“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place” – Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching 2,500 years ago as a guide to knowing and becoming yourself.
It takes about an hour to read but I figure a lifetime to fully understand because I have to keep reading it over and over again to let it sink in.
My podcast tomorrow talks all about brain inflammation as the catalyst to systemic inflammation that accelerates aging.
Which has me thinking…chicken or the egg…
#1 cause of brain inflammation: via ways of a tortured nervous system due to inaccurate thoughts and beliefs on life and how things “should be” developed from the programming of the thoughts and beliefs handed down by family, friends and impressed upon by the media and Hallmark Movies.
OR…#2 brain inflammation from the toxic air, water, food and media we consume along with influence from big and little traumas along the way?
Either way you look at it…your brain and body have a high probability of being inflamed if you’ve lived on this planet for over 3 decades.
2,500 years ago the ancient Asian teachings knew it and talked about in terms of things like “phlegm misting the mind”, sounds a lot like “brain fog” to me!
So if the Ancient health teachings knew it and laid it out for us, why are we not following these principles? (follow the money on this one).
If you’re more self sufficient when it comes to your health, reliance on a system goes down.
My wish for you in 2026 is to take back your power when it comes to your health and it starts with working on the brain – your thoughts contribute to inflammation just as much as your habits.
They are intertwined.
There is a solution and it begins with learning to weed through the thoughts. (I’m digging the Rewire Your Mind Podcast these days – sure it’s geared toward entrepreneurs but it has very relatable lessons, so much so I hired him to coach me to rewire my brain in 2026. Stay tuned!)
The noise in your head…thoughts of food aka “food noise”, worry, and fear clutter your head and the slow down the brain and subsequently you.
Too much noise leads to fatigue, overwhelm and burnout in every aspect of your life including health.
“Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.”
― Lao Tzu
Qi and blood are what flow in your body and Chinese Medicine is all about this, especially when it comes to aging well.
Tao or Dao = “The Way”.
Here’s the Tao of Aging Well:
1) Maximize on your circulation. Movement, breath, hydration – tai chi, qi gong, martial arts all are based in circulation enhancement.
2) Eat foods that nourish your gut. Modern day microbiome balancing with whole foods that are closest to nature – The Whole 30 Diet is a great start here.
3) Preserve your qi. Create solid work-life balance boundaries, feel your emotions fully and let them go, dial in your sleep and wake cycles, master regulating your nervous system in times of stress.
4) Recharge often. Laugh, socialize, dance, have fun, & be present in the moment to enjoy life.
As you think about what 2026 has in store for your health goals take a tip from the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine and assess if you’re covering these areas.
If something is lacking know these areas when not balanced can lead to illness and your body kicking up some symptoms to tell you about it.
What’s even better? Chinese Medicine pairs so nicely with peptides and bioregulators that I’m geeking out on all the ways they can be combined.
Speaking of Chinese Medicine and health care experiences, I’m curious about what you’re looking for in 2026.
I created a survey that takes a few minutes to complete and if you’re open to filling it out for me, I’ll enter you in a drawing to win a 90 minute 2026 health planning intensive session with me. Click HERE to take the survey!
Here’s to going back to ancient wisdom in 2026,
Dr. J Krause
