THE MYSTERY OF LONGEVITY [By Liu Zhengcai]

Longevity is attainable, and a life span of a hundred years is no fiction. You will agree to this after you have been introduced by this book to numerous ancient Chinese centenarians mentioned in folklores, history books and documents, as well as to hundreds of centenarians who distribute throughout the country today.

What is the secret of longevity in terms of traditional Chinese medical theory? Based on ancient classics and county annals, the author has formulated a positive answer: "Go by the laws of yin and yang, do bodybuilding exercises best suited to one's conditions, practice temperance in food and drink, follow a regular schedule in daily life, avoid overexertion, and keep calm and cheerful." All the points are illustrated with concrete examples. The emphasis on the relevance of wisdom and virtue to longevity, an ancient view confirmed by Confucius, shows the author's adherence to Chinese tradition.

Investigating into data about centenarians from China's third national census in 1982, the author sums up the experiences of urban centenarians, mostly intellectuals, into the following issues: regular physical labour; body-building exercises, brain usage and dedication to work; strict daily regimen; rational diet; clean and beautiful environment. He also accentuates family harmony and filial piety as the key to health and longevity in rural China.

Traditional body-building exercises and medicines have always played a vital role in the everyday life of the Chinese people. This book provides the reader with body-building methods such as daoyin exercises, brocade exercises, games of five animals, and quiescent qigong. Also included are well-tried anti-senility medicines and favorite recipes of food therapy.

Most Chinese centenarians today are strong and healthy, thanks to their sound knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and rich experiences in the prevention and self-treatment of common ailments. Therefore the book concludes with some simple methods for preventing and treating common ailments in the elderly.