Master Yang Zhen, 83 years old this year, not only continues to see patients six days a week but also carries out multiple tasks such as academic school development, clinical teaching, and scientific research. How does he maintain his physical and mental health amidst his busy schedule?
Yang Zhen learned Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from Mr. Wang Xinwu in his early years, who was a renowned Tai Chi master. In addition to his studies, Yang Zhen received profound teachings from his master on Tai Chi, which emphasizes the balance of hardness and softness, internal and external cultivation, and practical application. He devoted himself to mastering these principles through diligent practice.
After retirement, he spent two years improving his Tai Chi skills by spending half a day every Sunday at a park. He strictly applied both theory and practice, making it one of the key methods for his health maintenance. Every evening, he would exercise using Tai Chi and Baduanjin for an hour after dinner. By cultivating good habits, Yang Zhen has maintained a healthy body despite his advanced age, enabling him to continue his clinical work and mentorship.
In teaching his disciples, he not only imparts clinical experience and academic ideas but also cultivates their ability to think critically and ethically in TCM practice. He emphasizes the importance of embodying “simplicity, elegance, and sparseness” in medical practice. “Simplicity” refers to using plain medicines that are easy to obtain and maintaining a tranquil mindset. “Elegance” means having innovative insights in medicine and using clever prescriptions, while being refined and graceful as a person. “Sparseness” involves regulating one's qi and blood flow, setting clear treatment goals, managing emotions, diet, and daily routines with moderation.
Yang Zhen believes that health preservation requires a comprehensive approach, including dietary adjustment, emotional regulation, and moderate exercise. He practices the principles of “one tolerance, two strictnesses, three nos, and four joys.” One tolerance means being tolerant towards oneself and others. Two strictnesses involve strictly managing one's thoughts and actions to avoid negative thinking and improper behavior. Three nos refer to avoiding comparisons, self-deprecation, and blaming fate (or regretting past actions). Four joys involve finding joy in contentment, helping others, learning, and adapting to circumstances.
On important occasions or when traveling for conferences, learning, or tourism, he often composes poems to express his feelings. On his eighty-third birthday, he wrote the poem “Song of the Old Ox,” which reads: “Eighty-three is no old age, nurturing new sprouts in the field of medicine, the old ox knows the twilight is near, no need for a whip, I strive on my own.” This poem reflects his spirit of continuous exploration and dedication to the development of TCM.
He advises everyone to lay a solid foundation for health by adhering to “proper diet, moderate exercise, abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining a balanced mindset, and balancing work and rest.” This leads to the health standards of “health, longevity, wisdom, joy, beauty, and virtue.” It is crucial to manage one's health effectively.
As a renowned expert in liver diseases, Yang Zhen provides guidance on preventing liver disease from the perspective of “treating before the onset of illness.” First, strengthen the constitution through regular exercise, with Tai Chi being an excellent choice if practiced consistently. Second, follow a balanced diet and avoid excessive drinking, as overconsumption can lead to alcoholic hepatitis and eventually cirrhosis. Third, maintain a harmonious state of mind, as positive emotions and a correct worldview play a significant role in disease prevention and recovery. Fourth, balance work and rest to prevent overexertion, which can harm the liver and kidneys. Finally, live in harmony with nature, adjusting yin and yang according to seasonal changes. As stated in “Lingshu·Fundamentals of Spirit,” “The wise person nourishes life by following the seasons and adapting to temperature changes, harmonizing emotions and living in peace, moderating yin and yang and balancing strength and gentleness. By doing so, evil influences do not reach them, and they can live long and healthy lives.”