Taoist sages explored the theme of rejuvenation already hundreds of years ago. They developed practical techniques that are still incredibly valuable today. Modern scientific insights also support this ancient wisdom.
Last week, I was on a live call with Alberto Villoldo (psychologist, medical anthropologist, shamanism teacher). In our engaging conversation, he emphasized something that fascinates him immensely: according to him, humans, dolphins, and whales don't have death programmed into their cells. In nature, there are no grandparents, except for us and these remarkable marine mammals.
Translated into Eastern medicine (TCM): only we are able to create new Jing during our lifetime, so that we can continue to renew and heal. For readers unfamiliar with Jing: this type of life energy is recognized in Eastern medicine. It is often called energetic DNA. How we use it is comparable to a candle. The candle can burn out, and then life is over. But for centuries, Taoist sages have been exploring how to replenish Jing, or the candle wax in this equation. This rejuvenates and gives you more time to develop, for example. This is appealing to Taoist sages, but it applies to all spiritual traditions worldwide. It gives you time to become enlightened and, in Alberto's words, "to get out of this life alive." In other words, your consciousness is then so highly trained that you are even aware of physical death, allowing you to consciously complete the journey afterward.
We discussed how we can optimally utilize this capacity for rejuvenation. Eastern sages have known this for centuries. This is called Yang Sheng. Do-In integrates the lifestyle that fits this. Step 1 is an instruction from an ancient Taoist saying: "Empty the heart, quiet the mind." This tells us: create awareness and bring calm to the emotions. The heart—an organ that, according to Eastern medicine, not only pumps blood but is also strongly connected to our consciousness and clarity—is compared to a nest that can be so safe and calm that a bird would want to hatch its eggs there.
A meditation technique Villoldo shares to calm the mind:
Breathe in and say to yourself: I am Breathe out and say to yourself: My breath
I find this a beautiful meditation. When you are nothing more than your breath, you let go of everything with each exhalation. Your roles, your titles, and whatever you would normally say to describe yourself. You are none of that. You are simply your breath. Meditation can bring peace and make fears disappear. It strengthens awareness and allows you to be fully present. After all, the breath is always present. The technique brings complete acceptance.
In addition to meditating, Taoist sages fasted. This, as we now know, has a positive effect on the microbiome; The bacteria that live in the intestines. And according to Western science, this microbiome is often the key to health. This promotes the growth of the beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that is very important for gut health and overall health, including the immune system. But above all, butyrate keeps the brain healthy and protects against neurodegeneration.
The ancient sages likely didn't know about the countless bacteria in our intestines. They did, however, experience the positive effects of fasting. Fasting detoxifies the body—very important for rejuvenation and recovery—and helped them activate their higher brain. They lived not from their limbic system, but from their higher brain; this is why they were called "wise men" or "sages."
When you live from your higher brain—or: with a balanced upper tan-den, as it's called in Eastern medicine—you live from enlightenment. Not triggered by emotions like fear.
To balance the higher brain so we can experience this higher consciousness, we must nourish our Jing. After all, this energy nourishes the body and the brain. Good brain care is crucial to maintain clarity well into old age. Along with whales and dolphins, humans have the largest brains of all living beings. Nutrition is crucial for higher consciousness. Plants contain all kinds of minerals that activate the genes for longevity. Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil provide the right fuel for the brain. In addition to a primarily plant-based diet, Villoldo also recommends supplements such as fish oil and 5-HTP, which he mentions in his books "Grow a New Brain" and "Grow a New Body." Of course, you also want to eat as cleanly as possible to minimize the new toxins that burden the body.
Longevity is an incredibly interesting topic. That's why I created the Rejuvenation and Do-In module for the Do-In Academy. This module will help you delve deeper into this topic from the perspective of Eastern medicine. You'll learn about ancient rejuvenating Do-In series, proper nutrition, daily routines, and the most powerful acupuncture points.
Learn more about our online courses https://www.doinacademy.com/en