WHEN people become ill, the first idea that rolls through their mind is to see a doctor. They are seldom aware that their trouble may be caused by emotions. Modern medical research shows that many diseases afflicting adults are the result of emotional problems.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, emotional traumas are a major cause of disease. Over 2,000 years ago, the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Manual of Internal Medicine) , China's first substantial medical work, said: "Five kinds of vital energies come from the five internal organs — joy, anger, sorrow, melancholy and fear. Joy hurts the heart, anger hurts the liver, brooding hurts the spleen, melancholy hurts the lungs and fear hurts the kidneys." What this meant is that emotional factors are natural human states, but that an excess of any of them can cause diseases.
These diseases range from minor ones involving the hair to serious disorders affecting the entire body.

Chinese researchers on disease prevention attach great importance to the functions of the emotions in keeping physically fit and healthy. They theorize an interaction between the emotions and the body, believing that a good emotional state can help improve general well-being and increase longevity. Emphasis is placed on a peaceful state of mind and broadmindedness.

AS a popular Chinese proverb says, "A laugh makes you ten years younger and worry turns your hair gray."
Modern medical research has confirmed that of all the factors affecting health, one of the most harmful is extreme e-motion. People obsessed with melancholy, fear, sorrow, jealousy, shock and excitement for a long period of time, as well as those who ungergo prolonged periods of stress, are more likely to suffer high blood pressure, heart disease, mental disorders, asthma, chronic gastritis, glaucoma and, some researchers believe, even cancer. Women under these conditions are also more likely to have menstruation problems. Medical research from China and abroad shows that 70 percent of all gastritis cases and 80 to 90 percent of all headaches are related to the emotions. Recent medical experiments suggest that a bad state of mind, involving any of the emotions, plus stress may predispose a person to cancer — perhaps through a weakening of the defenses of the immune system.

A happy, peaceful mind is the most helpful factor for maintaining good health. When people are happy, their central nervous system works to strengthen their bodily functions, resulting in proper digestion and a strong metabolism. They have a good appetite and sleep well, thereby enjoying high spirits and a quick mind. Research also suggests that optimists may live longer than others. According to one survey of 372 centenarians, 98 percent had a cheerful and optimistic temperament. Doctors report that the wounds of a victor tend to heal more quickly than those of the defeated, and patients free from emotional burdens tend to recover from an illness sooner. If the patient is confident and optimistic about fighting the disease, he may recover sooner, and perhaps require less treatment. For patients in low spirits, an illness often lingers on or even worsens. So emotional factors may well have a direct effect on patients' recovery.

The obvious question then is, how does one keep a positive state of mind? Here are some suggestions for achieving that goal:

1. Develop a strong sense of morality, an ethical code and live by it. People who are unselfish and noble-spirited are broadminded, optimistic and always in high spirits. Jealousy, envy, hate and anxiety are negative states that rebound on those who indulge in them.

2. Try to see the "broad picture" in life. Don't worry about small matters and don't be overly critical.

3. Love work and activity. Be devoted to it. One can find happiness in contributing to society. It is well known that some people fall into a depression after retirement, while those who keep active and have a cause or activity tend to be better off emotionally and physically.

4. Exercise can invigorate the mind as well as the body. When you feel gloomy or angry, the best way to pull yourself out of those moods is through exercise.

5. Develop friendships and an openness to other people. Discussing your problems with friends can often lighten your spirits and give you a better perspective on things.

6. Cultivate a wide range of interests. Chess, calligraphy and painting are but a few of the many hobbies that can keep one's mind and body healthy. Music and other arts can take one out of one's self and give real emotional rewards.
FOR good health and longevity, you should learn to control your emotions, develop a carefree, relaxed lifestyle, and try to live in an atmosphere of good humor. Be cheerful and forget your worries — and live longer.
　
'Light labor' Exercise
LIU ZHANWEN

TRADITIONAL Chinese exercises include not only sophis¬ticated routines but many simple, easy ones. "Light labor" is one of them.

As its name indicates, "light labor" means exercises re¬quiring light movements. The principle is to act within one's capability and never overreach. Sun Simiao, a great Tang Dy¬nasty physician a thousand years ago, said, "To keep fit, regu¬lar exercise is necessary, but never overreach oneself. " Exces¬sive exercises do not strengthen physique but on the contrary, harm health. Proper exercises accelerate the circulation of the blood, limber the joints, aid digestion, coordinate the func¬tions of the inner organs and increase metabolism.

