Part 4 of The Immortal Series
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Introduction: The Forgotten Foundation
When people learn about Li Qingyun, they usually ask about his diet, his breathing, or his exercises. These are the visible practices—the ones that can be measured, photographed, and replicated.
But there is another dimension to his longevity that is far more difficult to quantify. It cannot be captured in a photograph or reduced to a breathing ratio. Yet it may be the single most important factor in his extraordinary lifespan.
It is his mind.
Li Qingyun lived through nine Qing emperors, the collapse of the imperial system, civil wars, foreign invasions, and the complete transformation of his country. He witnessed more political upheaval than most humans could imagine in ten lifetimes. Yet by all accounts, he remained calm, unbothered, and “rarely depressed”.
How?
The answer lies in a set of mental disciplines that he practiced as rigorously as any physical exercise. He cultivated emotional balance, detachment from worldly concerns, and a deep inner peace that protected him from the corrosive effects of stress, worry, and desire.
This article explores Li Qingyun’s teachings on the mind—the practices, the philosophy, and the modern science that explains why emotional cultivation may be the most powerful longevity tool of all.
The Taoist View of Emotion and Health
To understand Li Qingyun’s approach to the mind, we must first understand the Taoist framework he inherited.
In traditional Chinese medicine, emotions are not merely psychological states. They are energetic events that directly affect the organs and the flow of Qi. Each emotion has a specific effect on a specific organ system:
| Emotion | Affected Organ | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Anger | Liver | Causes Qi to rise, leading to headaches, irritability, high blood pressure |
| Extreme Joy | Heart | Scatters Qi, leading to palpitations, insomnia, mania |
| Worry | Spleen | Knots Qi, leading to digestive issues, fatigue |
| Grief | Lungs | Dissipates Qi, leading to shortness of breath, weakened immunity |
| Fear | Kidneys | Descends Qi, leading to incontinence, lower back pain, exhaustion |
Li Qingyun understood this framework intimately. He taught that “grief, joyfulness, hatred, and anger” were “the enemies of longevity” and warned that “any one of these can cause agonies to fill the whole body, and shorten a person’s life”.
His teachings on emotion were not abstract philosophy. They were practical medicine.
The Three Poisons: Greed, Anger, and Arousing Affections
Li Qingyun identified three mental states as particularly destructive to health and longevity:
1. Greed (贪)
Greed is not limited to money or possessions. It includes the desire for status, recognition, pleasure, and control. Li Qingyun taught that greed arises when the mind becomes “blinded to specific things” and attaches itself to them.
He explained:
“When the mental or physical are blinded to specific things, the human body will attach itself to them and the Spirit will flee. When someone obsesses about some specific thing, it becomes like a daydream. The body becomes like a zombie and the Qi will dissipate, then the body will be incomplete and the person will die.”
In modern terms, greed creates chronic striving—a state of perpetual dissatisfaction that keeps the nervous system in a constant state of low-grade stress. This chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system is now recognized as a major driver of inflammation and age-related disease.
2. Anger (嗔)
Li Qingyun was particularly emphatic about the dangers of anger. He taught that anger damages the liver, causes Qi to rise, and creates “goiters” and “jaundice”—conditions we now understand as stress-related.
But his definition of anger was broader than most people realize. He included:
- Rage and fury: The obvious forms
- Jealousy and narrow-mindedness: Subtle forms of anger
- Being superficial and ungenerous: A disposition of resentment
- Caring too much about everything: Chronic irritation
He taught that “if we can repent past mistakes and be open-minded, then anger will not occupy the mind”.
This is not merely moral advice. Research now shows that chronic anger and hostility are associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
3. Arousing Affections (爱)
The third poison—”arousing affections”—is perhaps the most difficult for modern readers to understand.
Li Qingyun did not mean that love and connection are harmful. He meant that obsessive attachment is harmful. He described a state where “the human body will attach itself to them and the Spirit will flee”—a condition where desire and obsession consume the mind and deplete the spirit.
