Perfect Health the Taoist way

A modern-day proponent of ancient Taoism provides a regimen that aims to dramatically extend one’s life span.

Sun proposes that living to be over 200, or even obtaining outright immortality, is a possibility. Sure, it’s not going to be easy, and there are myriad concoctions to consume and rules to follow. But according to the author, all of the items one needs to brew a batch of Methuselah juice can be procured at the local Chinese market, while some of the practices intended to halt aging involve little more than a foot soak and a good night’s rest. After thousands of years, the wisdom of the Tao, which traces its origins back to China in the fourth century B.C., can hardly be disputed. However, the book’s particular take on the venerable philosophy and religion is open to scrutiny. The prose is clear and readable, but the tone can be strident. The text repeatedly and vociferously warns against the dangers of “coldness” since it can seep deep into the body and cause physical distress. Do not ever, the author cautions, sleep with the window open. The most suspect directives involve sex. Forget that being gay or lesbian is conflated with “many other known and unknown diseases,” according to the text, a straight couple shouldn’t even have sex underneath the stars. The preservation of one’s precious qi or life force, serves as the basis for these Taoist guidelines. Sadly, according to the author, one’s life essence is already half empty by the time 40 rolls around. On a further depressing note, avoiding additional “leakage” seems to be a lot harder than replenishing the tanks and keeping them fully topped off.

A suspect, although thought-provoking, alternative to Western-style wellness treatments that may contain the kernels of good advice.