Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 980 Simplified Version of Chen Tuan's Sleeping Technique, Basic Health Care Kit for Researchers (Two-in-One Chapter)
Fang Yan suggested to Comrade Zhu:
"You need to adjust your diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and be sure to avoid strong-flavored foods such as chili peppers and dried radish, such as homemade chili pepper and dried radish salad, to prevent aggravating internal heat."

Comrade Zhu looked troubled. Changing eating habits is no easy task, especially since he already had a fondness for this kind of flavor.

"What should I eat?" he asked.

The dialect replied:

"Eat more foods that nourish yin and clear heat. It is recommended to replace regular staple foods with yam and millet porridge or poria cocos cake for breakfast and dinner. You can drink lotus seed and lily porridge or wolfberry and chrysanthemum tea daily to nourish yin and reduce internal heat."

Comrade Zhu then asked:
What are "heaty" foods?

"For example, spicy stir-fried pickled vegetables, spicy chicken, Mapo tofu, and twice-cooked pork with chili peppers," Fang Yan explained. "In short, dishes that are easy to cause internal heat after consumption are all considered 'heaty' foods."

Comrade Deng, who was standing nearby, added:
"It's the kind of flavor you'd find in your hometown."

Comrade Zhu touched his receding hairline helplessly and finally nodded in agreement.

Fang Yan picked up his pen and recorded these precautions in his medical record, adding further instructions:

"In addition, make sure you get at least 6 hours of sleep every day and avoid staying up late for extended periods. You were previously only sleeping 4 hours or less a day, which put a huge strain on your body."

"But I can't sleep," Comrade Zhu said with a worried look. "Even if I go to bed early, my mind is full of work, and I toss and turn and can't fall asleep."

“I will add calming herbs to the prescription,” Fang Yan said. “I will also teach you a set of Chen Tuan’s sleeping exercises. If you find them effective, you can share them with others.”

"Who is Chen Tuan?" Comrade Zhu was taken aback.

I was slightly surprised by the dialect, but considering the other person's focus on science, I patiently explained:

Chen Tuan was a famous Taoist scholar and health expert in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was revered as "Ancestor Chen Tuan". Emperor Taizong of Song, Zhao Guangyi, bestowed upon him the title "Master Xiyi" and sought his advice on health preservation. He was popularly known as the "Sleeping Immortal". The History of Song records that he "was good at sleeping and often fasted for several weeks without getting up".

Su Shi wrote in "Sleeping Pavilion": "You may go home and rest, I want to sleep. People say that the Great Awakening is the Golden Immortal. Even if the world is full of storms, He Jian can still talk about his old home." This is an allusion to his story.

He created the "Hibernating Dragon Method" sleeping exercise, emphasizing that sleep should be in harmony with the yin and yang of heaven and earth. He believed that "sleep is the way to cultivate the spirit," and advocated cultivating the mind and spirit through sleep to reach the state of "extreme emptiness and tranquility."

"In short, it's not as mysterious as it sounds. Just think of it as a way to fall asleep quickly."

Comrade Zhu nodded after hearing this.

He was already thinking that if Fang Yan wanted him to recite some scriptures, he would just pretend he didn't hear it.

Then he heard someone in dialect say:

"Chen Tuan's sleeping technique has been simplified by later Daoist doctors, and it is already very easy to learn."

Comrade Zhu said:
"As long as you don't teach me to chant spells, it's fine."

Fang Yan was both amused and exasperated. He wanted to know how to chant the incantation, but unfortunately, it was a genuine transmission, and even Yuan Qingshan didn't know it.

Fang Yan said to him:
"It's best not to read any books or think about work during the forty minutes before you go to bed. Create a peaceful atmosphere."

"Make the bed flat, and the pillow height should be about 10 to 15 centimeters high, which is about the height of your fist, and should fit the natural curvature of your cervical spine."

Comrade Zhu nodded:

"Well, then what?"