He specifically warned against:
- Grief: “When someone feels grief they cry with tears”
- Hatred: “Hate can cause goiters”
- Anger: “Anger can cause jaundice”
He also taught that “no one can know when either praise or criticism will come. To be angry because of people’s criticism or to be happy about praise are both emotional defects”.
The remedy he offered was not indifference, but equanimity—the ability to remain balanced regardless of external circumstances.
Li Qingyun’s Daily Mental Practices
Li Qingyun did not leave his mental cultivation to chance. He practiced specific techniques daily, just as he practiced the Eight Brocades and abdominal breathing.
1. The Six Qi Sounds: Healing Emotions Through Breath
One of Li Qingyun’s most detailed teachings was on the Six Qi Sounds—specific vocalizations that clear emotional and energetic blockages from the organs.
The sounds are:
| Sound | Organ | Emotion Cleared |
|---|---|---|
| He (呵) | Heart | Impatience, haste, cruelty |
| Chui (吹) | Kidneys | Fear, insecurity |
| Hu (呼) | Spleen | Worry, overthinking |
| Xi (息) | Lungs | Grief, sadness |
| Xu (嘘) | Liver | Anger, frustration |
| Xi (嘻) | Triple Burner | Emotional overwhelm |
Li Qingyun explained that these sounds can “treat and cure all kinds of visceral diseases” and that “even if there is no disease, using these six words can also extinguish irrational thoughts and keep demons far away”.
He practiced these sounds daily between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., intoning each sound softly 36 times while visualizing the affected organ.
This practice is a form of sound-based emotional release—a technique now studied in modern therapies like music therapy and vibroacoustic therapy.
An example of the Six Qi sounds can be seen at this link.
2. Stopping Wicked Thoughts at the Root
Li Qingyun taught that the key to mental health is not the absence of thoughts, but the ability to recognize and release them before they take root.
He wrote:
“Don’t be afraid of having thoughts, be afraid of not being aware of having thoughts. Having wicked thoughts is sick, stopping them is the cure.”
He explained that “wicked thoughts” are not necessarily evil—they are any thoughts that disturb the mind and deplete the spirit. The practice is to become aware of them as soon as they arise and to “stop them in a blink”.
This is remarkably similar to modern mindfulness practices, which teach awareness of thoughts without identification or reactivity.
3. The Four Methods of Daoism: Clarity, Purity, Appreciation, and Ease
Li Qingyun taught four foundational attitudes for mental cultivation:
| Method | Meaning | Modern Application |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity (清) | “So the mind is not too infected by human society” | Reducing exposure to negativity and drama |
| Purity (净) | “So the mind does not become too rash” | Cultivating patience and calm |
| Appreciation (希) | “So the mind is not swayed by outer appearances” | Looking beyond surface impressions |
| Being At-Ease (夷) | “So the mind does not listen to the surface of words” | Seeking deeper truth and understanding |
These four attitudes formed the foundation of his emotional resilience.
4. Poetry and Recitation: Feeding the Mind with Wisdom
Li Qingyun loved to recite poetry. The book records several of his favorite verses, including one attributed to Lu Chunyang:
“No worry in mind for one day, is like being an immortal for one day. The Six Spirits are healthy and naturally at peace, the Qi fills my Elixir Field with a treasure.”
He also recited the wisdom of the Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism:
“Bodhi is originally without a tree; The bright mirror also has no stand. Fundamentally there is not a single thing. Where then could dust alight?”
These recitations served two purposes. First, they anchored his mind in wisdom when difficult circumstances arose. Second, they trained his mind to think in patterns of equanimity and insight rather than anxiety and reaction.
Modern cognitive science calls this cognitive restructuring—the practice of replacing maladaptive thought patterns with healthier ones.
The Science of Emotional Longevity
Li Qingyun’s teachings on the mind were not merely philosophical. They were practical medicine—and modern science is now confirming what he understood intuitively.