"Light labor" exercises can be practiced in two ways: dur¬ing household chores and in athletic exercises.

1. Household chores.

Cao Tingdong of the Qing Dynasty wrote that "elderly people should regularly attend household chores requiring light strength such as dusting the table, wash¬
ing the inkslab, burning incense, boiling water for tea, filling flower vases, rolling up the curtain, and so on. Light labor makes the blood flow more quickly. Just as an old saying says, 'Running water is never stale and a door hinge never gets worm-eaten,' so regular movements make one strong."

This method is applicable for weak, ill and elderly people. Exercising while attending to light household chores will make old people's lives more interesting, colorful and rhythmical.

2. Athletic exercises.

This form involves four parts of the body. Pu Qianguan of the Song Dynasty wrote in his Outlines of Life Preservation, "If a man wants to prolong his life, he
should practice 'light labor' exercises to accelerate the circula¬tion of the blood. When sitting, never sit too long; when walk¬ing, never walk too fast to avoid overtiredness. This is the principle of 'light labor' exercises." Proceed as follows:

(1) Exercise of the arms: Drawing a bow, weightlifting, fist striking and arm swinging.

Drawing a bow. Sit straight or stand with the knees bend¬ing and the feet apart. Exert force on the two arms as if draw¬ing a bow, but don't exert too much force. Repeat 10 times, using the left and right arm alternately. One can increase or decrease the number of actions according to the condition of one's health.

Weightlifting. Raise the arms above the head, palms up¬ward. Stretch and bend the arms as if lifting a heavy stone. Repeat 15 times.

Fist striking. Make hollow fists, strike forward with the left and right fist alternately. Repeat 10 times.

Arm swinging. Let the arms hang naturally, then swing them gently forward and backward. Repeat 15 times.

(2) Exercise of the head. Relax the neck, then raise head, lower it, and turn it right and left.

(3) Exercise of the waist. Turn the waist left and right, then bend it forward and backward. Repeat 5 times.

(4) Exercise of the hand.

Hand rubbing. Clasp the hands together and rub them as if washing them. Repeat 10 times.
Face rubbing. First rub the hands. When they feel warm, cover the eyes with the two palms. A moment later, rub the face with the palms as if washing it. Repeat 10 times or until the face feels slightly warm.

"Light labor" exercises limber the arms and legs, head, neck and waist. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the four limbs are the stems of the yang (positive) channels. The bending, stretching and rubbing of the limbs promotes the flow of the qi (vital energy) in the channels and collaterals, which are closely connected with the digestive system. Exercise of the limbs reinforces the spleen and stomach, and helps digestion. Using the palms to cover the eyes benefits the liver and im¬proves eyesight. Face rubbing helps prevent colds. Regular rubbing of the face raises resistance to colds and makes the complexion rosy and lustrous. Exercises of the neck and waist limber the joints.

"Light labor" exercises can be done anywhere at any time. It is suitable for middle-aged and old people of both sexes. Again, persistence will result in keeping fit.
　
Live Longer by Obeying Mature
ZHANG HUDE

EVERYBODY wants to live a long time. Scientists now believe that human beings should be able to live to at least 120 years.

Traditional Chinese medicine over the centuries has developed special ways to follow the laws of nature in the four seasons to maintain good health and build up the body for a longer life. The early classic of traditional Chinese medicine, Yellow Emperor's Manual of Internal Medicine, said that " a wise way to preserve one's health is to conform to the changes in the four seasons and accordingly adjust one's living habits."

Many meteorological factors affect, in different degrees, body metabolism and internal secretion abilities through the function of the hypothalamus. These are temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind direction and speed, volume of rainfall, sunspots, cosmic rays and the movements of celestial bodies. Good weather checks the spread of disease and aids good health. Harsh weather often causes ailments. Based on this, traditional Chinese medicine has developed unique ways to adjust the body's internal organs in the four seasons, important doctrines in preserving good health.

Spring Therapy

In the spring people should go to sleep a bit later and get up a bit earlier. Outdoor exercises in the morning are necessary. Fresh air, the spring breeze and warm sun give people an ease of mind and high spirits.

People in China say, "Don't hasten to shake off your heavy clothes in the spring, but in the autumn put on more." Spring weather is changeable. As it gets warmer, the skin tends to become loose to suit the situation and its ability to resist cold drops. Thus, at this time weak and elderly people easily catch cold, which in turn often induces hidden illnesses. A Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine investigation of 4,806 patients shows that March and April are the peak time for a-cute myocardial infarctions. So weak and elderly people should promptly put on more clothing when they feel cold and pay special attention to protecting the back.