He said in dialect:

"Then relax your body and choose any lying position. There are two positions: side lying and back lying. Beginners are advised to lie on their side."

"For example, when lying on your right side, you should slightly bend your legs and gently place your left leg on top of your right leg. Support your chin with your right palm and place your left hand naturally on your left hip. Your whole body should be in an 'arch' shape, like a fetus curled up. Relax your waist and abdomen. Lying on your left side is the opposite."

Comrade Zhu nodded thoughtfully; that's easy to remember.

Then Comrade Deng, who was standing nearby, asked:
"What about lying on my back? I like to lie on my back, how should I lie?"

Fang Yan turned her head and glanced at him, saying:

"Then lie flat with your legs shoulder-width apart and toes naturally pointing outward; place your hands with palms up on either side of your body, about 10 centimeters away from your torso, in a 'T' shape, and stretch your chest."

Comrade Deng nodded.

I silently wrote it down.

Fang Yan continued:

"After you get into the right posture, it's time for the core exercise, which involves breathing and mental guidance."

"There are three stages. The first stage is the breath counting method. After closing your eyes, focus on natural breathing and silently count the number of inhalations and exhalations, from 1 to 10, and repeat the cycle."

"If distracting thoughts arise, such as work-related matters, there is no need to force them away. Just gently bring your attention back to your breathing, as calmly as 'watching the clouds gather and disperse'."

Comrade Zhu said:
"That's interesting... It's a bit like the meditation that a foreigner taught me before."

He said in dialect:

"This breath-counting method is for calming the heart fire."

"Next is the heel breathing method, which draws in kidney water."

"Kidney water?" Comrade Zhu asked curiously.

In dialect:
"Kidney water is actually kidney yin, which is the 'life-sustaining water' in our body that is responsible for nourishing the whole body. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney is called the 'water organ,' which is responsible for storing essence, growing bones and marrow, and even the condition of hair."

"Your hair loss is because there isn't enough 'water' in your body, which is not nourishing your hair. Moreover, if there isn't enough water, it also won't control your heart fire, which can easily lead to palpitations and having vivid dreams while sleeping."

Comrade Zhu immediately understood:

"Oh, I see! Tell me what to do next, I'll remember this!"

He spoke in dialect, gesturing with his hands as he spoke:

"Just think of it this way: when you inhale, let the air go in through your nose, down your chest to your lower abdomen, and then slowly down to the soles of your feet, like spring water seeping into the mud, slowly and steadily. When you exhale, feel the 'stale air' in your body being expelled from the soles of your feet, as if you are 'stepping' all the day's fatigue into the ground. Don't rush your breathing, just breathe however you feel comfortable, try to be slow, about five or six times a minute is fine... When you inhale, your abdomen will gently expand, and when you exhale, it will slowly contract, don't hold your breath."

"After that, start relaxing your body, starting from your head. Mentally repeat 'Relax your forehead... relax your eyes... relax your chin...', and then move down your neck, shoulders, arms, stomach, back, legs, all the way to the soles of your feet, like taking a warm shower from top to bottom, to wash away all the tension."

"Finally, imagine yourself lying on a cloud or by the water, feeling light and airy, with no thoughts in your mind, feeling extremely peaceful."

Comrade Zhu and Comrade Deng silently went through the process in their minds, then heard Fang Yan continue:
"If you're still not asleep after doing all this, don't worry. Just stay in that 'half-asleep, half-awake' state. Don't force yourself to sleep. Sometimes, the more you don't want to sleep, the more likely you are to fall asleep."

"If you wake up in the middle of the night, don't panic. Just start counting your breaths and taking deep breaths again. Do this a few times and you'll be able to fall back asleep."

"Yes, I understand!" Comrade Zhu said.

Fang Yan said to them:

"Alright, I'll write you another prescription and then I'll do a bone setting for you."