1. Chronic Stress and Aging
Chronic stress is one of the most well-established drivers of premature aging. It:
- Shortens telomeres (the protective caps on chromosomes that determine cellular lifespan)
- Increases inflammation (a key mechanism in nearly every age-related disease)
- Suppresses immune function (increasing vulnerability to infection and cancer)
- Disrupts sleep (impairing recovery and hormonal balance)
- Accelerates cognitive decline (by damaging the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex)
Li Qingyun’s emphasis on emotional balance was, in essence, a stress-reduction strategy. By cultivating equanimity, he protected his body from the corrosive effects of chronic stress.
2. The Vagus Nerve and Emotional Regulation
The vagus nerve is the primary driver of the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” branch that counteracts stress. High vagal tone is associated with:
- Better emotional regulation
- Lower inflammation
- Improved heart rate variability (a marker of health and longevity)
- Greater resilience to stress
Li Qingyun’s breathing practices, his Six Qi Sounds, and his meditation all stimulate the vagus nerve. His emotional cultivation was inseparable from his physical practices.
3. The Six Qi Sounds: Ancient Practice, Modern Evidence
Li Qingyun practiced the Six Qi Sounds daily—specific vocalizations that he taught could “treat and cure all kinds of visceral diseases” and “extinguish irrational thoughts and keep demons far away”. Modern research is now validating these claims.
What the Six Qi Sounds Are:
The Six Qi Sounds are specific vocalizations, each corresponding to an organ system:
| Sound | Organ | Emotion Cleared |
|---|---|---|
| He (呵) | Heart | Impatience, haste, cruelty |
| Chui (吹) | Kidneys | Fear, insecurity |
| Hu (呼) | Spleen | Worry, overthinking |
| Xi (息) | Lungs | Grief, sadness |
| Xu (嘘) | Liver | Anger, frustration |
| Xi (嘻) | Triple Burner | Emotional overwhelm |
What the Research Shows:
A growing body of clinical research is confirming the physiological effects of these sounds:
Inflammation Reduction:
A 2025 study on patients with lumbar disc herniation found that Six Qi Sounds practice significantly reduced serum levels of key inflammatory markers—IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP—compared to controls. The study concluded that the practice “can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors, relieve pain, and improve function”. Earlier research on COPD patients showed similar reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α.
Autonomic Nervous System Balance:
A 2018 randomized controlled trial on elderly patients with stable coronary heart disease found that a 3-month Six Qi Sounds practice produced improved heart rate variability and enhanced parasympathetic nerve activity compared to controls. The study concluded that the practice “has a positive effect on the regulation of autonomic nervous function”.
Organ-Specific Effects:
A 2004 biophysical study measured meridian conductivity changes while subjects listened to the six sounds. The study found that the sounds “induce different physical states” in their corresponding organs—for example, the Liver sound (Xu) decreased sympathetic activity in the liver meridian, while the Heart and Kidney sounds increased activity in their respective meridians.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Benefits:
- College students practicing Six Qi Sounds for 4 months showed significant improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, vital capacity, and timed vital capacity.
- A 2025 study on COPD patients found that Six Qi Sounds practice significantly improved quality of life and exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test) compared to medication alone.
- A 2022 clinical observation on hypertension patients with anxiety and depression found that 3 months of Six Qi Sounds practice produced a 96% total effective rate (vs. 78% in control group) for improving blood pressure, HRV, and emotional health.
Mechanisms:
The research suggests several mechanisms:
- Sound vibrations at specific frequencies stimulate corresponding organs and meridians—Qigong masters produce high-frequency components above 14.8 kHz in their vocalizations.
- Deep abdominal breathing inherent to the practice activates the vagus nerve and parasympathetic system.
- Reduced inflammatory cytokines may result from the combined effect of breath regulation, relaxation, and organ-focused intention.
For Li Qingyun, these sounds were not symbolic. They were a daily practice—a form of sound-based emotional and physical medicine that he used for over a century. The research now confirms that this ancient practice produces measurable benefits for inflammation, autonomic function, and organ health.
