“Jing” translated from Chinese is Essence. Along with Qi - the life force, and Shen - the spirit, Jing - the essence, is considered one of the “three treasures” in traditional Chinese medicine. These “three treasures” are the substances that nurture the organs and organ systems and keep the mind, body, and spirit in balance.
The Essence determines the growth, development, and maturation in humans and is responsible for the vitality and longevity in every person. There are two types of Essence - prenatal/congenital Essence, which is inherited from the parents (some compare it to DNA), and postnatal/acquired Essence, which is obtained from our nourishment, but also through our overall life choices.
The Essence is stored in the Kidneys. If the Kidneys are weak or injured this will effect the Essence. One way to improve the Essence, i.e. to imrpove one's vitality and longevity, is to improve the health of the Kidneys.
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Deng Liangye, Gan Yijun, He Shuhui, Ji Xiaoping, Li Yang, Wang Rufen, Wang Wenjing, Wang Xuetai, Xu Hengze, Xue Xuiling, Yuan Jiuling (1987). Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. China: Foreign Languages Press
Maciocia, Giovanni (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh: Harcourt Publishers Limited
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