Upon hearing this, both of them were taken aback. Comrade Zhu asked:
"Bone setting? There's nothing wrong with our bones!"

The dialect responded:
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the unity of body and spirit, with the body's structure and the functions of the internal organs influencing each other.

"We believe that an imbalance in the skeletal structure can compress the meridians, leading to obstructed blood and qi circulation. Prolonged desk work or fixed posture can easily cause tension in the neck, shoulders, waist and back muscles. Bone setting can correct minor joint misalignments, relieve muscle stiffness, and allow blood and qi to flow smoothly to the head and internal organs."

"Comrade Zhu, your liver stagnation transforming into fire is also closely related to the concept of 'the liver governs the tendons' in traditional Chinese medicine."

"Stagnation of liver qi can cause muscle contracture and spasms. Bone setting can indirectly relieve liver stagnation by loosening the muscles and bones, and help calm heart fire."

"Furthermore, once the skeletal structure is properly aligned, the internal organs return to their natural positions, making it easier for the medicine to reach the affected area directly."

"For example, adjusting the lumbar spine can enhance blood circulation in the kidney area, and help nourishing yin and tonifying kidney herbs to promote hair growth and strengthen the body's foundation."

Upon hearing this, Comrade Deng said:
"I understand! He means that this person is a whole! Just like our tape recorder, even though the internal parts are loose, we can make it work again by tapping the outer casing."

"..." Fang Yan was speechless.

However, to be fair, his analogy actually has a certain succinctness.

In addition, while I was talking, I was also writing out a prescription for Comrade Zhu.

Based on the information collected previously, the treatment principle should be to nourish yin and clear heat, harmonize the heart and kidneys, and soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen.

Therefore, prescriptions written in the dialect need to include ingredients that nourish yin and reduce internal heat, soothe the heart and calm the mind, and relieve liver stagnation and depression.

At the same time, considering that Comrade Zhu has constipation, it is necessary to add appropriate laxatives, but avoid using bitter and cold purgatives to prevent damage to Yin.

Therefore, the treatment method is to nourish kidney water to nourish liver wood, clear heart fire to calm the mind, and soothe liver stagnation to regulate qi.

The prescriptions in the local dialect were written out according to this logic, and their effects were clearly stated, since they needed to be checked by others, so it was essential to write them out clearly:
15g of raw Rehmannia root nourishes kidney yin and clears deficiency heat (for yin deficiency with excessive fire, red tongue with little coating).

12g of North American ginseng nourishes yin and generates fluids, moistens the lungs and benefits the stomach (improves bitter taste in the mouth and constipation).
Ophiopogon japonicus 9g: Clears heat and relieves irritability, nourishes yin and moistens dryness (relieves palpitations and insomnia).
Scrophularia ningpoensis 9g: nourishes yin and reduces fire, detoxifies and dissipates nodules (restrains the deficiency heat caused by propranolol).
Coptis chinensis 3g, clears heat from the heart and drains fire, directly suppressing excessive Yang (for red tongue tip and rapid pulse).
15g of jujube seed nourishes blood and calms the mind, astringes sweat and promotes the production of body fluids (improves symptoms such as excessive dreaming and early awakening).
12g of cypress seed kernels nourish the heart and calm the mind, moisten the intestines and relieve constipation (a substitute for lactulose for treating constipation).
Bupleurum chinense 6g: Soothes the liver and relieves stagnation, raises yang energy (alleviates liver stagnation transforming into fire).
White peony root 12g, soothes the liver and relieves pain, nourishes blood and astringes yin (works with bupleurum to soothe the liver without harming yin).

9g of Poria cocos strengthens the spleen, calms the mind, and promotes diuresis and dampness elimination (when combined with yam and millet porridge to strengthen the spleen and stomach).