All things come to life in the spring. Germs and viruses also begin to flourish, giving rise to pestilences. There are three ways to prevent acute diseases of spring. One, regularly drink broth prepared with the rhizome of crytomium, an herb that lessens inflammation and relieves internal heat or fever. Two, place peppermint oil in the bedroom. As this volatilizes it purifies the air. Three, persist in massage therapy exercises. Weak and elderly people should avoid going to public places where the air is contaminated.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the liver should not be so active in the spring. If it is too vigorous, it weakens and replaces the role of the spleen. Thus, in the spring sweet things that build up the spleen are encouraged, while sour food that strengthens the liver should be limited. Dates, rich in protein, sugar and vitamins B and C, are good for the spleen. The Chinese say, "Eat three dates a day and you won't grow old."

Summer Therapy

Nature becomes exuberant in the summer. People should adapt themselves to the weather, accumulating vital energy and raising resistance to disease for the coming winter. According to traditional Chinese medicine, in the summer people should go to bed late and get up early. They should maintain a happy mood and not lose their temper. It is ideal to live for a while ata seaside resort or a forest home.

In the summer one should avoid heat and exposure to the intense sun, staying in the lower temperature indoors. He must not sit or lie too long on damp cold ground just for momentary relief from the heat. Sweet-sour plum juice is a recommended drink. Families should prepare the "ten drops," rendan and other popular medicines for summer ailments. Rooms should be well ventilated. But do not sleep in a draught or with an electric fan on, let alone in the open. Keep air conditioners at medium level. Weak and elderly people must not stay too long in the shade of trees, pavilion above water or draughts, for these sometimes cause feet and hand numbness and Bell's palsy.

Traditional Chinese medicine advises people to restore and build up their internal energy in the spring and summer. To protect internal energy, one should refrain from eating too much cold fruit and vegetables and consuming too much cold drink. A hot dish is necessary at each meal. Also to protect internal energy, one should eat less greasy food but more light and easily digestible food. Porridges such as lotus leaf and mung bean porridge are good for elderly people.
　
Maintaining formal Excretions of the Body
FU QINGJI

THE body gets rid of harmful waste substances through exhalation, perspiration, urination and defecation. Main¬taining normal excretion is an important factor in health and longevity. It is often neglected.
Defecation should take place once every day, though once every other day is also normal. Once every three days is abnor¬mal. Constipation is especially harmful to people with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and hemorrhage of the ali¬mentary canal. Without timely defecation the harmful substances are reabsorbed, a kind of self-poisoning. The longer excrement stays in the colon, the more harmful substances are reabsorbed into the body. This not only harms the organs but irritates the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and some¬times cancer. So we should cultivate the habit of defecating once a day. When constipation occurs, go to doctors and adjust the diet. Eat more vegetables that contain cellulose, such as celery and chives. Add sesame residue and honey. Eat more fruit.

Urinate when urged, never try to hold it. Some harmful substances are discharged through the urine such as creatinine and urea nitrogen. Delayed urination increases the pressure on the bladder, hinders the excretion of urine from the kidney and obstructs the discharge of harmful substances. Long time reten¬tion will cause infections of the urinary organs, especially in women, whose urethra is shorter than men. Drinking more water is helpful.

When quiet, a human excretes 800 to 1,500 ml. of water a day through perspiration and exhalation, even though there is no sweat on the skin. Obstacles in these two processes directly harm health. Thus we must protect the skin and maintain its normal functions. We should take a bath often, prevent and treat skin diseases, wear soft garments to keep the body warm in winter, and absorbent clothes with good air permeability in summer. Do exercises regularly to increase vital capacity, keep good ventilation in the room, and have more outdoor activities.

In short, to keep fit, in addition to good nutrition, main¬taining normal excretion is very important.
　
Brain Hygiene for Middle-Aged and Elderly Intellectuals
YANG YINCHANG

BRAIN activity is the basic way mental workers create value in their labor. Thus brain hygiene is especially important for intellectuals.

The ability of the cranial nerves influences various mental activities such as thinking and memory, and is closely linked with mental and physical health. As with other organic parts of the body, the brain begins to decline when a person enters middle age. For most people, the brain cells begin to reduce at the age of 50, and this causes a failing memory and slower re¬actions. If compounded with diseases such as arterioclerosis, the failing of the brain comes sooner.

