Everyone knows that in a woman’s lifetime, the number of eggs produced is limited, ranging from 1 to 2 million. From birth until menstruation, a significant portion cannot develop, and only 100,000 to 300,000 can mature and be released. This has led to rumors that the shorter a woman’s menstrual cycle, the quicker the release, and the faster aging. So, do men have a similar issue?
In this aspect, men have an advantage. Sperm is not continuously generated like tadpoles. As long as all body functions remain intact, there is no possibility of depletion, and up to millions can still be produced daily. Therefore, the ancient saying of “depleting essence leads to death” seems baseless.
However, is this really true?
What the ancients referred to as “essence” is now interpreted differently, referring to vitality or yang energy. Yang energy is the foundation of one’s existence, the basis of bodily functions. Once yang energy is depleted, life is near its end. In many martial arts novels, the true qi seen refers to yang energy, though in men, it’s often referred to as vitality.
As one ages, vitality gradually diminishes, a process all men experience. Staying up late, delaying sleep, and exposing oneself to cold at night accelerates the loss of vitality. Men who frequently stay up late appear tired, dull, experiencing significant hair loss due to lack of vitality.
Various habits like excessive nightlife or promiscuity hasten vitality loss. Such men may exhibit symptoms such as a sallow complexion, lack of energy upon returning home. Prolonged periods of such behavior lead to deep-set eyes, extreme fatigue, and pronounced signs of exhaustion.
By age fifty, vitality depletion is over half, necessitating preservation of remaining vitality and avoiding further depletion. Moderation in all aspects helps maintain health. At this age, the body is less resilient, requiring cautious behavior to avoid overexertion.
Learning to sleep early is crucial; evening hours, from 9 pm to 3 am, are when cold influences peak, akin to winters. Any activity during this time exerts an additional cost in vitality expenditure, often double that of daylight. Thus, getting a good night’s sleep during this period is the best method to preserve vitality.
Dietary adjustments to nourish vitality are essential but should be moderated. Prioritize natural foods over supplements like yam, chestnut for congee to nourish the body. Seafood, eel, sea cucumber, beef, etc., are excellent sources of nourishment. Nuts, especially peanuts, high in fat but rich in zinc, are beneficial for male health.
The ancient notion of “depleting essence leads to death” is not unfounded, just differing in modern perceptions. Essence referred to vitality or yang energy; its depletion portrays a lack of vigor, diminishing charm. To avoid being seen as an oily uncle, start regulating impulsiveness at fifty, sleep adequately, and choose your diet wisely. Achieving this will ensure enduring charm comparable to younger individuals.
