In the first post in this series, Grand Master Lu shared the difference between the two major types of cold—temperature and essence, as well as the impact of cold on the body’s 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 is not about living longer, it’s about living better.” – Grand Master Lu

Although your time on earth may be predetermined, the state of your health isn’t. You could be an unhealthy 40 year old or a vibrant 80 year old. Age doesn’t necessarily matter. What matters is the way 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 eventually collapse. It’s most likely easier for a 20 year old to keep up with a harried lifestyle, but as you age, your Qi naturally declines. What once seemed natural to you—staying up late, spending hours on the computer, driving long distances without stopping—may now feel more cumbersome. If you take time to slow down and conserve the body’s resources, you are listening to the body’s messages. But many people do not stop. In fact, they just keep pushing through. Eventually, exhaustion gives way to a racing heart, migraine headaches, and more.

Simply put, the way you live your life determines the state of your health. If you take care of your body and save your energy throughout your life, you will likely enjoy good health as you age.

So, where does cold come in?

Cold is the first enemy, and the most important pathogen we must avoid. Without cold essence, your body is able to maintain balance and function properly. If you have cold essence, your body will not be able to function as intended.

As Master Lu shares, “If your body is at a certain level of cold, it will stay at the lowest level of functioning. You’ll never have the chance to allow yourself to heal and repair.“

From an energy point of view, everything is Qi. The body always directs energy to where it is needed the most. Wrinkles and gray hair are the least important. Even bones are not the highest priority. If your bones break, you can still sit in a wheelchair. But the heart is important. If your heart stops beating, you will die. The body always uses its energy sufficiently. Therefore, if we give the body enough energy, it will know how to use it wisely.

If, for example, you’ve taken great care of yourself throughout your life, you will look much younger than someone who abuses their energy, regardless of your age. So even as you turn 60 or 70, you will still look 50, because your energy contains balance. But if you have larger, deeper issues to repair, your energy will focus on those areas instead of the more superficial areas, such as wrinkles and gray or thinning hair. From that angle, real anti-aging is about saving your energy and using it wisely.

Coming Up

Qi Thursday

Join us virtually every Thursday evening to practice The Dragon Floats on the Sea. This Qigong form will carry us through the winter season and nurture Kidney Qi. JOIN US

Yin Yang of the Season: Winter

This program opens our year-long Seasonal Series, where Master Lu reveals how Yin and Yang form the blueprint of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life. Over seven days, Master Lu will guide you to experience how your inner world responds to Winter’s Yin and Yang. Through 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 January 18 – 25, 2026. REGISTER