Three Treasures Traditional Chinese Medicine

Three Treasures and Blood

Traditional Chinese Medicine

By: Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

The Three Treasures of Chinese medicine are Jing, Qi

and Shen.

1.) Jing, or Essence, is the source of life and is the most

dense of the Three Treasures.

2.) Qi gives us the ability to activate and move our bodies and it the most refined Treasure.

3.) Shen is the most subtle of the Three Treasures and is the vitality behind Jing and Qi

Qi (Chi)

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is generally thought of as the

vital force within our bodies. Qi in its yang form

is responsible for animation of the human form. Qi

travels through the 12+ meridians (channels) very much like blood through vessels. Chinese medicine works to insure that Qi is able to move freely, that it is moving in the correct direction, and that there is an abundant availability of Qi. It is acquired through food, air and herbs. Qi corresponds broadly to energy and matter, and every phenomenon in the Universe is a manifestation of Qi. When Qi is condensed it can manifest matter (Yin form) and when it disperses it manifests energy (Yang).

A quote from Chang Cai explains this concept: “Every birth is a condensation and every death is a dispersion. Birth is not a gain, death is not a loss. When condensed, the energy becomes a living being and when dispersed it is the substratum of mutations.”

Chapter twenty five in the Simple Questions contains the following quote: “A human being results from the Qi of heaven and earth. The union of the Qi of heaven and earth is called a human being”.

The function of Qi:

• Qi is the source of all movement of the body: ascending, descending, entering and leaving.

• Qi protects the body against external and internal pathological factors.

• Qi is the source of production and transformation of blood, tears, sweat, and urine.

• Qi governs over the body’s ability to retain substances such as blood and organs

• Qi warms the body.

Essence (Jing)

Essence (a Yin characteristic) is that aspect of the body that is the basis for all growth, development, and sexuality. Congenital Essence is that part of the body’s Essence that is inherited from ones parents. After birth this Essence, which is akin to an inborn constitution (DNA), determines each of our growth patterns. Congenital Essence can never be replaced if lost, but can be supplemented by acquired Essence, which is derived from food and herbs. Many of the best tonic herbs for healthy aging support essence. It is important to maintain abundant qi through proper diet, breathing exercises and herbs so that you do not consume essence. Proper lifestyle habits, such as proper, sound sleep at night also help to preserve essence.

Essence is Yin in nature, and is the primary substance responsible for growth and development, metabolism, and plays a role in daily activity especially when Qi is depleted. Essence can be regarded as substantial Yin and spirit, or Shen, as the counterpart Yang.

Kidney Essence

Kidney Essence produces marrow, which then produces bone marrow and then fills the spine, bone marrow and spinal cord. This is why Kidney tonics are so important in the full recovery of back injuries.

Kidney Essence rules over growth, reproduction and development, and Kidney deficiencies can manifest as improper growth and maturation, sexual dysfunction, ED impotence, infertility, premature aging and birth defects.

Spirit (Shen)

The Shen represents the forces that shape our personality including mental and spiritual aspects. The heart houses Shen and it can be observed by trained practitioners through a certain brightness of the eyes. Shen disturbances generally refer to mental disorders. While the Shen is often referred to as the spirit, it should not be confused with the Christian idea of the spirit; it is more about a person's inner light. Our Shen allows us to think and discriminate, and and shapes our personality. Shen is the most immaterial of the Three Treasures in Chinese medicine.

Blood

Blood is not considered one of the Three Treasures, but is a fundamental substance in the body. Blood nourishes and moistens the whole body, particularly the eyes and tendons. Many aging issues are due to Blood Deficiency such as hair loss because hair growth is dependant on the quality and abundance nourishing blood. The Liver, Heart and Spleen organ systems are the most relevant systems related to Blood, but all of the organ systems play a role in Blood production and distribution. Blood is a Yin substance.

Blood Deficiency

Causes of Blood Deficiency include blood loss due to trauma, surgery, or menstrual hemorrhaging, or a diminished blood production or decreased nourishing quality of the blood; this is often as a result of nutritional deficiencies.

Blood Deficiency is typically due to a chronic condition of nutritional deficiencies. Once Blood Deficiency develops in the body, it takes 6-8 months to reverse with tonic herbs and whole foods. Signs of blood deficiency include dry skin, dizziness, palpitations, withered skin, lusterless complexion, pale lips, a weak pulse, insomnia, tight muscles, inflexible joints, and thinning brittle hair.

Blood Stagnation

Blood stagnation is another common condition of disharmony in the body and can lead to pain and Blood Deficiency, as Blood will not be produced in abundance when it is not moving. The Qi and Blood have an interdependent relationship because Qi moves the Blood, and Blood nourishes Qi production.

The Essential Questions states, “The Liver receives the blood so there is sight; the legs receive blood and then have the ability to walk; the hands receive the blood and so have the ability to grip; the fingers receive blood and are then able to grasp”. Blood also grounds the Shen, and Blood Deficiency can be a root cause of emotional disorders.

For information on Chinese Medicine, visit the National Library of Medicine, the The Chinese Medical Journal, or Chinese Medicine News. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

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