Prepared Polygonum multiflorum 30g, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and darkens hair (targeting the core pathogenesis of hair loss).
9g of hemp seeds moisten dryness, lubricate the intestines, nourish yin, and relieve constipation (a substitute for lactulose, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause).
Decoction method:

First decoct the Polygonum multiflorum for 30 minutes, then add the other herbs;
Crush the hemp seeds and add them in the last 10 minutes.

Dosage time:

Take warm 1 hour after breakfast and dinner.

Prescriptions written in dialects mainly focus on two core principles:
The primary treatment is to nourish Yin, while the secondary treatment is to clear heat.

Use Rehmannia glutinosa, Adenophora stricta, and Ophiopogon japonicus to nourish the Yin deficiency of the heart, liver, and kidneys, addressing the problem from three angles simultaneously.

Only 3 grams of Coptis chinensis are used, which is specifically for clearing heart fire and will not harm the stomach (Comrade Zhu's tongue is yellow in the middle but has little coating, indicating that his stomach is also weak).

Adding Scrophularia balances the bitterness and coldness of Coptis chinensis, preventing damage to Yin fluids during heat-clearing.

In addition, it has a calming effect, promotes bowel movement, and protects hair all at once:

Sour jujube seed can treat insomnia, while cypress seed can both relieve constipation and nourish the heart. When combined, one calms the mind and the other clears the intestines, without harming the yin like Western medicine.

Hemp seeds can lubricate the intestines and relieve constipation, as well as nourish hair follicles and improve hair loss.

In addition to soothing the liver, it is also necessary to protect the yin:

Using only 6 grams of Bupleurum chinense, combined with 12 grams of Paeonia lactiflora, can soothe the liver while nourishing liver yin, preventing the liver-soothing medicine from being too "dry" and aggravating hair loss.

Increase the dosage of white peony root to focus on nourishing yin and blood.

Finally, combining medicine and food can enhance the effect:
Poria cocos paired with yam (the kind of yam and millet porridge we usually drink) can both strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, and nourish yin and strengthen the body's foundation.

Use 30 grams of prepared Polygonum multiflorum, and add it to your daily goji berry and chrysanthemum tea to work together to darken and protect your hair.

While the dialect was being written, Comrades Zhu and Deng were also reading it.

After finishing writing, Fang Yan put down his pen and said to them, "Let's do the bone setting now!"

Comrade Deng said:
"Old Zhu, you go first!"

Comrade Zhu nodded and asked:
"how to do?"

“Sit in the chair and just do as I say,” Fang Yan said.

Next, Fang Yan asked him to take off his military uniform, leaving him only in his red vest, and then began to set his bones.

Following the same method used to set Director Liao's bones, Fang Yan worked on him from head to toe.

His joints cracked and popped, and his muscles were massaged repeatedly with dialect.

Comrade Deng, who was watching from the side, grinned and grimaced.

I asked several times, "Does it hurt?"

However, Comrade Zhu shook his head, indicating that everything was within his tolerance range.

After he finished speaking in dialect, he said:

"I feel like my joints are relaxed, and the stiff and sore parts of my body are better."

"Really? That's amazing?" Comrade Deng asked in surprise.

Comrade Zhu said:
"Don't forget, his file says he's a descendant of Old Lady Luo from Shuangqiao, which is highly regarded by the higher-ups. If he could do that once a week, it would probably be very comfortable..."

Comrade Deng looked enlightened; in fact, he hadn't looked at the dialect file.

He only heard some things from his colleagues Lao Zhou and Lao Yu, and then he came directly with Lao Zhu. He preferred to spend more time in the lab looking at documents rather than looking at other materials.

"You can't do it every week, once every few months is enough. Doing it too often will cause problems," Fang Yan said.

"Oh, I see!" Comrade Zhu nodded and carefully wrote it down.

Realizing today that his problem is quite serious, he feels he really should take it seriously.

Next, it was Comrade Deng's turn, and he was subjected to a full-on examination from head to toe.

Because everyone's situation is different, Comrade Zhu works more at his desk, while Comrade Deng seems to work more standing and bending over.