If brain debilitation begins before 50, it is called prema¬ture senility. Except for physical factors, this is closely connected with psychological factors, particularly the rational use and protection of the brain.

Never Overtaxing the Brain To protect the brain, one must first of all keep using it.
Excitation and inhibition are the two basic behaviors of the cerebral nerves. The capability of its excitation, the degree of its inhibition and the speed of transition from one to the oth¬er are measures of whether the brain is strong or weak. That is to say, a healthy brain should behave according to the objective laws and needs in one state or the other, and transmit promptly.

Although everyone's mental ability has limitations, it is very elastic. As with physical strength, it can be increased through training. The more one uses the brain, the wiser he becomes. But the training should proceed step by step.

Middle-aged people should overcome laziness. This is because physiological changes, such as overweight, have become a burden to various organs and systems of the body. On the other hand, some people may become content with their achievements and reluctant to advance further. Both are harm¬ful to the brain. With the aging process and the decline of physiological functions, laziness will develop, which will accelerate the failing of the brain. Some retirees are not good at arranging their lives, so that within one or two years their aging becomes obvious.

The reduction of brain cells is one reason for the failing of the brain. In a human's lifetime this reduction is insignificant. There are great potentials in the brain that have not been ex¬plored. As long as middle-aged and elderly people are willing to use the brain and are good at using it, they can keep a good memory and their efficiency in learning.

The major problem with most middle-aged intellectuals is not laziness but overtaxing the brain. When the brain is tired, one cannot concentrate on anything, thinking is slow, and even dizziness and headaches appear. This is a signal from the tran¬sition process in the brain from excitation to inhibition. Fatigue of the brain is a normal phenomenon and can be eliminated with rest. But long-time overtaxing of the brain exceeds the en¬durance of the brain nerves and may cause brain function disorders, i.e., neurasthenia. So, both laziness and overtaxing of the brain lead to premature senility of the brain. To avoid this, attention must be paid to adjustment of the brain's imbalance.

Adjustment of the Brain

This means proper balance between work and rest as required by the laws of alternative excitation and inhibition of the brain. Generally speaking, a break of 10 minutes once every two hours is necessary. During such breaks, go for a walk or do exercises to inhale fresh air and limber up the joints. These can relieve mental fatigue and tiredness caused by sitting for long periods.

Periodic changes in the form and content of work alter¬nates the excitation and inhibition of different areas of the brain. Such changes result in people not feeling tired even when working for a long time.

Sleep is the protective inhibitor of the brain and is the most important form of rest. Some people think that the older people become, the less they sleep. This is not correct. Middle-aged and elderly intellectuals should guarantee them¬selves 7 or 8 hours of sleep nightly. Otherwise they cannot recover from the mental work of the day. Long periods of inade¬quate sleep not only bring on low spirits but also harm the brain.

Adjustment of the brain is not only the need of mental work but an important measure for protecting the brain. Time schedules may vary for different intellectuals but the principle should be "stop for a rest when tired and return to work when recoverd." Pavlov said that "nothing is stronger than rhythm in the activities of the human organism." Regularity in life builds up a rhythm in the excitation and inhibition functions of the brain and makes them adapt to daily life.

Aiding Memory

The first symptom of a failing brain is failing memory, es¬pecially recent memory. Almost every old person has this expe¬rience: the newly happened things are forgotten easily but the things that happened long ago, even in childhood, can be re¬membered clearly. Because of this, old people feel it difficult to memorize new things.

Recent memory is short-term memory, the initial stage of memory. After learning new things, the middle-aged and elderly should consolidate them, turning short-term memory into long-term memory. They should take advantage of their accu¬mulated knowledge, connect the newly learned knowledge with old knowledge to help memorize it. Another method is to take notes, which are not only convenient to check but helpful to memory. In fact, everyone can devise methods of his own to raise memory ability. A good memory is not only the need of mental work, it is one of the measures of saving effort and keeping the brain fit.

Keeping in a Good Mood

The psychological changes in the middle-aged and elderly intellectuals are great. Middle-aged people are often nervous because of the double burden of career and family. When entering old age, the division of their family, the separation from their offspring and the reduction of social activities make them lonely. Weaker physique, illness and fewer interests in life may cause depression and vexation, which are harmful to health and the functions of the brain.

