1.1 What is yangsheng? The foundations of self-care

At the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the core principles of the Chinese ‘nourishment of life’ approach to self-care

• Understand the ‘four legs of a chair’ analogy

• Be familiar with some key terms and concepts

The art of nourishing life, or yangsheng, is a tradition with a history stretching back at least two and a half thousand years in China. It draws from a wide range of traditions, including Daoism, Buddhism, classical medicine, and folk knowledge. The aim of yangsheng extends beyond mere physical health, aspiring to a seamless integration of mind and body, serenity, health into old age, and wisdom.

From the perspective of Chinese health cultivation, simple lifestyle choices form the foundation of a greater whole. Modern research confirms this ancient wisdom, with studies showing that ordinary behaviours such as not smoking, being physically active, moderate drinking, and eating sufficient fruit and vegetables can add as many as 14 years to one's lifespan. The Chinese tradition, however, pays attention to every aspect of life, from the physical to the mental and emotional.

This life is precious, and in Chinese culture, where a belief in an afterlife is not prominent, there is a vital focus on enjoying and preserving it for its natural span. Longevity (shou) is one of the three attributes of a good life, and the teachings of the yangsheng tradition offer compelling evidence that all people can increase their chances of living well and long.