In the first post in this series, Grandmaster Lu shared the difference between the two main types of cold: temperature and essence, as well as the impact of cold on bodily functions. In the second post, we discussed how cold affects all aspects of women’s health, from menstruation to menopause. Here we discuss longevity and anti-aging. What role does cold play?
“Longevity and anti-aging are not about living longer, it is about living better.” – Grandmaster Lu
Even though your time on earth is predetermined, your state of health is not. You can be an unhealthy 40 year old, or a vibrant 80 year old. Age doesn’t necessarily matter. What matters is how you use (or abuse) your body and save (or spend) your precious energy.
Many people burn the candle at both ends. They run from one appointment to the next, stress over decisions (big and small), and push their bodies until they finally collapse. It’s probably easier for a 20-year-old to maintain a busy lifestyle, but as you get older, your Qi naturally declines. What once seemed obvious to you (staying up late, sitting in front of the computer for hours, driving long distances without stopping) may now feel more difficult. When you take the time to slow down and conserve the body’s resources, you are listening to the body’s messages. But many people don’t stop. In fact, they just keep going. Eventually, exhaustion gives way to a racing heart, migraines and more.
Simply put, the way you live determines the state of your health. If you take care of your body and conserve energy throughout your life, you will likely enjoy good health as you age.
So where does the cold come in?
Cold is the first enemy and the most important pathogen to avoid. Without cold essence, your body can maintain balance and function properly. If you have cold essence, your body will not be able to function as intended.
As Master Lu shares: “When your body is at a certain level of cold, it remains at the lowest level of functioning. You will never have the opportunity to allow yourself to heal and recover.“
From an energetic point of view, everything is Qi. The body always sends energy to where it is needed most. Wrinkles and gray hair are the least important. Even bones are not the highest priority. If your bones break, you can still be in a wheelchair. But the heart is important. If your heart stops beating, you die. The body always uses its energy sufficiently. So if we give the body enough energy, it will know how to use it wisely.
For example, if you have taken good care of yourself all your life, you will look much younger than someone who abuses his or her energy, regardless of your age. So even if you live to be 60 or 70, you will still look 50 because your energy is in balance. But if you need to fix bigger, deeper problems, your energy will focus on those areas instead of the more superficial ones, like wrinkles and gray or thinning hair. From that perspective, true anti-aging is about saving energy and using it wisely.
Coming soon
Qi Thursday
Come practice almost every Thursday evening The dragon floats on the sea. This Qigong form will carry us through the winter season and nourish Kidney Qi. Join us
Yin Yang of the season: Winter
This program opens our year-long seasonal series, in which Master Lu reveals how Yin and Yang form the blueprint of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life. For seven days, Master Lu guides you to experience how your inner world responds to Winter’s Yin and Yang. By means of Wu Ming Qigong practices, seasonal Eating-for-Healing principles and insights rooted in Chinese psychology – and how your inner dialogue shapes your energy, emotions and direction in life. This virtual program runs from January 18 – 25, 2026. REGISTER