People who live long often have different secrets, but a common one is keeping in a good mood and being optimistic. Continuing to learn helps relieve depression but cannot eliminate it. When worried, it is important to comfort oneself and not allow the worries to linger in the mind. Second, keep some hobbies, such as chess, painting and calligraphy, raising flow¬ers, fishing and so on. These help adjust the brain and improve one's mental state. Third, pursue a perfect life. This includes not only one's career but marriage and family. Even in old age, single people should find a marriage partner, the widowed should organize a new family. Fourth, pay attention to appear¬ance. "Slovenly" is often used to describe some intellectuals. Taking care of appearance and clothing awakens vigor. Fifth, enjoy family happiness. Middle-aged and elderly intellectuals should not become unsociable and eccentric. Besides social ac¬tivities, they should entertain together with children and young people, a process that makes them forget their years.

Strengthening Physique

Except for physiological and psychological factors, physi¬cal condition is another important factor influencing the health of the brain. Adequate nutrition, a rational diet, giving up smoking and alcohol are all necessary. Emphasis should also be placed on the most effective method of strengthening the physique — sports.

Sports is commonly recognized as the most effective method of preventing and treating disease and prolonging life. Statistics show that with people between 40 and 50 there are great differences in physical condition between those who per¬sist in sports and those who don't. Continued participation in sports or manual labor can prolong a life by 10 years on the av¬erage. Sports strengthen the physique and temper the will, im¬prove the state of mind and coordinate the functions of the or¬gans and systems of the body. It reduces obesity and blood fat, and prevents and treats arteriosclerosis. For mental workers, movement can relieve mental fatigue, accelerate the metabolism rate, raise the capability of the brain to control the excitation and inhibition function, and bring good sleep.

Finally, although most people admit that exercise, enter¬tainment, diet and sleep are important to mental health, many do not pay enough attention to them because of tight time schedules. Yet spending time on exercises raises work efficien¬cy and wins more time for work. This is the dialectical logic of time consumption.
　
An Exercise for Piles
WEN JIAO

HEMORRHOIDS, one of man's most common problems, can be alleviated with a therapeutic exercise advocated centuries ago in China. It involves regularly constricting the anal muscles to give a better blood circulation and tone to the tissues. As a matter of fact, the exercise is an essential movement in qigong ( breathing) and taijiquan ( boxing) movements.

The method consists of four points: (1) breathing in, (2) putting the tip of the tongue on the palate, (3) constricting the anal muscles, and (4) holding the breath.

One proceeds as follows: Relax the body. Press the thighs together and make an effort to close the buttocks. Breathe in while raising the tip of the tongue to the palate, at the same time constricting the anal muscles. Hold the breath for a moment. Then breathe out and relax before repeating the movements.

The exercise can be done anywhere and in any body position — sitting, lying or standing. It is best done at fixed hours every day, at least once in the morning and once in the evening, each time repeating the movements until one begins to tire.

Points to remember:

1. Those with anal fissures, inflammation or abscess around the anus should not do the exercise until these are healed.
2. Do the exercise daily without interruption.
3. Avoid eating hot and spicy foods.
4. Don't delay bowel movements.
5. Avoid strain and constipation.
6. Better results are often obtained by combining this exercise with qigong routines or supplementing them with warm baths, hot compresses or massage.
　
Eight Ways to Resist Cancer
LIU ZHANGWEN

CANCER, heart and cerebral diseases are man's worst enemies today. There are 20 million cancer victims in the world, 5 million of whom die every year. In China 800,000 die of it annually, the second largest cause of death in the country. Though the cause of cancer remains unclear, this does not mean that we are helpless against it. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that deficiency and stagnation of the circulation of vital energy in the body are the main causes. To maintain an exuberant vitality and keep fit can prevent cancer from developing. Here are eight ways in our daily life effective in resisting cancer.

Be Optimistic

Scientific tests prove that mental irritation is vital to the development of cancer because a bad mood weakens the body's immunity and impairs the functions of the T-lymphocyte to resist the disease. To be healthy one has to be optimistic. Try to control yourself and not flare up, not to be bothered by trifles or fame and gain, to be large-minded and aboveboard. Develop hobbies to adjust and enrich your life.

Persist in Doing Exercises

Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine believe that invigorating the circulation of the blood is the clue to preventing cancer, for this enhances the body's immunity. Exercises arethe best way to achieve this effect, for they stimulate blood flow and metabolism. Exercises permitted by the doctors after a cancer operation help check its spread to other parts of the body. Some cancer patients have found the symptoms disappearing as they continued doing exercises. For middle-aged and old people, the best exercises are qigong, taijiquan, running, walking, swimming and mountain climbing. The best times aremorning or evening. Persist and the result will be distinct.

