Author: Jiang Zhuangliang, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
In "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," there is a character who, despite her extremely short appearance, leaves a deep impression. I believe that Tianshan Tonglao is one of the most successfully written characters by Jin Yong—truly embodying a life "like a dream, like mist, like a fleeting illusion." Her first glance upon her entrance was breathtakingly beautiful: "Beauty fades in the blink of an eye, youth is fleeting."
Who is the Heavenly Child Granny? She was the mistress of the Lingjiu Palace on Misty Peak of Tianshan Mountain, the eldest disciple of Xiaoyaozi, the former leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, and the senior sister of Wuyazi and Li Qiushui. She was ninety-six years old when she first appeared, but looked like an eight or nine-year-old girl. She died at the age of ninety-six, three years older than her junior brother, the sect leader Wuyazi. She was proficient in the hidden weapon, the Life and Death Talisman, and legend has it that she could kill without a second move. Most importantly, she possessed exceptional medical skills.
Of course, a novel is just a novel. There are no beautiful young girls or old women in their seventies or eighties. Artistic creation is based on life but transcends it.
Don't believe me? Look around—so many stunningly beautiful women have succumbed to the cruel hand of time. Most of today's so-called ageless goddesses are nothing more than recipients of hyaluronic acid fillers, Botox injections, and countless silicone cups...
Even celebrities age, let alone ordinary people like us. Therefore, ovarian health maintenance touches a nerve with many. Advertisements for ovarian health maintenance from Putian-affiliated clinics and various beauty salons are everywhere, creating an atmosphere of impending doom and chaos. Even the legendary "Heavenly Child Granny" (a legendary figure known for her youthful appearance) would probably jump out and say something if she saw this!
From a medical perspective, ovarian function
The functions of the ovary are nothing more than reproductive function and endocrine regulation.
Reproductive function refers to ovulation. A normal woman will ovulate approximately 400-500 eggs in her lifetime. This number is like an inheritance from your parents, it's predetermined. Each time an egg is ovulated, the total number decreases.
Confucius, standing by a river, said, "Time flows on like this river, never ceasing day or night." Like other organs, the ovary also goes through the stages of development, activity, and aging, eventually declining after fulfilling its purpose. At this point, the ovary is like an old soldier; as MacArthur said, "Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away."
Secondly, another function of the ovary is endocrine secretion, which is the secretion of hormones: the ovary is like the moon, waxing and waning, just like the tides of the Qiantang River.
The ovaries cyclically secrete steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which coordinate the normal functioning of the corresponding female organs.
Why are older women more prone to fractures?
Why are older women more prone to mood disorders?
Why are older women more prone to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases?
...
These are all signs of hormone deficiency!
This led to the emergence of the so-called "ovarian maintenance" practice.
To put it simply, hormones work like lubricating oil. Even a small amount can cause mechanical parts to wear out and age quickly if they are lacking.
There are rumors circulating that there are three essential methods for ovarian maintenance: massage, physical therapy, and medication. The claims made by beauty salons and Putian-affiliated hospitals about using essential oils and medications for massage, or even massaging the ovaries through the abdomen, are pure nonsense. Even a gynecologist performing a bimanual or tri-manual examination may not be able to palpate the ovaries; how could a massage therapist possibly massage them through the abdomen?
Of course, in addition to making money off your hands, beauty salons will also recommend oral or topical medications. Little do you know what these medications are, whether they will damage your liver or kidneys, or even if they contain any random hormones.
As for physical therapy, regardless of whether it's infrared radiation, moxibustion, or hot compresses, none of these methods have anything to do with ovarian maintenance.
After hearing my theories, are our fellow women feeling hopeless? Are we helpless?
Don't rush. The following medical advice is not just empty platitudes; it not only sounds credible but is also easy to follow.
What's the correct way to do it? Aren't you curious?
That is:
Learn to manage your emotions promptly and maintain good, healthy lifestyle habits!
Learn to manage your emotions promptly and maintain good, healthy lifestyle habits!
Learn to manage your emotions promptly and maintain good, healthy lifestyle habits!
I'll say it three times because it's important!
The above statements are true and valid! Dr. Jiang does not lie!
There are such angelic figures around us, living a healthy life every day, consistently swimming, exercising, and running. She's always smiling, infecting those around her and spreading positive energy.
Next, we finally get to the topic of food. As a doctor, I wouldn't dare call myself a doctor if I didn't include some dietary guidance in my popular science writing. What I really want to say is that we should have a balanced diet, eating plenty of foods rich in protein, vitamins, iron, and calcium, such as chicken, duck, fish, meat, eggs, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Don't expect to be as beautiful and radiant as a flower every day, blooming forever, by only eating a few types of food.
Finally, a few words to our female compatriots: it's certainly not wrong to pay attention to health, but it's important to maintain a scientific approach to health and keep good lifestyle habits.
As time goes by, flowers bloom and wither, birth, aging, sickness and death occur—it's the natural order. Rather than fearing aging and living in constant anxiety, it's better to age gracefully and wisely.
Growing old is also a part of life.
References:
1. Jin Yong. Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils [M]. Huacheng Publishing House, 2002.
