[On Taking Care of Yourself]
As the seasons change, many people catch colds. At such times, you often hear the words, “Please don't push yourself too hard; take good care of yourself.” The term “yojo” (養生) originally means “nurturing life,” referring to a way of living that maintains physical and mental health and cultivates vitality. The concept of health preservation, passed down in China and Japan, shares common ground with modern medicine's emphasis on boosting immunity and recovery power. This stems from its focus on preventing illness before it occurs, known as “preventing disease before it manifests.”
This concept traces back to China's Warring States period and appears in Daoist texts like the Zhuangzi. Born from the idea of “無為自然” (acting without action, following nature's course), it spread as practical wisdom during the Later Han Dynasty.
In Japan, during the Heian period, Fukane Sukehito authored the “養生抄” (1133). In the Edo period, Kaibara Ekiken advocated for cherishing life and living peacefully in his “養生訓” (1713). Ekiken himself is said to have lived a healthy life until the age of 84.
The “四気調神大論” chapter in the Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内経), a classic of traditional Chinese medicine, explains how the changing seasons regulate the functions of the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney) and influence the stability of the spirit and emotions. Autumn is a season when nature and living things quiet down and conserve energy. Since the lungs are vulnerable to dryness, key health practices include humidifying indoor spaces, keeping the throat moist, and protecting oneself from cold winds. Aiming for early bedtimes and early risings helps regulate qi and maintain physical and mental health. Eating fruits like pears and grapes that replenish moisture, along with moderately pungent ingredients like green onions and radishes, is considered beneficial for regulating blood and qi circulation.
Since ancient times, people have passed down these natural principles as proverbs. “Autumn fruits keep the doctor away” and “When persimmons turn red, doctors turn pale” are wisdom praising the nutrition of autumn fruits. The saying “Don't let your daughter-in-law eat autumn eggplant” cautions against its cooling properties. As winter approaches, the health benefits of warm baths for promoting blood circulation and the aromatic effects have long been known, as seen in the saying “Bathing in yuzu baths prevents colds.”
Modern Oriental medicine and Kampo emphasize balancing the body through the “cold/heat” properties and “five tastes” (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, salty) of foods. Autumn fruits and moisturizing ingredients remain integral to seasonal wellness practices, protecting the lungs and skin from dryness.
Let's consciously incorporate autumn wellness practices, nurturing both mind and body as we embrace the changing seasons.
Kiya's Sushimaki
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kiya/sushimaki.html
Otera Kohachiro Shoten's Kanamari M
https://www.shokunin.com/en/otera/kanamari.html
Chobundo's Natsume Tetsubin
https://www.shokunin.com/en/chobundo/
References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/養生_(健康)
https://www.musashino.ac.jp/mggs/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hakase_sya_1.pdf
https://nihonshinkyu.jp/archives/2006
https://www.aichi-toho.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/201106004001_07.pdf
https://www.m-manabi.jp/07c/dotoku1/u4/index.html
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/iktcm/akinoyoujyouhou.html
https://www.543life.com/content/shun/post20231012.html