Pay Attention to Hygiene

As high as 80 to 90 percent of cancer is caused by environmental factors. Lung cancer, for example, is highly related to air pollution, and cancer of the liver to polluted water. Thus keeping good environmental sanitation is the best way to prevent the disease. Personal hygiene is important too. Waste gases, air and residue should be properly treated to avoid pollution. Care should be taken not to come in contact with radioactive rays. Infections should be treated promptly.

Rational Diet

Scientists believe that 50 percent of cancer incidence is caused by a diet containing carcinogenic substances. Thus a proper diet is also important in preventing cancer. Food should be varied, contain different vitamins, mineral substances and cellulose. Eat more fruit and vegetables, but less animal fat and salt.

Chew Carefully and Swallow Slowly

Chewing carefully when eating is necessary to fitness. This stimulates the secretion of saliva, a big aid in building up the body. Traditional Chinese medicine calls saliva "tonic jelly." Modern medicine has also proved that saliva influences metabolism in different parts of the body and aids development and immunity. Chew each mouthful 30 seconds and then any carcinogenic substance will lose its power. The good habit of chewing carefully will benefit you all your life. Old people without good teeth should be even more careful in chewing their food.

Health Food

Pay attention to the quality of your food. Some foods help raise the body's immunity and may aid in curing cancer. They include yoghurt, milk, bean products, royal jelly and mushrooms. Cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, turnips, carrots and bean sprouts are rich sources of vitamins A and C that help the body resist cancer and stimulate the secretion of interferon. Some contain ferments to resolve nitrosamine. Garlic, papaya, sweet potatoes and various kinds of tea also help prevent cancer.

No Smoking and Less Liquor

Smoking harms the body. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned people not to smoke. Wine stimulates the circulation of the blood and causes the muscles and joints to relax. A little low-alcohol wine after a meal is good for health. But excessive drinking ruins health. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Old people and those with chronic diseases should drink still less.

Early Diagnosis

Cancer is not incurable. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital. In daily life one should pay attention to any abnormal signals and get early diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment should also be had with chronic diseases.
Prevention and health protection are important in tackling cancer. Persist in the above eight measures and you will gain good health.
　
Rice Is a Medicine
DU LINGFANG

RICE is becoming a favorite with foreign nutritionists today. In European and American countries where bread is a traditional food, it is being used in medication for weight control and some diseases.

In the United States, rice is considered one of the best diet foods. There are books that talk about its benefit on health and the beauty of the body. An American doctor, after first using the therapy for diabetes in 1939, is using a rice diet therapy to treat obesity. Another American nutritionist says that brown rice is valuable anti-cancer food.

As a matter of fact, many classic Chinese medical books speak of rice being used as medicine. The Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen (1518-1593) says that rice is of a sweet and cool nature, and contains neutralized vital energies of heaven and earth, and that it invigorates the stomach.

Rice is also nourishing. It is good for the spleen, stomach and lungs. Traditionally, Chinese doctors prescribed medicines to be cooked in rice. This method is especially helpful for those who are recovering from illness when their stomach is weak. Water left over from washing uncooked rice can also be frozen and then used to heal ulcerated corners of the mouth, for when it is applied it creates a protective membrane that subdues inflammation.

Rice crust (formed in the bottom of the pot in which it is cooked) helps cure indigestion, diarrhea, and weakness and coldness of the spleen and stomach. The Chinese herbal medicine "rice crust pill" is used for infant indigestion. A research project conducted by the Singapore National University showed that thin rice gruel is very effective for infant diarrhea and dehydration, more effective than oral electrolytic solution recommended by World Health Organization. The researchers therefore recommended that rice gruel replace such solutions as standard prescriptions for infant diarrhea.

Present studies of nutrition show that rice contains amino acids, unsaturated fatty acid, the vitamin B family, cellulose and various trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and iron, all necessary to the body. Rice has low calories and low fat, and contains compound carbohydrates that give the stomach a feeling of fullness, which can help in the cure of obesity.

People in the north should also eat rice in order to keep a balanced and diversified diet, and prevent deficient nutrition. Young parents in particular should remember that thin rice gruel has a special effect on health protection and disease prevention in children.