Each life has its own properties that distinguish one another. With this property, Oriental medicine suggests original diagnosis and treatment.
Our process of aging shows typical outline of cycle, i. e. from one¡¯s birth to death. Understanding the life cycle of men gives us very good hint to predict one¡¯s state of health, possible diseases, characteristics of disease in each term of his/her life cycle. It¡¯s because body and mode of diseases change according to age.
Aging starts when Um Essence(ëäïñ)-the essence one receive from parents-dries up or when Deficient Fire(úÈûý) soars. Parts that compose our body-bones, muscles, flesh, etc.-gradually weaken and worn out as they no longer get supports from Yang-Qi(åÕѨ). In "Yellow Emperor¡¯s Classic", aging starts around one¡¯s forties when Um Essence(ëäïñ) is reduced to less than half. However, what is usually accepted is that women start aging from 49 and men 64, regarding significant geriatric disease.
As it is mentioned, aging smarts with exhaustion of Um Essence(ëäïñ) which results in soaring Deficient Fire. Main symptoms are weak mental state due to Shin(ãê) disorder, and weak physical state due to Spleen and Stomach(Þ¡êÖ) disorder.
Main principle in treating and preventing diseases related to aging is preserving Um Essence(ëäïñ), as well as fortifying Qi and Blood(Ѩúì). To do this, Lung(øË)-which collects Um Essence(ëäïñ), and Kidney(ãì) stores-which stores Um Essence(ëäïñ).
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