A doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shared a thought-provoking case about his friend, a young entrepreneur in the publishing industry, who suffered a stroke at just thirty-two. During the initial consultation, the young man proudly stated: “Doctor, I am very wealthy now and change girlfriends every six months.” His words revealed a life of excessive indulgence.
The doctor, deeply concerned, gave him a straightforward warning: “You are not far from disaster. Kidney deficiency can lead to a series of health problems, and no amount of money can compensate for it.” With a compassionate heart, the doctor revealed the hidden dangers of his lifestyle.
Signs of kidney deficiency and early warnings
The entrepreneur exhibited classic symptoms of kidney depletion. His legs were notably weak, a telltale sign of liver and kidney deficiency in TCM. He also experienced frequent nighttime urination, waking up seven to eight times per night. This severe disruption to his sleep was a glaring warning of declining kidney function and an increased risk of stroke.
The sleep deprivation took a toll on his work, forcing him to seek treatment for his frequent urination. The doctor prescribed herbal remedies but attached a strict condition: “During the course of treatment, you must abstain from sexual activity. Only through self-restraint and energy conservation can you see real improvement.”
After some hesitation, the entrepreneur agreed. Within two weeks of following the doctor’s regimen, his symptoms noticeably improved.
Ignoring health advice leads to a severe stroke
Given the severity of his condition, the doctor advised him to practice abstinence for at least a year and to avoid excessive indulgence. He explained in detail how overindulgence drained essential energy and harmed vital organs.
However, the entrepreneur struggled to accept such a lifestyle change. He was accustomed to entertaining clients in nightlife establishments, believing such socializing was necessary for business success. Feeling young and full of energy, he dismissed the doctor’s warnings, convinced that strokes were an ailment of the elderly.
Six months later, he returned to the doctor’s clinic, this time accompanied by a heavily made-up woman. The doctor once again urged him to reconsider his lifestyle choices, warning him of the dangers ahead. Unconcerned, the entrepreneur scoffed: “I worked hard to earn my wealth — shouldn’t I enjoy life?”
Another six months passed, and disaster struck. He suffered a severe stroke, leaving him with facial paralysis, slurred speech, and partial paralysis. He could no longer walk steadily, his balance was impaired, and his words were barely intelligible — classic symptoms of a major stroke.
The doctor explained that most stroke patients with normal liver and kidney function could regain mobility within six months to a year. However, for those with kidney deficiency, recovery was painfully slow. Three years later, the once-prominent businessman remained frail and unsteady, struggling to speak clearly. His former vitality was gone.
A life lost to indulgence
The once-successful entrepreneur, who had everything at his fingertips, was now confined to a wheelchair. The women who once surrounded him had long disappeared, leaving him alone and dependent on caregivers for even the simplest daily tasks. His reality was a stark contrast to the life of excess he once pursued.
The legendary TCM physician Sun Simiao warned in Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold: “Of all evils, lust is the most destructive.” His words are not mere superstition. Whether an ordinary person or a ruler, those who indulge excessively in pleasures will soon face downfall and ruin.
Sun Simiao’s wisdom serves as a timeless reminder: Overindulgence in alcohol and lust weakens the body, depletes vitality, and ultimately shortens one’s lifespan. True longevity lies in self-discipline and balance.
Translated article
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