Jian Xinjie, a Master's degree holder and Council Member of the Taiwan Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Aesthetic Medicine, asserts that Zhao Yazhi's lasting youthfulness stems from a scientific lifestyle, not luck. Analyzing the actress's daily habits, Doctor Xinjie identified three golden principles of anti-aging she successfully applies: anti-inflammation, antioxidant protection, and maintaining qi and blood circulation. This approach keeps the "Queen of Period Dramas'" body in a low-stress state, preventing illness from within.

Zhao Yazhi. Photo: Maoyan

Regarding nutrition, Zhao Yazhi prioritizes light, minimally processed foods, avoiding sugar and fried items. She consumes plenty of dark green vegetables, berries, and healthy fats from olive oil or flaxseed. Modern medicine suggests this diet minimizes free radical damage and slows the glycation reaction, a key cause of sagging, dull skin. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, green vegetables soothe the liver and nourish blood; berries nourish yin and tonify the kidney; and healthy fats moisten dryness and replenish kidney essence. Healthy kidneys ensure strong bones and well-nourished marrow, maintaining flexibility and mental clarity.

Beyond diet, the actress maintains a routine of yoga, jogging, and swimming five to six days each week. Doctor Xinjie considers this an ideal exercise combination for preventing aging. Jogging boosts cardiopulmonary function and increases metabolism; swimming reduces joint pressure; while yoga improves the elasticity of fascia, the membrane surrounding muscles. Regular stretching helps qi and blood circulate, aligning with the TCM concept of "the liver governs the tendons"—supple tendons make it harder for one to age. Research also indicates that older adults who exercise daily can have a musculoskeletal system 20 years younger than their peers.

Zhao Yazhi, dubbed the "Queen of Period Dramas", possesses remarkable beauty and physique despite being over 70 years old. Photo: Oriental Daily

The final key factor helping the Hong Kong star preserve her beauty is deep sleep. She typically goes to bed before 11 PM, a golden hour for the liver and gallbladder to self-repair. Scientific studies prove that getting seven hours of sleep each night accelerates collagen regeneration and strengthens the skin's protective barrier. Conversely, staying up late leads to liver blood deficiency, resulting in dull skin and rapid body fatigue.

Based on Zhao Yazhi's case, Doctor Xinjie concludes that a predisposition to long-term youth is a combination of low inflammation, high metabolism, and good recovery ability. The expert recommends everyone stabilize blood sugar with balanced meals, including egg whites and whole grains. Additionally, commit to at least two early nights of sleep per week to tonify the kidney and nourish yin. Dedicating 5-10 minutes to deep breathing or meditation daily helps reduce stress-inducing cortisol hormone. Persisting with these habits can sustainably rejuvenate the body by 5 to 10 years.

Born in 1953, Zhao Yazhi entered the entertainment industry after winning second runner-up in Miss Hong Kong 1973. She was a prominent figure in Chinese cinema during the 1980s-1990s, known for classic works such as The Bund, Chor Lau Heung, and The Legend of White Snake.

Binh Minh (According to News Yahoo)