Jing and Yuan Qi: Understanding Essence and Primary Energy

Unveiling Jing and Yuan Qi: Misunderstood Concepts in Health and Longevity

Jing (精)—as a word and concept—is becoming increasingly popular in the raw, health and wellness, and longevity communities. However, it is often used as a catchphrase and sometimes incorrectly employed to sell products. As the word gains widespread use, its true essence seems to be misunderstood or unappreciated. Establishing a better foundational knowledge of what Jing is can foster a greater appreciation for it. Jing has no direct English equivalent, reflecting a gap in understanding within a society that often overlooks such profound concepts.

Misconceptions about Jing

People frequently refer to Jing as if it were a source of immortality or merely a marker of aging, leading to questions like, "How much Jing do I have, and what can I do to get more?" While Jing is indeed a marker of aging, and lifestyle choices can conserve, enhance, or prematurely deplete it, Jing is not simply the life force. Jing is an inheritance—an essence that, if wisely used and invested in, can lead to a long, healthy, fulfilled, and happy life.

Jing: The Essence, The Unique Blueprint

In classical texts, Jing is best translated as "essence." Jing is not a battery pack—it is a blueprint representing the essence of who a person is. Every individual is born with enough Jing to fulfill their life's potential. Jing is the personal internal seed, defining individuality.

Confusing Jing with Yuan Qi

When most people speak of Jing, they are actually referring to Yuan Qi (元气, Yuán Qì). Yuan Qi is the source of all other Qi (气, Qì) in the body, located in the lower torso at the base of the back. Yuan Qi is primary energy.

In Western anatomical terms, Kidney Qi would be associated with the adrenal glands. These glands produce several hormones, including cortisol, androgenic steroid hormones, and "stress" hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Understanding Yuan Qi: Primary Essence

There are two sources of Yuan Qi: Prenatal Yuan Qi (先天元气, Xiāntiān Yuán Qì) and Postnatal Yuan Qi (后天元气, Hòutiān Yuán Qì). Qi is the life force of the body, and when all of the Qi leaves the body, a person dies. Like energy, Qi never ceases to exist; it only changes form.

The Nature of Qi

In general terms, Qi is:

• The finest particulate matter of everything;
• The finest influence of matter;
• The spirit that moves within all things.

Qi is universal and found in everything, living or non-living. A person has Qi, a molecule has Qi, a Reishi mushroom has Qi, a rock has Qi—there is Qi in the universe, in stars, in distant planets, and in all atoms.

Prenatal and Postnatal Yuan Qi

Prenatal Yuan Qi is the Qi inherited from the parents and is present at birth. Postnatal Yuan Qi is the Qi collected throughout life. Any excess Postnatal Qi will affect and build upon the Prenatal Qi. If Qi is conserved in life and built upon, that vital store of Qi grows, increasing life force—the vitality a person has and how long that vitality is maintained. Any additional Qi that is not used contributes to the Prenatal Qi. Similar to economic terms, a person aims to take in more resources than they expend, adding to their savings and avoiding debt.

Prenatal and Postnatal Yuan Qi as Pails of Water

For another analogy, imagine two connected pails of water, one on the left-hand side and one on the right-hand side. When the pail on the right overflows, it spills into the pail on the left. However, if the pail on the right is empty, the pail on the left flows into it. In this analogy, the Prenatal Jing is the left-hand pail, and Postnatal Qi is the right-hand pail. When Postnatal Qi is abundant, it spills into the Prenatal Qi, increasing its volume. If there is not enough Postnatal Qi, the pail on the left flows into the pail on the right. The goal is to have the flow of Qi moving into the stores of Prenatal Qi.

Sources of Qi: Food and Respiration

Qi can be added through food, known as Gu Qi (谷气, Gǔ Qì), and through respiration, known as Da Qi (大气, Dà Qì) and Kong Qi (空气, Kōng Qì). Herbs are considered a source of Gu Qi, and Qi Gong (气功, Qìgōng) falls within Da/Kong Qi.

If Jing isn’t the Fountain of Youth, what is it?

At birth, a person should have enough Jing to live to be 100 years old. One half of the Jing is inherited from the mother, and the other half from the father. This Jing represents a deep concentration of Yin (阴, Yīn) and Yang (阳, Yáng) in the Kidney. It is essential to become the guardian of one's Jing.

