Secrets of the Tao: 5 Keys to Longevity

The quest for longevity is a pursuit that has been at the core of Chinese culture throughout their history.

The ancient Taoists considered 150 years to be a normal life, and blamed civilization for shortening this span. Modern pollutants cause the body to use all its resources in a constant attempt to detoxify, leaving nothing left for cultivating longevity. Living in harmony with nature is the cure. Such a lifestyle includes taking life slowly, avoiding extremes (including emotional extremes), and following a daily regimen of exercise and breathing. Dietary guidelines include avoiding overeating; focusing on warm, nourishing foods in winter to boost Qi; and eating a primarily vegetarian diet supplemented by medicinal herbs. The Taoist herbalist Lee Ching-yuen, born in the 17th century, is reported to have lived 256 years by following these guidelines, and died looking no more than 50.

The Japanese are among the longest lived people in modern times, and have a diet based on fresh raw fish (“sushi” actually means “longevity”), and fresh fruits and vegetables. Much like other Blue Zone peoples they buy their food fresh daily, spend lots of time outside getting fresh air and sunshine, energize their indoor air with negative ion generators, and practice daily Tai Qi and Qi Gong both for strength and relaxation.

Daniel Reid’s book The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity summarizes the factors vital to Taoist longevity:

1. Climate/geography: high altitude, pure air, cool temperatures.
2. Diet/nutrition: vegetable-based diet with medicinal herbs and moderate daily alcohol.
3. Daily exercise and deep breathing.
4. Sex: The Taoists used “bedroom arts” to cultivate Qi.
5. Supplemental herbs to stimulate vital organs, glands, and enhance circulation (stagnation = death).

According to TCM, a major cause of aging is loss of Yuan Qi or Prenatal Qi which has its root in the kidneys and is the foundation of vitality. Goji berries are considered a Yin tonic and nourish the kidneys, liver, semen, and improve vision, making them especially good for longevity. My husband trained under an old Chinese master who drank goji berry tea daily and was strong as a tiger in his 70’s.

In my own experience, living in harmony with nature is a concept that goes beyond diet and exercise. The best I’ve felt is when my husband and I lived in our Jeep on the California coast, sleeping and rising in rhythm with the sun. The complete darkness at night, the brilliant stars, the fresh ocean air scented with eucalyptus and pine, and the freedom from the stress that comes with a house full of electronics was an experience I will never forget. Despite being in my last trimester of pregnancy, I felt alive and full of vitality as never before or since. Someday I hope to have a home off the grid where I can truly follow “the Way of the Tao” and return to that natural harmony.

 

References:

https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/foundations-chinese-medicine/get/forms-of-qi-life-force
Reid, D. (1986). Chinese Herbal Medicine. Boston, MA: Shambhala.
Reid, D. (1989). The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity. New York, NY: Fireside.

Essential Oils for Immunity: The Power of Cinnamon Bark

Boosting the immune system is a key aspect in the quest to stay healthy. In addition to a wholesome diet supplemented with herbs, nature offers another powerful way to strengthen the body and keep viruses at bay: essential oils.

Essential oils are the most potent form of plant medicine. Their active constituents regenerate both the plant that contains them and the people who use them. These volatile oils are able to pass not only through cell membranes but also through the blood-brain barrier, and like the Qi energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine they connect and heal body, mind, and spirit. Plant essences have been used medicinally for centuries through inhalation, diffusion, topical application, added to body care, beauty, and cleaning products, in cooking, and combined with other wellness practices like acupuncture and massage for nearly endless healing possibilities. 

Perhaps one of the most important and powerful aspects of essential oils is their ability to support the immune system. In fact, essential oils ARE the immune system of the plants! Bacteria and viruses can develop immunity to antibiotics within 20 minutes, but are unable to create resistance to essential oils or mutate in their presence.(1) Essential oils also purify the atmosphere by adding ozone, oxygen, and negative ions, and can increase cellular oxygen by up to 21%.(2) Using essential oils thus has similar benefits to living near the ocean or in the mountains where the air is especially pure and vital because of the abundance of negative ions.

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Essential Oil

Let’s take a closer look at one especially powerful immune-booster: cinnamon bark oil. Prized since ancient times for its ability to kill viruses and infectious diseases, cinnamon bark is anti-infectious, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, anti-parasitic, astringent, and a digestive and immune stimulant.(3) It strengthens the respiratory and immune systems, and research has shown that it is able to completely destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi.(4) 

Cinnamon bark oil in TCM

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cinnamon bark essential oil is pungent, astringent, sweet, hot, and dry. It increases Guardian or Defensive Qi, our first line of defense against the invasion of external pathogens like colds and flu. It fights infection, dispels cold and damp, promotes sweat, relieves fatigue, and calms aches and pains associated with illness. Cinnamon’s sweet, pungent flavor carries Yang fire deep into the body, warming the internal organs and dispelling cold and damp. On an emotional level, it restores the will to live and gives courage to the fearful and depressed.(5) 

One of the strongest natural antibiotics, cinnamon bark is a key ingredient in the popular blend know as Thieves Oil, a recreation of a historic potion that protected its users from the Bubonic Plague.(6) 

In TCM, the Bladder Channel runs up the back of the spine and is a major location of Defensive Qi. It is interesting that cold in the lower back often indicates weak Qi and impending illness. Cinnamon bark has a natural affinity for this channel, as my husband experienced first-hand. Feeling a cold coming on, he added one drop of C. zeylonicum bark oil to his bath water. The oil was instantly drawn to his lower back so that he could feel an intense warming sensation. Upon exiting the bath, his chills were gone and he didn’t become ill.* 

Cinnamon may be inhaled, diffused, or added to a room spray to quickly purify the air and boost immunity. Here is a simple recipe to get you started! 

DIY Antiviral Blend (Adapted from Valerie Anne Worwood’s The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy)

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) 5 drops
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylonicum) 5 drops
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 7 drops

Blend in an amber glass bottle and use as needed. (Not recommended for bath or topical application).

Inhalation: 1 drop on a tissue.
Diffuser: 5 drops.
Room spray: In a clean spray bottle, add 20 drops to 1 teaspoon of alcohol, then add 4 tablespoons of purified or distilled water and shake well. Mist high in the air, avoiding valuable or delicate furnishings.

***

*Important Safety Information: Use extreme caution when adding essential oils to a bath, as water can increase potential sensitivity and cause severe irritation or burns. Cinnamon is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, and is hepatotoxic in high doses. It is potentially allergenic and may cause sensitization. Be careful around pets and children. Always dilute properly before use and consult a qualified practitioner if you have a health condition.*

References: 

(4). Stiles, K.G. (2017). The Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing Co.

(1), (2), (3), (5), (6). Willmont, D. (2008). Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine (3rd ed.). Marshfield, MA: Willmountain Press.

Worwood, V. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Novato, CA: New World Library.