4. The Blue Zones and Emotional Health
Research on the world’s “Blue Zones”—regions with unusually high numbers of centenarians—consistently identifies emotional and social factors as key contributors to longevity:
| Blue Zone | Emotional Factor |
|---|---|
| Okinawa, Japan | Ikigai (purpose in life) |
| Sardinia, Italy | Strong family bonds |
| Nicoya, Costa Rica | Plan de vida (life plan) and community |
| Ikaria, Greece | Freedom from time pressure |
| Loma Linda, California | Faith and community |
Li Qingyun’s life reflected many of these factors. He had a clear purpose (teaching and healing), a simple life free from time pressure, and a deep connection to nature and community.
Why Emotional Peace Helped Li Qingyun Live to 250
We cannot prove that Li Qingyun lived to 250 years. But we can examine the mechanisms by which his emotional discipline could plausibly contribute to extreme longevity.
1. Protection from the “Diseases of Civilization”
Most chronic diseases in the modern world—heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, depression—are driven in part by chronic stress and inflammation. Li Qingyun’s emotional practices would have kept these drivers at bay, protecting him from the very conditions that kill most people today.
2. Preservation of the “Three Treasures”
In Taoist theory, emotional dysregulation depletes all three treasures:
- Jing is depleted by fear and excessive sexual desire
- Qi is depleted by anger and worry
- Shen is depleted by grief and obsession
Li Qingyun’s emotional discipline preserved his Jing, Qi, and Shen—the very foundation of life.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Li Qingyun lived through wars, famines, and political upheaval. A person without emotional discipline would have been broken by such experiences. Li Qingyun’s equanimity allowed him to navigate these challenges without depleting his vital energy.
4. The Placebo Effect and Belief
Li Qingyun believed that longevity was possible. He believed that his practices worked. This belief—what modern science calls the placebo effect—may have amplified the benefits of his actions. His mind was an ally, not an enemy, in his pursuit of health.
How to Cultivate the Immortal’s Mind Today
You do not need to live in a mountain cave or recite ancient Chinese poetry to benefit from Li Qingyun’s mental practices. Here is how to apply his wisdom in modern life.
1. Practice Awareness of Thoughts
- Set aside 5-10 minutes daily to observe your thoughts without judgment.
- When a “wicked thought” arises—anger, worry, jealousy—notice it, name it, and let it go.
- Remember Li Qingyun’s teaching: “Don’t be afraid of having thoughts; be afraid of not being aware of having thoughts.”
2. Cultivate Equanimity
- Practice the “Four Methods” of Clarity, Purity, Appreciation, and Ease.
- When you receive praise, don’t let it inflate you. When you receive criticism, don’t let it crush you.
- Remember: “No one can know when either praise or criticism will come.”
3. Use Sound and Breath to Release Emotion
- Practice the Six Qi Sounds daily, especially when you feel emotional tension.
- Use abdominal breathing to calm your nervous system during stressful moments.
- Combine breath and sound for a powerful emotional release.
4. Feed Your Mind with Wisdom
- Read poetry, philosophy, or sacred texts that inspire equanimity.
- Memorize a few verses that you can recite when you need calm.
- Let wisdom become your mental anchor.
5. Simplify Your Desires
- Identify the “greed” in your life—the attachments that keep you striving and dissatisfied.
- Practice gratitude for what you have.
- Remember Li Qingyun’s teaching: “Don’t be greedy, then you can feel wealthy.”
6. Connect with Something Larger Than Yourself
- Whether through nature, community, faith, or service, connect with something beyond your individual concerns.
- This connection provides meaning, purpose, and resilience—all factors associated with longevity.
Conclusion: The Takeaway
Li Qingyun’s mind was not an accident. It was a garden that he cultivated daily for centuries. His emotional discipline was as rigorous as his physical practice—and perhaps more important.
The takeaway:
- Emotions are physical events that directly affect your organs, energy, and longevity.
- Greed, anger, and obsessive attachment are the three poisons that deplete your vitality and shorten your life.
- The Six Qi Sounds are a practical technique for releasing emotional blockages from the organs.
- Awareness of thoughts is the foundation of mental health. Don’t fear thoughts—fear being unaware of them.
- Equanimity—balance regardless of praise or criticism—is the key to emotional resilience.
