In the concept of traditional Chinese medicine health preservation, male aging often starts with the kidneys, while for females, it first manifests in the stomach. This reflects the physiological characteristics under gender differences and the theory of “kidneys as the congenital base, spleen and stomach as the postnatal base” in traditional Chinese medicine. The fast pace and high-pressure environment of modern society have accelerated the phenomenon of premature aging, making the maintenance of the kidneys and stomach a key strategy for resisting aging and maintaining youth.
For males, the health of the kidneys is closely related to sexual function, reproductive capacity, and overall vitality. With age, the kidney qi may gradually weaken, leading to symptoms such as decline in energy and weakness in the lower back and knees, showing the phenomenon of “men age with the kidneys first.”
As for females, because their physiological activities rely heavily on sufficient qi and blood, the spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood generation. Processes such as menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth consume a large amount of qi and blood, and the health of the stomach directly affects the recovery of these functions, hence the saying “women age with the stomach first.”
How to effectively maintain health? Males can nourish their kidneys by consuming black sesame seeds, black beans, and other black foods, as well as zinc-rich seafood and nuts; participating in traditional exercises like Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, and moderate aerobic exercise to promote the circulation of qi and blood; ensuring high-quality sleep to replenish kidney essence; and maintaining a balanced private life and a peaceful mindset.
For females, it is important to maintain a regular diet, avoid overeating or hunger, choose easily digestible foods, reduce the intake of spicy, greasy, and cold foods to protect the gastric mucosa; manage emotions well, as emotional fluctuations can affect the spleen and stomach; also, maintain good lifestyle habits such as stress relief, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and timely supplementation according to the season and individual constitution, all practical methods to maintain stomach health.
In conclusion, whether through dietary regulation, moderate exercise, or adjustments in mental state and lifestyle habits, these are all important means to combat aging and safeguard health. In the fast-paced modern life, paying attention to and taking care of your kidneys and stomach is the path to long-term health and youthful vitality. By nurturing the body and mind in daily subtle care, even as time passes, one can radiate a dual internal and external youthful brilliance.
