Traditional Chinese medicine regards “qi and blood” as the foundation of human health. Insufficient qi and blood can lead to various health problems. Due to a lack of understanding of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, many people unknowingly deplete their qi and blood on a daily basis. Senior traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Wang Guolong from Honolulu, Hawaii, points out that many illnesses are actually caused by poor lifestyle habits.
According to the classic Chinese medicine text “Comprehensive Prescriptions for Women’s Diseases – Regulation of Menstruation,” it states, “A woman’s life relies on qi and blood; there is no disease that does not first harm one’s qi and blood.” Wang Guolong believes in the simplicity of the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine – diagnosing ailments by focusing on “qi and blood,” addressing all issues from this perspective. Regulating qi and blood can enhance immunity and self-healing abilities, thus improving overall health.
Wang Guolong began studying medicine at a young age under his grandfather, immersing himself in the study of traditional Chinese medical classics and gaining practical experience in the field. He is a third-generation descendant of the renowned Chinese physician Lou Di, a master of acupuncture techniques. After graduating from a traditional Chinese medicine university in China, Wang Guolong relocated to the United States. His grandfather, Lou Wang, studied under the imperial physician of the Qing Dynasty and established his own clinic during the Republican era.
Through his recent clinical practice, Wang Guolong has discovered that many patients’ illnesses are closely related to their daily habits, emotions, or psychological issues. By improving behavioral patterns or emotional responses, many diseases can be prevented.
He points to the ubiquitous use of smartphones as an example. Many individuals spend hours scrolling through their phones, playing games, or browsing social media, all while hunching over with eyes glued to the screen.
Wang Guolong explains that smartphones not only emit radiation but also strain the eyes. According to the classic Chinese medical text “Huang Di Nei Jing,” it states, “The essence of the five viscera and six bowels all circulates to the eyes to form the essence.” Wang further clarifies, “The eyes rely on the essence nurtured by the five viscera and six bowels. When the eyes have issues, it’s not just about lackluster eyesight; the internal functions of the organs within the body will also weaken.”
Moreover, many individuals use smartphones not only during the day but well into the night, past 1 or 2 in the morning. Wang Guolong emphasizes that the optimal time for sleep should not exceed 11 p.m. The period from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. is known as the “gallbladder meridian hour,” a time when yang energy is at its peak. If individuals continue using smartphones during this time, behaving similarly to working hours, it can disrupt gallbladder function, hindering the upward flow of yang energy, leading to fatigue and lack of focus the next day.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the liver governs the eyes, and eye issues often indicate liver problems. The body’s internal and external organs are interconnected and mutually influential. To maintain the health of the internal organs, one must also carefully nurture the external organs.
Wang Guolong noticed that nearly 90% of female patients seeking treatment had illnesses related to emotions and mental states.
He encountered a patient in her thirties seeking treatment for arthritis, who inquired if he could help with dysmenorrhea. The patient had experienced multiple miscarriages, infertility, and severe menstrual pain. Wang Guolong observed that she had cold extremities and general physical weakness. Upon questioning, he discovered that the patient frequently argued with her spouse.
“Her liver and spleen disharmony led to weakened physical health affecting her emotions, causing depression, a decline in bodily functions, exacerbating the illness in a vicious cycle,” Wang Guolong explained. Due to her poor health, the patient had a low tolerance for stress, making her easily irritable. By reflecting on oneself before reacting impulsively, individuals may realize that the problem may not lie entirely with the other person.
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the liver is highly susceptible to emotional influences. When liver qi is deficient, individuals can become irritable and prone to outbursts.
Some patients may appear healthy but harbor underlying health issues. For example, Wang Guolong mentioned a sixteen-year-old girl referred to him due to emotional problems. Through acupressure, he detected emotional issues in the patient, who constantly overthought matters; although she was at high risk of developing various illnesses due to her emotional state, she remained unaware due to her youth.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the girl was in a romantic relationship, frequently staying up late into the night chatting on the phone and skipping breakfast. Wang Guolong estimated that if she continued her current lifestyle, within a year or two, certain health issues would emerge visibly. However, if she altered her habits, these risks could potentially diminish.
To prevent the onset of diseases due to depleted qi and blood, Wang Guolong recommends adhering to the ancient Chinese medical text “The Four Essentials of Health”: “Sparing in viewing to nourish the spirit, sparing in listening to nourish emptiness, sparing in speaking to nourish qi, sparing in desires to nourish essence.” Excessive visual and auditory stimuli or overwhelming thoughts will deplete one’s vitality. Therefore, maintaining moderation, self-restraint, and curbing desires can reduce the risk of developing various illnesses.