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Environment includes geographical, climatic, social, and personal living environments. Numerous factors in the environment constantly affect the human body. These factors are complex and ever-changing; one’s health largely depends on the environment in which they live.
Environmental factors have long been highly valued. The *Huangdi Neijing* clearly records: "In different regions, the processes of life, growth, and lifespan vary. Why? Qibo replied: High altitudes are governed by yin, lowlands by yang. Yang predominance leads to earlier birth, yin predominance to later birth. This is the natural law of geography, the path of life and transformation... Those living at higher altitudes tend to live longer, while those in lowlands tend to die younger. Differences in land size result in differences in environmental impact—smaller areas yield smaller differences, larger ones greater differences." This clearly indicates: people living in clean, cold mountainous areas tend to live longer, while those in polluted, hot lowland areas tend to have shorter lives. Clearly, the local climate and environment profoundly influence health and longevity.
Not only natural environment but also social environment is closely linked to physical health. The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "When diagnosing illness, one must ask about diet and living conditions, sudden joy or sudden hardship, initial pleasure or initial suffering—all harm the essence and qi. When essence and qi are exhausted, the body deteriorates." This clearly emphasizes the impact of social and psychological factors on illness. Legend says people in Emperor Yao’s era already dug wells for drinking water. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, residents established hygiene rules for clean water, enforced by law. Archaeological findings from ancient city ruins confirm that underground drainage systems made of clay pipes existed in cities during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods—demonstrating concern not only for drinking water hygiene but also for environmental sanitation.
Environment is an extremely complex, dialectical natural composite. All living beings must adapt to survive. Humans must not only adapt to the environment but also utilize, control, and transform it.
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