Jing can be thought of as a coiled spring; at birth, there is enough tension to lift a person up to 100 years of age. Similar to Qi, there is Prenatal Jing (先天之精, Xiāntiān zhī Jīng) and Postnatal Jing (后天之精, Hòutiān zhī Jīng). Prenatal Jing constitutes a person's inheritance, while Postnatal Jing is derived from ingested foods and continuous, beneficial physical, emotional, and mental stimulation.

Jing is the Seed of our Own Personal Essence

Understanding and nurturing Jing involves discovering one's unique essence. Jing is the seed of this essence, determining the particular life of each individual. Every person has a unique Jing that defines their life. No two people are alike, and neither is their Jing.

Qi is everywhere and indiscriminate between organic and inorganic things, described as "the finest particulate of all matter." However, Jing is different and unique only to living beings. As Ted Kaptchuk, a professor of medicine at Harvard University, writes in his book The Web That Has No Weaver:

"Jing is the texture that is specific to organic life. It is the stuff that makes living beings unique and distinct from inorganic things. [Jing] is a kind of deep, "soft," "juicy" potential inherent in living beings which forms and fills the life cycle as it unfolds."

Modern life often depletes Jing. Jing can be likened to the fossil fuel of the body—a deep concentration of Yin and Yang in the Kidney. People use their Jing as they use crude oil—indiscriminately and in excess. This rampant overuse borrows from tomorrow and pollutes the body today. There are many similarities between Jing and crude oil. Both the overuse of Jing and the overuse of fossil fuels represent pathologies in personal lives and society. The first step in building Jing is to halt its over-depletion.

Similarly, reliance on coffee borrows from—and depletes—Jing. While it may sometimes be necessary, Jing is finite and not bottomless. Every time coffee is consumed, a bit of Jing is subtracted from the lifespan, similar to how burning fossil fuels shortens the lifespan of the earth. Chinese medicine differs from Western medicine in viewing everything as interconnected. In Chinese medicine, there is no separation between body and environment, and the same pathology that affects a person can affect the environment and vice versa.

As Jing is used in excess, the tension in the spring—which should have enough tension for 100 years of a fulfilled life—diminishes, shortening not just the lifespan but the quality of life within that span. Whenever a "second wind" is needed, Jing is depleted.

Replenishing Jing

Jing can be replenished, but addressing the reliance on Jing is essential first. Similar to cutting up credit cards and paying off debt before accumulating savings, managing Jing wisely is crucial. The pail analogy of Pre and Postnatal Qi illustrates this process, where an excess of Postnatal Qi replenishes Prenatal Qi. Now, imagine two additional pails: a Prenatal Jing pail and a Postnatal Jing pail. As the Prenatal Qi pail fills up, it overflows into the Postnatal Jing pail, which, when full, flows back to replenish the Prenatal Jing. This cycle represents the true source of essence.

Replenishing Prenatal Jing requires a daily effort. As previously mentioned, an individual must become the guardian of their Jing—and guardians do not get any days off.

Jing, Qi, and Qi Gong

The Role of Qi Gong in Cultivating Jing

Focusing on internal practices and processes is essential for cultivating Jing. Qi Gong, considered an internal practice, is known to cultivate both Qi and Jing in the body. Qi Gong is accessible and can be practiced by everyone, regardless of ability. The Qi Gong sequence Yijin Jing (易筋经, Yìjīn Jīng), which translates to the "Muscle/Tendon Change Classic," consists of physical and breathing movements that cultivate Qi, Jing, and Shen (神, Shén). This sequence can be seen performed by Qi Gong Master Tsao, whose demonstration and lecture on Yijin Jing are highly informative.

Herbs to Increase Jing

Nourishing Jing Through Dietary Therapy

Before considering the use of herbs to augment Jing, the primary and foundational factors are adjusting lifestyle and nourishing Jing through dietary therapy. A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods is essential for maintaining and enhancing Jing.

Herbs to Restore and Replenish Jing

There are a few select herbs historically used to increase Jing, but these herbs are contraindicated for most people and can exacerbate a depleted state. These herbs are often too "hot," adding to issues of heat—a sign of Jing depletion. The symptoms of heat usually drive people to seek "more Jing." The feeling of needing more Jing indicates that the herbs are too hot for the depleted body. A proper formula of Jing-restoring herbs can clear heat from the body and balance the formula to avoid adding any additional heat.