Therefore, the adjustments will be different.

However, after it was done, Comrade Deng did give it unanimous praise.

"As expected of a descendant of the old lady from Shuangqiao, her technique is truly superb..."

"You're too kind!" Fang Yan bowed to Comrade Deng.

The treatment here is now complete.

Of course, Comrade Zhu didn't forget another important matter. He said to the dialect:

"Dr. Fang, let's talk about the additional medications we need to purchase at the China Academy of Engineering Physics. Let's not rush to look at the list we made earlier. Since you've treated us, could you give us a professional perspective on what types of medications we need to stock up on?"

"Let me offer suggestions?" Fang Yan raised an eyebrow.

Comrade Zhu said sincerely, "Of course! Your expertise in traditional Chinese medicine is beyond question, and you can definitely give us some practical advice."

Fang Yan was somewhat surprised by the question posed, but he had already considered it. Scientists at the China Academy of Engineering Physics commonly suffer from liver stagnation, yin deficiency, and excessive heart fire due to the high pressure of their work, often experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, hair loss, and digestive problems. In previous treatments, he had emphasized a combination of medication, diet therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and physical therapy, and had also recommended customized medicine kits and emergency medications for special environments to other scientists. Considering Comrade Zhu's needs, he determined that the focus should be on overall health management.

Fang Yan asked, "You're planning to provide medicine for all the staff at the China Academy of Engineering Physics, right?"

"Yes." Comrade Zhu nodded.

Fang Yan analyzed: "Your work is characterized by high pressure, staying up late, and long hours at a desk. Some of you will also be exposed to chemical reagents and radiation. Others will need to work in the field and face harsh sanitary conditions."

"That's right!" Comrade Zhu agreed.

Fang Yan continued, "For those responsible for data work, I suggest focusing on medications that soothe the liver, relieve depression, nourish yin, calm the mind, and boost immunity; field staff need to cope with dryness, so prepare some products to relieve dry throat, chapped skin, and provide personal hygiene protection; for those handling hazardous materials, physical protection is paramount, but this requires cooperation from other units, and we at the Traditional Chinese Medicine department can..."

Comrade Zhu interjected: "Let's go with your approach! You propose a specific plan, I'll use it as a reference, and I'll coordinate with other units on the parts that need coordination."

“Okay, I’ll put it into writing right away,” Fang Yan replied.

"That would be perfect." Comrade Zhu nodded.

Soon Fang Yan got a new notebook and started writing his plan in it.

Because the other party was purchasing for all employees of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, the list was written in a more detailed dialect.

He categorized the name as: Basic health care kit for scientific researchers.

They are further divided into several groups.

Liver-soothing and depression-relieving group:
Xiaoyao Shugan Wan (modified Chaihu Shugan San): contains Bupleurum, White Peony Root, and Cyperus Rhizome, and relieves anxiety headaches and premenstrual syndrome.

Chrysanthemum Tea Glycoside Granules (Chrysanthemum, Cassia Seed, Hawthorn): Brew during work breaks to clear the liver and improve eyesight, and help lower blood pressure and lipids.

Yin-nourishing and calming group:
Sour jujube seed sustained-release capsules (containing cypress seed and poria cocos): prolong deep sleep cycles, replace sleeping pills, and reduce drug dependence.

Magnetic calming ear acupoint patch (containing Evodia rutaecarpa and borneol): Apply to the liver, heart, and Shenmen acupoints to immediately relieve stress-induced palpitations.

Spleen-strengthening and radiation-resistant group:

Poria Anti-Radiation Cake (Poria, Coix Seed, Spirulina): Enhances immunity and reduces experimental radiation damage.

Turmeric Stomach Protector Powder: Repairs the gastric mucosa and prevents gastritis caused by experimental waste food.

In addition, there are emergency medicines for special environments.