- Simplicity of desire reduces stress and creates a sense of contentment and wealth.
- Connection to something larger—nature, community, purpose—provides meaning and resilience.
- Emotional peace protects the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, Shen) and supports longevity.
- Chronic stress accelerates aging. Emotional discipline is the antidote.
- Li Qingyun’s emotional practices are accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a hermit to cultivate an immortal’s mind.
In the end, Li Qingyun’s greatest secret may not have been a rare herb or a secret breathing technique. It may have been his ability to remain calm, content, and unbothered in a world of chaos.
That is a practice available to every one of us—starting today.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new health practice.
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About Dr. Jesse Santiano, MD
Dr. Santiano is a retired internist and emergency physician with extensive clinical experience in metabolic health, cardiovascular prevention, and lifestyle medicine. He reviews all medical content on this site to ensure accuracy, clarity, and safe application for readers. This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personal medical care.
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Related:
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References for “The Immortal’s Mind” Article
Primary Sources: Li Qingyun’s Teachings
Yang, S. (2014). The immortal: True accounts of the 250-year-old man, Li Qingyun (S. A. Olve, Trans.). Valley Spirit Arts. (Original work published 1970)
Olson, S. A. (2016). Li Qingyun: Longevity methods of a 250-year-old Taoist immortal. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Six Qi Sounds Research
Xu, W., Shen, J., Meng, F., et al. (2025). Effects of Neigong Tuina and Liu Zi Jue (Six Healing Sounds) practice on the quality of life, exercise tolerance, and pulmonary function in patients with stable COPD. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, *23*, 500–508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-025-1533-x
Zhang, X., Deng, B., & Peng, Z. (2022). Clinical observation of Liuzijue breathing regulation method in treating hypertension complicated with anxiety and depression. Chinese Modern Distance Education of Traditional Chinese Medicine, *20*(23). [In Chinese]
[Study on the regulation effect of Liuzijue on Qi deficiency syndrome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from the expression of immune inflammatory factors]. (2020). [Master’s thesis, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine]. [In Chinese]
Fan, L. M. (2020). Study on the regulation effect of Liuzijue on Qi deficiency syndrome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from the expression of immune inflammatory factors [Master’s thesis, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine]. [In Chinese]
[Research progress of Liuzijue on pulmonary function rehabilitation of pulmonary diseases]. (2020). Chinese Medicine Herald, *26*(15), 140–142, 176. [In Chinese]
Kido, M. Biophysical Measurements of Six Words Practice Qi-gong. (International Conference on Mind Body Science: Physical and Physiological Approach joint with The Eighteenth Symposium on Life Information Science) Journal of International Society of Life Information Science 22 (2), 552-560, 2004-09-01. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1390282763111951232?lang=en
Chronic Stress and Aging
[The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence: Connections in sickness and in health]. (2023). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105359
[Effect of life stress on telomeres]. In The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence.
[Effect of life stress on cellular senescence, SASP factors and inflammation]. In The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence.
[Effect of life stress on ROS and DNA damage]. In The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence.
[Effect of life stress on epigenetic regulation]. In The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence.
Vagus Nerve and Emotional Regulation
Novaes, L. S., et al. (2026). The vagus nerve at the body-brain interface: Implications for stress, emotion, and inflammation [Research grant]. São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). https://bv.fapesp.br/en/auxilios/120480/
[From sea to summit or back: Basal vagal activity determines the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation]. (2024). ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.11.009
[Sympathovagal balance: How should we measure it?]. (1999). American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, *276*(4), H1273–H1280. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.1999.276.4.H1273
Blue Zones and Emotional Health
[Study unpacks Sardinia’s secrets to graceful aging]. (2026). Blue Zones. https://www.bluezones.com/2026/08/study-unpacks-sardinias-secrets-to-graceful-aging/
[Blue Zones: Lessons for living longer from the people who’ve lived the longest]. (n.d.). Blue Zones. https://www.bluezones.com/
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before making health decisions based on the TyG Index or other biomarkers.
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