Yang Sheng (also written as Yangsheng) is a set of ancient Chinese practical lifestyle directives, a form of Self-Care, consisting of elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Taoism (Daoism), and a range of exercises, nutritional advice, and other practices aimed at preventing illness, maintaining or restoring health, and accomplishing longevity.
Practices may include meditation, the use of herbal products, dietary precautions, physical exercises such as Qigong or Tai Chi, Breathwork, directives on sexual activity and behavior, adaptations to climate and age, and whatnot. In fact, Yang Sheng practices are numerous and cover the whole span of human life from birth to death.
The meaning of the phrase Yang Sheng is loosely translated in various ways, such as “nourishing life,” “fostering health,” “pursuing longevity,” among other descriptions. The core idea is to nurture body, mind, and spirit in harmony with the natural flow of things adhering to universal laws and in a truly holistic fashion.
Yang Sheng practices are firmly anchored in fundamental Chinese-Taoist concepts, such as Yin-Yang, unobstructed flow of Qi, the Three Treasures, and Feng Shui elements.