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Chinese physiology
Jing (Essence)
diagnoses
definition
JING
Translations of "Jing":
refined
essence of, extract
perfect
seed, sperm, semen
essence of life
The Concept of Jing:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "Jing" is usually translated as "Essence"
It is the reproductive essence as embodied in the sperm/ovum
It is the Yin counterpart to Shen
It is closely associated with Kidney energetics and is indeed the basis of Kidney Qi.
Moreover one of the functions of the kidney is the storage of Jing (Essence). Jing is responsible for growth, proper and timely development, repair and reproduction. It ensures continuity within the organism and perpetuation of the species. Certain aspects of this concept find easy parallel in our notions of genetics and the role of RNA and DNA.
Metaphor of the life cycle of a seed:
the seed unfolds its Qi (energy/information) in "becoming" a plant
the plant in turn enfolds its energies into the creation of seeds
Male and Female Cycles of growth and development (from the Nei Jing):
male = 8 year cycles
female = 7 year cycles
Xian Tian Jing/Qi:
before heaven, Former Heaven, pre-natal, congenital Jing (Essence)
this is the essence inherited from one's parents and ancestral line
it determines one's basic constitution and lifespan
the source of one's "original" Qi
associated with the umbilicus and life in utero
Hou Tian Jing/Qi:
after heaven, Latter Heaven, post-natal, acquired Jing (Essence)
this Jing "fires" the metabolic operations of the Triple Warmer
surplus Qi the body doesn't use in normal activities is transformed and stored again as Jing
Jing is concentrated Essential Qi
associated with the mouth
Reproductive Jing:
procreative aspect of Jing (Essence)
the Jing that comes to maturity at puberty and confers the ability to reproduce sexually
the reproductive essence of the two parents combines in the uterus/womb to create new life
the combined essences of the parents determines the congenital essence of the offspring
the essence of each parent is a function of their own congenital essence unfolding, and their current accumulation of acquired essence
Jing Qi:
Essential Qi
that aspect of Jing (Essence) that is activated to maintain normal body functioning
ensures continuity of self, provides the template for repair
maintains functional and structural integrity
the basis of Ying, i.e. the nourishing aspect of the Xue (Blood), and Wei, i.e. the protective aspect of Qi
These two aspects of Jing are not separate from Xian Tian and Hou Tian Jing
Functions:
growth and development
bones, marrow, spine and brain
thus physical and mental development
sexual/reproductive function
constitution - genetic allotment
blueprint for maintenance and repair
Dysfunction:
retarded, slow or incomplete physical or mental development
premature aging and early death, senility
sexual/reproductive dysfunctions: impotence, infertility, miscarriage
impaired mental faculties, memory, consciousness
general lack of vitality and vigor (at a core level)
Relationship of Jing to Qi:
both govern processes of change, but, Qi is quicker; it governs faster processes of change and transformation in contrast to the slower more developmental and evolutionary changes determined by Jing
Relationship of Jing to Xue (Blood):
both are nourishing, but Xue (Blood) is more constant and consistent; it doesn't change much over time, whereas the nature of Jing is to unfold over time.
footnotes