In the treatment room, I often hear patients say that as they get older, they do not feel the way they used to. Hair turns gray, the eyes and ears become less clear, digestion slows, and memory declines—these changes can come to anyone. In Korean medicine, these changes are not viewed simply as a matter of passing time, but as a process in which the balance of yin and yang, the flow of qi and blood, and the functions of the five viscera and six bowels gradually weaken.
Aging is a process of losing balance
When the body’s energy is excessively depleted or blood and body fluids become insufficient, recovery capacity declines. If digestive function weakens and the body cannot produce nourishment properly, or if overwork and stress continue for a long time, the body’s foundation can tire easily. Inborn physical strength also has an influence, but acquired lifestyle management has a major effect on one’s condition in later years.
Seven nourishing habits from Donguibogam
Ancient medical texts also looked for ways to manage aging well through restraint and harmony in daily life. The focus is on refining habits repeated every day, rather than on special methods.
- Reduce excessive talking and tasks that consume energy.
- Do not overdo sexual activity; keep it appropriate to your condition and physical strength.
- Reduce greasy and stimulating foods, and eat simply.
- Do not let the mouth become dry; slowly swallow saliva to care for the mouth and digestion.
- Do not hold on to anger for a long time, and help release tension in the liver.
- Care for the stomach’s energy with warm foods that are easy to digest.
- Let the mind rest so that worries and thoughts do not continue into the night.
When the stomach and intestines are weak, energy also decreases easily
In Korean medicine, the stomach and intestines are an important foundation for making qi and blood from food. When appetite decreases and bloating happens often, you may feel as if your body is not being replenished even if you eat enough. When I talk about tonifying care in older age, I first check food intake, bowel patterns, sleep, and the pattern of fatigue together.
Consultation is recommended in these cases
- When fatigue does not recover with rest and continues for more than one month
- When loss of appetite, weight loss, and indigestion are noticeable
- When dizziness, insomnia, or palpitations recur
- When memory decline affects daily life
- When you are taking medications, do not stop them on your own, and review them together
If sudden one-sided paralysis, slurred speech, decreased consciousness, severe chest pain, or an extreme headache occurs, you should first get help from 119 or an emergency room. Everyday aging care and response to an emergency should be kept separate.
Aging healthfully is not about turning back time, but about caring well for the body without wasting the strength it has. Habits that gradually refine speech and food, emotions and sleep can make the flow of qi and blood more comfortable and provide a steady foundation for preserving daily recovery.