Jing or essence is one of the Three Treasures of Health according to ancient sages. The Three Treasures are namely Jing, Qi and Shen (translated as essence, vitality, spirit or heart-mind). You can learn more about What is Qi here in my other blog post.

The concept of Jing, Qi and Shen was compared to an analogy of a lighted candle. Jing or essence is the wax and wick of a candle which is the solidified energy that materializes in a physical form. Qi is compared to the flame which is the energetic activity of the candle through burning. Shen is the light or radiation that emanates from the burning candle.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND JING

Jing is commonly translated as the essence of the body and is considered the original energy substance that gradually depletes throughout life until we age and eventually die. It is Qi in concentrated form. In early Chinese medical texts, Jing is compared to the roots of a tree. Jing gives shape and substance to our body and connects us to our ancestors through the genetic code.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys store Essence to maintain its quality and facilitate the processes of life production and reproduction. This Essence underpins the physical expressions of bodily yin, including fluids, blood, sperm, and marrow. These elements are rejuvenated through the ongoing process of digestion, which is supported by the functions of the Spleen and Stomach.

There is always Yin and Yang within the aspects of Jing. Yin Jing represents the component responsible for the creation of physical matter, encompassing the potential for all bodily production: including bone marrow, blood, fluids, and cellular reproduction. The manner in which we maintain our physical health can significantly slow the depletion of Yin Jing. The second component is Yang Jing, which embodies the life force found within the essence. It represents the spark of potential energy that resides in Yin Jing. While the Yin Jing can be nourished by the food and beverages we consume, Yang Jing is much more intangible, it comes from within us and is considered irreplaceable.

jing and health preservation

Jing is the root of our vitality and the foundation of human life. The quality and protection of essence depend upon the conduct of life. Taoist practitioners always strive to preserve the Jing in order to reach the heights of longevity. When a practitioner learns to consolidate Jing, they can build a solid foundation for health and powerful inner development.

The consolidation of Jing is preferred due to its calming and solidifying effects. Conversely, if an individual squanders his Jing by leading a life devoid of control, lacking any sense of restraint and moderation, the metaphorical oil in the lamp will deplete rapidly, resulting in poor health, fatigue, and accelerated aging.

western medical science and jing

Science papers connect the traditional concept of Jing in Traditional Chinese Medicine to the modern understanding of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

The hypothesis that all things, including our sentient body, were generated from a small origin was shared between ancient Western and Chinese societies. The ancient Chinese philosophers considered Jing (also known as essence) as the origin of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jing is mainly stored in Kidney, hence the name Shen-Jing (Kidney essence). Here, Shen-Jing is the Traditional Chinese Medicine term used to express the meaning of "origin and regeneration". As such there are also a number of research papers that claim that Shen-Jing is the source of information, similar to DNA and that Shen-Jing has similarity to stem cells.

Comprehending the relationship between Shen Jing and stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine holds considerable importance for various reasons. As per Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, a deficiency in Shen-Jing is typically attributed to multiple factors, such as dysplasia resulting from various injuries prior to birth, prolonged excessive sexual activity, chronic stress or illness, and the aging process. Based on this hypothesis, it can be inferred that stem cells located within tissues may suffer damage due to these influences. This concept potentially deepens our insight into the function of stem cells in the development of abnormal emotions, growth, stressors, behaviors, and the aging process.

Chinese herbs have been utilized in clinical practice for millennia, and a substantial amount of literature exists documenting their efficacy and the body's response to these herbs. Numerous Chinese herbs possess Shen-Jing-nourishing properties, and if Shen-Jing is considered the equivalent of stem cells in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we hypothesize that there may be a greater likelihood of discovering effective agents capable of modulating stem cell behaviors within Shen-Jing-nourishing herbs and/or formulations.

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Jing as a Manifestation of Self-Cultivation

Essence signifies a specific manifestation of quintessence, resulting from processes of refinement and distillation. The quintessence derived from Heaven and Earth gives rise to human beings. Should they remain true to their inherent nature, avoiding the corruption of their essence or the disruption of the harmony that influences it, they will cultivate the power of life and pass this on to their offspring. When individuals fully harness their vital force through the quality of their essence, their sexual energy reaches its peak. The concentration of their spirit, insight, and intelligence also attains its maximum; their cognitive functions operate flawlessly, allowing them to enhance their spirit and mental capabilities. If they persist in refining their essence through either internal or external alchemical methods, it transforms into the elixir of life, the cinnabar, dan, 丹, which paves the way to immortality.

TCM Basics 101: What is Jing (Essence)

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND JING

jing and health preservation

western medical science and jing

Jing as a Manifestation of Self-Cultivation

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