TCM believes man and universe, all vital activities and nature are closely related to each other, and man should keep harmony with nature at any time and anywhere. This is the thought of "man's relevant adaptation to nature." Only when the concept of man's harmony and unity with nature is constantly observed, can good effects of life cultivation and rehabilitation be achieved. This point is specifically expounded as follows.
1. Adaptation to seasons
Seasonal variations influence the human body greatly. In spring and summer, yang qi releases and qi and blood easily tend to reach the surface. Therefore, the skin is loosened and sweat comes out. In autumn and winter, yang qi turns constricted and stored. At this time, qi and blood tend to reach the interior, thus, it manifests as tight skin, scanty sweat and profuse urine. Because of the above points, there exists the theory of "nourishing yang in spring and summer while yin in autumn and winter." More information, please read Imbalance of Yin and Yang.
Seasonal changes should also be taken into account in modifying drugs to achieve better effects during rehabilitation. Seasons have direct influences on the five zang organs and six fu organs. Relative excess of qi and blood may occur in different viscera, meridians and collaterals in different seasons. For example, "relative excess of qi and blood exists in the liver in spring"; "relative excess of qi and blood exists in the heart in summer"; "relative excess of qi and blood exists in the spleen in late summer"; "relative excess of qi and blood exists in the lung in autumn "and "relative excess of qi and blood exists in the kidney in winter". Reasonable application of this principle may get twice the result with half the effort in life cultivation or rehabilitation. This principle can also be applied in selecting acupoints according to the syndrome differentiation in acumox and massage. More information, please read Inter-Rejection of Yin and Yang.
2. Conforming to geography
Dampness prevails in the east, heat in the south, dryness in the west and cold in the north in the Chinese geographical environment. People in different regions differ from one another in physique and susceptibility to diseases. Accordingly, different treatment should be based on specific situations during the daily life cultivation and rehabilitation of diseases.
3. Conforming to society
Chinese life cultivation experts throughout the history believe that healthy and longevous people view the world optimistically and positively. They do not approach society pessimistically and negatively. There exist conflicts of interests, unstable or unfair affairs in society everywhere at anytime. If viewing society pessimistically, people may get angry every day. It has bad effects on health. If approaching society optimistically, people may form a good spiritual environment. This is beneficial to life cultivation and rehabilitation. More information, please read Inter-Transformation of Yin and Yang.
A Chinese saying goes like this "One is always happy if one is content with one's lot." The classic Yang Shen9 Yao Yu, or Essential Words for Life Cultivation, says: "If one smiles, one will become a little younger; if one is angry, one will become a little older; if one struggles with others, one will get a little thinner; if one yields, one will become a little stronger."