We all desire to live long and healthy lives. But with so much disease around us, how can we make choices that promote greater vitality and longevity? Dr Mao Shing Ni is a 38th-generation doctor of Chinese Medicine and a Taoist authority on anti-aging medicine. In his book, “The Secrets of Longevity”, he shares some of the following longevity secrets that he learned from working with Centenarians all over the world (people who live to be 100+ years old!).
Detoxify Your Body:
Flush toxins out of your body by drinking plenty of filtered water daily. Excellent teas to drink for detoxification include ginger, dandelion, chrysanthemum flower and turmeric. Surround yourself with potted plants to purify the air around your workstation. Walk for 30 minutes each day, and practice deep breathing.
Create New Sleep Habits for Restoration:
Cut back on coffee that stimulates the central nervous system and hinders sleep. Drink passionflower or Valerian tea before bed to naturally aid sleep. Ensure that your bedroom is a peaceful place, free of electromagnetic screens (TV’s, computers, phones). Stretch your body 30 minutes before you go to bed to unwind and release tension. Practice a sleep-friendly meditation.
Create Energy & Stamina:
Follow your circadian rhythm by eating an energizing breakfast with protein and fat in the morning. Dr. Mao suggests egg whites scrambled with spinach or mushrooms, or a warm bowl of whole oats with fresh berries, nuts and seeds. Ginseng is a natural way to elevate energy gently. Surround yourself with citrus scents (essential oils) to boost energy and lift mood. Energize your body with regular movement and exercise throughout the day. Massage the soles of your feet to stimulate an acupuncture energy point.
Reduce Stress:
Eating mindful meals, away from screens and negative discussion improves your enzyme production in your mouth and stomach, thereby increasing the absorption of nutrients and improving your digestion. Surround yourself with colors, music and flowers to bring you joy. Boost your “youth hormones” (endorphins, growth hormones & DHEA) by doing squats, knee bends, and push ups. Set boundaries and schedule one night a week to do something nice for yourself.
Build Your Immunity:
Eat foods of all colors (black, green, white, red, orange, yellow) to get a variety of vitamins and nutrients to optimize immunity. Take Astralagus to stimulate the body’s production of interferon that boosts your body’s ability to fight infection and disease. Use an air filtration system at home to eliminate dampness. Find a fun high-energy activity to do for 15 minutes everyday. Press on your immune boosting acupuncture point in your leg.
Eat Like a Centenarian:
Save meat for the weekends. Vegetarians suffer from fewer degenerative diseases and cancers. Keep your digestive system running smoothly by drinking mint or gentian tea 1 hour after meals. Maintain a clean and colorful kitchen to bring positive energy to all meals cooked there. Practice mula bandha 1 hour after eating. Rub digestive point midway between belly button and lower tip of your sternum for 5 minutes.
Improve Your Heart Health:
Replace salt and butter with olive oil and other seasonings like vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Hawthorn berry cleanses the blood of plaque and other toxins – drink it as a tea or take in supplement form. Reduce stress by clearing out the clutter in your home. If you haven’t used something a year, give it away. Commit to doing 30 minutes of cardio several times per week.
Boost Your Brainpower:
Incorporate micro-algae into your diet to boost your brain function (blu-green algae, chlorella, seaweed, spirulina and kelp). Ginkgo and goji berries are excellent for improving memory and concentration. Organize your home to feel more organized in your mind. Do mental exercises to keep your brain fit, like crossword puzzles, memorizing things, or doing manual mathematics on paper.