The TapRoot formula was developed to replenish both pre and postnatal Yuan Qi and both pre and postnatal Jing while clearing heat from the body and balancing the herbs. TapRoot is a restorative combination of:

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula; 党参; Dǎng Shēn)

Codonopsis is a restorative strengthening adaptogen that invigorates Qi and supports overall vitality. It is often referred to as "poor man's ginseng" due to its similar, albeit milder, effects compared to ginseng. In CCM, it is used to tonify the Spleen and Lung Qi, improve appetite, and aid in the recovery from chronic illness. It supports digestion and helps to replenish both Qi and Blood, making it beneficial for enhancing Postnatal Jing.

Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum; 枸杞子; Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ)

Goji berries tonify Kidney and Liver Yin, support Jing, and promote overall health. They are known for their ability to nourish and moisten the Yin, improve vision, and strengthen the immune system. In CCM, they are used to treat deficiencies of the Liver and Kidney, benefiting the essence and improving vitality and longevity.

Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum; 女贞子; Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ)

Glossy privet is used to restore both pre and postnatal Yuan Qi and Jing. It clears heat and supports the Liver and Kidney Yin, making it effective for treating symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and premature graying of hair. It is known for its ability to replenish deep Yin and essence, supporting overall vitality and longevity.

Dodder Seed (Cuscuta chinensis; 菟丝子; Tù Sī Zǐ)

Dodder seed specifically restores deep Prenatal Jing. It is used to tonify the Kidneys, secure the essence, and improve fertility. It strengthens the bones and sinews, benefits vision, and supports reproductive health. In CCM, it is highly regarded for its ability to nurture and preserve the essence, enhancing both longevity and vitality.

Atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala; 白术; Bái Zhú)

Atractylodes invigorates Qi and strengthens the Spleen, supporting digestive health and overall energy. It is commonly used to tonify the Spleen Qi, dry dampness, and promote water metabolism. It helps to boost energy levels, enhance immune function, and support the body's resistance to stress, making it beneficial for enhancing Postnatal Jing.

Fructus Psoraleae (Psoralea corylifolia; 补骨脂; Bǔ Gǔ Zhī)

Fructus Psoraleae restores both pre and postnatal Yuan Qi and Jing. It is known for its ability to warm the Kidneys, fortify Yang, and secure the essence. It is used to treat conditions such as coldness in the lower back and knees, frequent urination, and impotence. It also supports bone health and aids in the treatment of vitiligo by promoting pigmentation.

These herbs, when balanced correctly, can help restore and replenish Jing, supporting a long, healthy, and fulfilled life.

RAW Flower and Tree Pollens as a Source of Jing

Beyond traditional herbs, raw flower and tree pollens, as well as very tiny seeds like nettle seed, Cuscuta seed, and black sesame seeds, are potent sources of Jing that can help replenish Jing in the body. While Pine Pollen (Pinus massoniana) is known for its phytoandrogens, its powerful effect on the body is more likely due to the Jing it provides and how that Jing replenishes the body. Both Camellia Pollen (Camellia sinensis) and Brassica Pollen (Brassica campestris) have similar effects, containing and replenishing Jing. Additionally, Sacred Lotus Flower Pollen (Nelumbo nucifera) is another potent source of Jing, known for its nourishing properties that benefit both the body and mind. The use of these pollens can have a profound impact on overall vitality and well-being.

Final Thoughts

The Take-Home Message on Jing

Understanding the roles of Jing and Yuan Qi is crucial for holistic health and longevity. Jing is the essence, the foundational life force inherited from one’s parents, and is crucial for growth, development, and reproduction. It represents the deepest reserves of vitality and potential. Yuan Qi, on the other hand, is the primary dynamic energy derived from Jing and is responsible for all vital processes in the body. It is the source of all other types of Qi and is essential for sustaining life and health.

There are two key take-home messages regarding Jing and Yuan Qi. Firstly, it is essential to foster a greater understanding of what Jing and Yuan Qi truly are and integrate that deeper understanding into daily life. With this knowledge, the terms Jing and Yuan Qi can be used with greater precision, enriching conversations and promoting a more mindful way of living.

Secondly, the concepts of Jing and Yuan Qi should be applied to both internal and external practices. This involves asking and answering questions such as, "How are daily practices affecting Jing and Yuan Qi? Are they enhancing their quality or depleting them? Do they align with lifetime goals?" Similarly, it is important to consider the impact of actions on the planet: "How are daily practices affecting the Jing and Yuan Qi of the planet? Are they improving their quality or degrading them? Do they positively reflect goals for the planet's well-being?"