a nearly 400-year history, has evolved into five major schools: Chen, Yang, Wu (Yuxiang), Wu (Quanyou), and Sun—each named after its founding master. Despite differences in movements and techniques, all schools share the goal of harmonizing body and mind.
For teenagers and young adults, especially those in the Global South facing modern stresses, embracing these ancient practices could offer a pathway to improved health and inner balance.
By blending traditional wisdom with modern life, we can unlock new ways to nurture our well-being. As spring unfolds, perhaps it’s time to explore the lessons of “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” and the meditative movements of tai chi.
