The Richness of Aging
(By Misook Lee, LAc) Aging starts with our appearance gradually changing: tiny wrinkles in the face, thinning hair, and decline in muscle mass. Some can have pain issues such as joint problems, muscle damage and all sorts of immune-related diseases. Others have chronic metabolic issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis. Others suffer from chronic fatigue, lethargy, and depression. Cognitive functions may also decline, and at least some memory loss and slowing of processing speed are very common. Although all these changes are a natural part of aging, we can delay the progress of deterioration, prevent the severity of symptoms, and maintain a healthy condition through the use of therapies that enhance our natural health such as acupuncture and herbal medicine.
When I need to talk about the physical aspects of the human body, I often compare it to a car. The basic and the most important things are proper fuel for the car and avoiding reckless driving. If you have a gasoline car and fill it up with diesel oil, the car will be damaged. Driving smoothly without putting too much strain on the car can extend the life of the car. It is said that a skilled mechanic knows the condition of the car just by hearing the engine. Therefore, entrusting your car to a competent mechanic for regular checkups is important. Even if the car is not a brand new one, if it is well managed, the function of the car can be maintained for a long time.
Similar principles can be applied to our bodies. Well-balanced natural diets and avoiding overwork are the most important tenets for maintaining our health. However, there are so many unhealthy processed foods are readily available and we tend to overeat them and cause overburden to our digestive system and metabolism. What we eat is fuel to our body and we need to have a proper amount of healthy food full of nutrients and free of adulteration. Overworking, overthinking, and overeating exhausts our system but every day a regular workout is needed to keep our nervous system, muscles and joints, vessels, organs and tissues strong.
Maybe it is a bit unreasonable to compare our precious bodies to a car. Despite the devastating consequence of mistreatment of our body, we sometimes neglect taking care of ourselves and make unhealthy decisions. While primary health care checkups provide for essential health needs, acupuncture perfects our health through promoting our self-healing and modulating the Qi mechanism. It is also a wonderful tool to resolve all kinds of pain issues. Traditional herbal remedies are also an excellent option for more internal health issues and the chronic conditions of elders, and have been used by all cultures throughout time.
I will have my sixtieth birthday next year and I think now is an important transition period for me to prepare for the later stage of life. Acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine have always been my strong support, and thanks to them I have been able to maintain good health and prevent illness so far. However, I cannot avoid at least some physical decline, and I will embrace the change and adjust my life accordingly. It is said when one door closes, another door opens.
Accumulated experience and wisdom are the strengths of old age. I am sure I have a deeper understanding of myself and am more generous to others than in my younger age. Life is still a blessing, and I like the richness of my age.