In ancient Chinese history, there was a legendary figure named Sun Simiao. He was not only an outstanding physician, but also a master of Qigong. His life transcended time—filled with wisdom, compassion, and remarkable insight—leaving a profound influence on generations to come.
Let us explore his approach to health preservation, understand his Qigong philosophy, uncover its underlying principles, and learn how to apply this ancient wisdom to modern daily life.
The “King of Medicine” with Exemplary Medical Ethics
Sun Simiao lived during the Sui and Tang dynasties. From a young age, he was diligent in his studies and aspired to practice medicine to relieve human suffering. He immersed himself in classical texts such as Zhuangzi and Laozi, and his extensive learning reflected the combined influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
As he matured, Sun Simiao devoted himself fully to the study of medicine and developed a deep interest in both medical science and Qigong. He authored influential medical works such as Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, sharing his knowledge selflessly.
He once said:
“Human life is extremely precious—worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. If I can save even one life, my virtue surpasses all else.”
He treated patients as family, regardless of their social status, and cared for each with compassion and empathy. For this reason, he is revered by later generations as the “King of Medicine.”
Sun Simiao’s noble medical ethics were closely tied to his personal cultivation. He advocated inner moral refinement and proposed twelve principles of “less” to regulate human habits, such as less thinking, less obsession, less desire, less busyness, and less speech. These principles aimed to eliminate greed and delusion, allowing the mind to become purer and more stable.
In contrast, excessive pursuit of “more” would, in his view, lead to the loss of life’s foundation. Therefore, he emphasized moral discipline, constant self-reflection, and unwavering mindfulness from beginning to end. His integrity and selfless dedication were evident not only in healing others, but also in every detail of his daily practice.
Making Qigong Part of Daily Life
Beyond moral cultivation, Sun Simiao placed great importance on daily living. He believed Qigong principles should be integrated into everyday habits, making practice part of life itself.
He emphasized emotional stability as a cornerstone of health, advocating a mindset of “moderation in joy and anger.” Excessive emotional fluctuations, he warned, can harm the body. Maintaining inner calm and emotional balance was therefore essential.
Moderate physical activity was also central to his teachings. As the saying goes, “Flowing water does not stagnate; a door hinge does not rot.” The body requires movement to remain vital. However, balance between activity and rest is equally important—prolonged standing, sitting, or overuse of the eyes can all be detrimental. Sun Simiao therefore advocated a harmonious balance between work and rest.
He also paid close attention to daily details such as diet and lifestyle. These seemingly small factors, he believed, have a profound impact on health. For example:
• Eat before becoming overly hungry, but stop before feeling completely full.
• Drink water before becoming thirsty, but avoid excessive intake.
• Reduce greasy and heavy foods.
Such subtle habits, though easily overlooked, play a crucial role in long-term wellbeing.
Guiding the Breath, Nourishing from Within and Without
In Qigong cultivation, Sun Simiao introduced various breathing and guiding techniques, such as embryonic breathing and regulated inhalation and exhalation, aimed at harmonizing Qi and blood circulation to restore balance between body and mind.
At the same time, he emphasized dietary therapy and nourishment, collecting natural medicinal substances such as lingzhi (reishi mushroom) and ginseng, formulating remedies to replenish the body’s energy and nutritional needs.
His approach to Qigong was holistic—combining breath regulation, physical guidance, dietary adjustment, and herbal nourishment. Only through cultivating both internally and externally can one build a complete health-preservation system, maximize vitality, and ultimately achieve longevity.
Conclusion
Sun Simiao’s legendary lifespan of 141 years was not solely the result of good fortune, but of lifelong dedication to cultivation and disciplined living. He integrated health preservation seamlessly into daily life, never ceasing his practice.
His example demonstrates a comprehensive approach to longevity—combining Qigong guidance, breathing practices, diet, and moral refinement. This invaluable legacy remains a treasure worthy of deep study and application.
Within our lifetime, let us rediscover the profound power of traditional Qigong and fundamentally elevate our quality of life. You are warmly invited to join our free introductory session, where we explore the mysteries of Qigong together and put into practice a lifestyle of health, balance, and longevity.
If you wish to learn a complete Qigong system, we highly recommend the Introductory Course; HarmonyQi Stress Relief Technique, which effectively address many early aging and midlife health challenges.
You are welcome to attend our upcoming free trial session: https://baiyinqigong.e-qi.org/en-7class-v1/
