In the cold winter, an elderly man in his seventies had a heated discussion with his friends under the plane tree at the entrance of the village: "Why didn't I catch a cold this winter?" At this point in last year, I was sick three times! His friend asked him curiously about the secret, and the old man smiled and said, "The secret?" That's thanks to my grandson's 'Shen Ling first, then Gui Fu' tonic plan for me! This story not only makes us curious about the old man's secret, but also leads to the topic we are discussing today: how to make the body stronger and not on fire. 
Among the middle-aged and elderly population, tonic has become a common concept of health preservation. Whether it's to fight the cold, boost immunity, or improve physical fitness, tonic is always seen as an important health activity. However, not all tonic methods are scientific, and not every herb or supplement is suitable for everyone. The wrong way of taking supplements may not only be unhelpful, but may even lead to problems such as fire and indigestion. So, how can you meet the body's needs without avoiding adverse effects? "Shen Ling first, then Gui Fu" is not only a summary of traditional wisdom, but also a progressive sequence supported by modern scientific research. This method can not only help us achieve the tonic effect in one step, but more importantly, it can help us avoid the common problems of ignition in the tonic process. When it comes to the scientific principles of tonic, we must first make one thing clear: tonic is not simply "filling" the body with what it needs, but a fine art of balance. This balance is especially needed in middle-aged and older people, because as we age, our body functions gradually decline, and our immunity weakens. The purpose of scientific tonic is to enhance the body's self-regulation ability and resistance by supplementing appropriate nutrients and herbs, so as to achieve the purpose of enhancing physical fitness. A study has shown that proper supplementation can help improve blood circulation, enhance the function of immune cells, and fight against external viruses and bacteria. The scientific nature of the tonic sequence is the key - different supplements and medicinal materials have different effects, how to use them together, and when to use them, which is directly related to the effect of the tonic. Ginseng and Poria cocos, for example, are regarded as exemplars of "qi replenishment" in traditional Chinese medicine theory. Ginseng can greatly improve vitality and enhance the body's basic energy, while Poria cocos can help the body adjust the balance of water and liquid with its water-infiltrating properties, and avoid excessive dampness caused by replenishment. The combination of ginseng and poria is actually laying a solid foundation for subsequent tonic. By first boosting the vitality and adjusting the internal environment, the body establishes a stable starting point. Such a sequential tonic can effectively avoid the discomfort that may be caused by directly entering the tonic stage, such as fire, indigestion, etc. Re-Guifu: Enhance the function and consolidate the effectThe addition of cinnamon and aconite is further strengthened after the foundation of ginseng and Poria cocos has been laid. Cinnamon can warm the yang and dispel the cold, promote blood circulation, while aconite helps to enhance the yang qi and expel the cold in the body, the combination of the two can further enhance the physique and improve the resistance. 
The tonic at this stage is to further consolidate and strengthen the physique on the basis of the first Shenling and the blessing of Guifu. It embodies the order and level of tonic, first through ginseng and poria cocos to adjust and improve the internal environment and basic energy, and then through the cinnamon branch and aconite warm tonic to strengthen the effect, to achieve comprehensive body conditioning. Through such a phased and orderly tonic method, it can not only effectively improve the level of physical health, but also avoid some common measures such as fire, etc., to ensure that the tonic is both safe and effective. This method emphasizes individualization and staging, suggesting that we should choose the appropriate method and sequence according to our own physical condition and needs when maintaining health supplements, so as to achieve real health improvement. Tonic is not a blind "cramming" operation, but an art that needs to be adjusted according to personal physique, seasonal changes and living habits. In particular, the use of "first Shenling, then Gui attached" sequential tonic requires more careful planning and adjustment. Here are some specific practical suggestions: Tailor-made tonic plan: Before starting any tonic program, it's a good idea to do a physical analysis. For example, people with a cold constitution can increase the dose of ginseng slightly, while people with a hot constitution need to reduce it appropriately. The balancing effect of Poria cocos is suitable for most body constitutions and can be used as a basis for tonic. Phased tonic: Start with a combination of ginseng and poria for 4-6 weeks to enhance vitality and regulate the spleen and stomach. After that, according to the physical reaction, add cinnamon and aconite at the right time for 2-4 weeks to further consolidate the constitution and improve the resistance. Adjust your living habits: During the tonic period, maintain a regular work and rest time to avoid overwork. At the same time, moderately increase outdoor activities to promote blood circulation and help the effect of the drug. Diet: During the tonic period, it should be combined with light, easy-to-digest foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and avoid greasy, spicy and overly sweet foods so as not to affect the effectiveness of the herbs. One of the common problems when taking tonics is "getting on fire", but with reasonable adjustments, this problem can be completely avoided: Adequate hydration: Ensuring adequate water intake every day, especially during the tonic period, can help the body better absorb the effects of the drug, while promoting metabolism and reducing the risk of fire. Increase cool foods in moderation: While ensuring the tonic effect, you can add some foods with heat-clearing effects, such as mung beans, winter melon, and lotus seeds, to help balance the body's calories. 
Adjust your mindset: Maintaining a good mindset is also key to preventing fire. Avoid excessive stress and anxiety and relax your mind through meditation, yoga or walking. Appropriate amount of medicinal herbs: When using cinnamon sticks and aconite, special attention should be paid to dose control, as excessive use can easily cause physical discomfort. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a medical professional, and adjust the dosage according to the body's reaction.