"Recuperation" originated from "governing by doing nothing" in Laozi's thought, that is, "governing by doing nothing", which is to govern the country with Taoist thought. Through the policy of recuperation, the Han Dynasty consolidated the rule of the country, promoted the economic development, and laid a certain foundation for the country's prosperity.

First of all, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang advocated disarming and returning to the fields, and urged the people to return home. Soldiers who have reached the retirement age will be rewarded according to their previous contributions to the army after returning home. People who have fled to other places due to war or have not registered for other reasons can go back to their places of origin to register and obtain farmland houses. In this way, the number of people displaced by society decreases and the number of people engaged in labor increases, which can not only promote production, but also promote social harmony and stability. With the increase of national income, the economy has developed gradually.

Secondly, Zhang Weimin, the founder of Emperor Gaozu, freed slaves and reduced taxes. So many slaves who were not free can work like ordinary farmers, and farmers' taxes are reduced, their lives are relatively rich, their enthusiasm for production is greatly improved, and their productivity is correspondingly improved. Liu Bang, the emperor gaozu of Han Dynasty, was also loved by the people, who supported the rule and policies of the country. Social displacement is gradually decreasing, rebellion rarely occurs, and society is stable and harmonious.

It is precisely because of the recuperation policy promoted by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang that the economy of the Western Han Dynasty was restored, the society gradually stabilized, the national strength was enhanced, and the rule of the Western Han Dynasty was consolidated. The country is rich and powerful. Later, the national strength of the Han Dynasty was strong, and the Xiongnu driven by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also benefited from the good foundation laid by the rest and recuperation policy.