Special supplies for Gobi workstations:
Sea buckthorn lozenges: Contains sea buckthorn and ophiopogon japonicus to combat dryness in the northwest and relieve dry throat and chapped skin.

Rhodiola Rosea Anti-Hypoxia Pills: Increase blood oxygen concentration and prevent cerebral edema caused by altitude sickness.

Laboratory protective suit:
Honeysuckle Vine Protective Spray: When sprayed on the skin, it neutralizes the toxicity and irritation of the reagents.

Tianxianteng eye patches: Used for cold compresses to relieve experimental eye strain and conjunctival congestion.

Special site protective clothing (it is recommended to imitate foreign laboratory protective equipment, and design and manufacture it separately).
Comrade Deng, who was standing next to Fang Yan, couldn't help but smile when he saw the last thing Fang Yan wrote.

I thought he could design a protective suit, but it seems there are still things he doesn't understand.

However, it is clear that Fang Yan has tried his best to consider all aspects based on the information he has obtained, and Comrade Deng could feel this.

He truly cares about everyone.

After writing down the dialect, he handed it to Comrade Zhu.

"That should be all. I was thinking of writing a daily massage and maintenance manual, but considering that you will be provided with a personal assistant, I feel there is no need to write it."

Comrade Zhu was both amused and exasperated by the dialect. Goodness, this kid was afraid he'd forgotten about it, so he was now subtly reminding him.

He smiled and said:

"It's unlikely that everyone will be equipped with one, at least for now. I will consider equipping them with key technical personnel, though."

This can be considered Comrade Zhu's honest answer.

Then he took the order from Fang Yan and started looking at it.

Then he spoke in dialect:

“Great, I’ll go with your list. In addition to the previous prescriptions for cardiac emergency treatment, spleen strengthening, outdoor diarrhea relief, and headache treatment, I’ll ask for another batch of medicine.”

Fang Yan was somewhat surprised that he had made a decision so quickly.

Little did he know that this was Comrade Zhu's original plan.

Dialects and such things basically cover everything he wants, and there's even more.

Moreover, he is a complete novice and has no real intention of instructing the dialect expert on his work.

"What's wrong?" Comrade Zhu asked, seeing Fang Yan's surprised look.

Fang Yan came to his senses and said:
"Oh, no, I just didn't expect it to be so soon. I thought you would still have to give your opinion."

Comrade Zhu said:
"Your plan is very good. It is very clear and takes into account all aspects. Except for the last one... the protective suit is not easy to buy or replicate, it is actually quite good."

Upon hearing about the clothes, Fang Yan scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, then spoke again to Comrade Zhu:
"Then you should go back and place an order with the Ministry of Health. We will produce it directly, and after inspection, we will have it delivered to Peking Union Medical College Hospital."

Comrade Zhu nodded:

"Okay, let's follow this procedure!"

Then he looked at the time on his watch and said:
"It's about time, shall we call it a day?"

Fang Yan nodded and said:

"Okay, I'll take you back to the China Academy of Engineering Physics."

"Let's go downstairs together!" Comrade Zhu called to Comrade Deng.

Fang Yan then handed the medical records and prescriptions to Comrade Zhu, cleaned up the scene, and went downstairs with the two of them.

In the parking lot, Fang Yan led them to his car.

"Wow? You drive this?" Comrade Deng asked, somewhat surprised.

Now that it's in dialect, I feel a little embarrassed. Other people haven't managed to get this job, but I, a young person, have. It's a bit awkward.

He said in dialect:

"It was a gift from an overseas Chinese businessman who partners with me."

As if sensing the awkwardness of the dialect, Comrade Zhu said with a smile:

"Haha, that's great! It means he acknowledges your abilities!"

After saying this, he turned to Comrade Deng and said:
"Let's go, get in the car, we're heading back to the office!"

PS: The basic chapter of 6000 words has been updated.

There will be an extra chapter later.

(End of this chapter)