Jing is the Chinese word for “essence.” Jing is the primordial energy that is stored in the kidneys. Along with Qi and Shen, it is considered one of the Three Treasures. Qi is the energy of everyday life that gives life and animates the body. Shen is our spirit, which resides in our heart and can be seen as the light in someone’s eyes. It is said that we are born with a certain amount of Jing (prenatal Jing) that comes from our ancestors. Jing determines our constitution, strength and vitality. We can also acquire Jing from food and various activities (exercise, study, meditation).
Jing is like our backup battery and can be consumed through the ordinary process of life. Ongoing stress, illness, substance abuse, and sexual indulgence can all deplete Jing essence. The way to preserve Prenatal Jing is to strive for balance in all life activities. Balance which means moderation in diet, work/rest, sexual activity. Irregularity or excess in these areas wastes Prenatal Jing. At the end of the day, when you run out of Jing, you run out of life, so it is important that we learn to conserve and replenish this vital energy.
Jing is considered essential for longevity in traditional Chinese medicine. Many disciplines, including qigong and Tai Chi, are dedicated to replenishing “lost” Jing by restoring postnatal Jing. Additionally, and perhaps more conveniently, herbs and certain foods can also be taken to help replenish the essence of Jing.
There are two ways a person can become Jing deficient. In Chinese medicine, the person is born with suboptimal Jing or the body becomes deficient in Jing due to illness, ongoing stress, or significant Type A behavior. Jing is a very precious substance, and it must be protected and not wasted. Kidney Jing deficiency can lead to problems like impotence, chronic low back pain, weak knees, tinnitus, urinary incontinence, deafness, loose teeth, etc.
The state of Kidney Essence also influences our strength and endurance. If the Essence is “wasted” or poorly stored, a person may have reduced immunity to external pathogens and be constantly sick with a cold, influenza, allergies, etc. Tonifying Jing in Chinese medicine is a long-term strategy due to the need to deeply nourish the body.
The way to preserve Prenatal Jing is to strive for balance in all life activities. Balance which means moderation in diet, work/rest, sexual activity. Irregularity or excess in these areas wastes Prenatal Jing.
Certain Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years as remedies for weak Jing, to help rebuild and replenish this all-important energy of one’s life essence. Among the best known Jing herbs are: Cordyceps, He Shou Wu, Ginseng, Eucommia, Cistanche and others. One of the best herbs for building Jing that is growing in popularity is deer antler extract. Taking these herbs regularly can make a significant difference in your life, especially if you are affected by the loss of Jing from your lifestyle.
