The self-healing mechanism helps us live healthy and long lives.

When the mind is at peace, the body not only experiences fewer illnesses but also activates profound self-healing mechanisms, paving the way for a healthy and long life...

In traditional Vietnamese medicine, the link between psychology and illness has been recognized since early times with the belief that an uneasy mind makes the body susceptible to disease, while a peaceful mind allows the body to regulate itself. This observation is now reinforced by modern science with much evidence regarding the role of stress and negative emotions on health.

Vietnamese Traditional Medicine: "The heart is the root of all methods."

In Vietnamese traditional medicine, the mind is considered the root that governs all physiological functions of the body. In *Nam Duoc Than Hieu* (Miraculous Southern Medicine), Tue Tinh clearly affirmed that maintaining health must be guided by the mind, while the body is merely a subordinate part. This perspective shows that health is not solely dependent on diet or medicine, but begins with an inner state of mind.

When psychological instability, anxiety, and resentment persist, the body easily falls into a state of qi reversal, blood stasis, liver stagnation, and spleen deficiency; this leads to insomnia, headaches, palpitations, hypertension, and many other chronic disorders. These are not isolated manifestations, but a chain of interconnected physiological reactions due to an unsettled mind.

Conversely, when the mind is at peace, blood circulation is smooth, sleep is deeper, the liver is regulated, the spleen and stomach are strengthened, the lungs are healthy, and the kidneys are warmed. This state creates a foundation for the body to self-recover and maintain long-term endurance. Therefore, the ancients simply yet profoundly concluded: to be healthy, one must first have peace of mind.

5 types of "mental toxins" that elderly people need to cleanse every day.

Excessive anxiety: Causes qi to rise upwards, easily leading to insomnia, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and a prolonged feeling of restlessness.

Accumulated sadness and worries: Affect the spleen and stomach, leading to poor appetite, weak digestion, and fatigue and lack of vitality.

Frequent fear: Damages kidney function, reduces stamina, makes you prone to anxiety and exhaustion.

Anger and resentment: These cause stagnation of liver qi, leading to internal heat, increased blood pressure, and emotional disturbances.

Prolonged loneliness: Causes a decline in vital energy, low spirits, and can negatively impact lifespan.

When the mind is free of evil, illness naturally decreases; when the mind is purified, the body is in a state of good health and peace.

10 ways to bring peace of mind to the elderly.

Practice deep breathing for 3 minutes each day: Practicing slow breathing (deep inhale - short hold - long exhale) helps calm the nervous system, stabilize heart rate, and reduce stress immediately.

Drink a warm cup of tea in the morning: Mild teas such as lotus seed, jasmine, red date, and passionflower help to calm the nerves, soothe emotions, and support circulation.

Sit still for 5 minutes, connect with nature: Looking at the sunlight, listening to birdsong or a gentle breeze helps relax the brain and bring the mind back to its natural state of balance.

Practice gratitude every morning: Identifying and expressing a few positive things can increase serotonin, reduce anxiety, and improve mood in the long term.

Avoid exposure to negative news in the evening: Limiting exposure to bad news after 8 PM helps prevent the brain from becoming alert, leading to easier and deeper sleep.

Gently massage the heart area and lightly tap the chest: This gentle action helps stimulate the parasympathetic nerves, supporting heart rate stabilization and reducing stress.

Avoid stressful discussions before bedtime: Refraining from arguments or bringing up sad memories helps maintain blood circulation, creating conditions for restorative sleep.

Maintaining a simple hobby—gardening, reading, drinking tea, or tending to plants—helps the mind relax naturally, equivalent to a mild form of sedation.

Maintain regular social connections: Meeting with family and friends helps reduce feelings of loneliness, boosts morale, and has clear long-term health benefits.

Let go of one thing each night: Writing down what's making you tired and then closing the book helps release emotions and bring your mind to a relaxed state before sleep.

These small but consistent habits help calm the mind, which in turn supports the body's self-regulation and recovery over time.

Signs of a person with a peaceful mind.

A person with inner peace often demonstrates it through both their mental state and physical appearance. Deep sleep, waking up feeling refreshed, indicates a well-recovered nervous system. Emotions are more stable, with less anger and sadness; their attitude towards life is gentle, they smile more easily, and are more forgiving towards others.

A person who maintains inner peace is a natural source of healing energy for the whole family.

In this state, breathing is slower and deeper, speech is calm and less hurried. Chronic illnesses tend to stabilize or lessen due to better self-regulation by the body. Appearance also reflects inner peace: a bright face, gentle eyes, rosy complexion, and evident vitality.

More importantly, a person with a peaceful mind creates a pleasant feeling for those around them. Children and relatives often enjoy being near them because their presence brings a sense of security and relaxation. It can be said that a person who maintains a peaceful mind is a natural source of healing energy for the whole family.

Inner peace is the ultimate "elixir of longevity".

In traditional Vietnamese medicine, the mind is considered the most influential factor affecting health and longevity. The body functions through energy (qi), and cells are rejuvenated by enzymes, but the rate of aging depends greatly on the state of one's inner self. When the mind is stable, the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems function more harmoniously, creating a favorable biological foundation for long-term health.

A clear mind nourishes vitality, a peaceful inner self reduces physical strain, and when the mind is at peace, chronic pathological reactions tend to lessen. This is not mere emotional advice, but reflects the close connection between mental state and the body's biological mechanisms.

Therefore, to live a long and healthy life, one must first learn how to achieve peace of mind. This is the secret to longevity that has been preserved by the Vietnamese people for many generations, and it is also the core foundation of all health preservation methods in Southern Vietnamese medicine.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/co-che-tu-chua-lanh-giup-song-khoe-song-tho.html