3 TREASURES

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We are "fueled" by Three Treasures: Qi or Chi (pronounced chee). Shen, and Jing. Qi is both the life force and the organizing principle flowing through all things and establishing their interconnectedness. Every living thing (both human and non-human) has Qi. Qi moves and flows throughout the body via meridians. Qi in the body is especially associated, or compared, with the heart and lungs as they cause circulation of blood and oxygen. ​

 

Shen is the treasure that gives brightness to life and is responsible for consciousness and mental abilities, sometimes compared to soul. Within the individual, Shen is manifested in personality, thought, sensory perception, and the awareness of self. ​

 

Jing is responsible for growth, development, and reproduction. Jing represents a person's potential for development, comparable to the western concept of genetic inheritance. Chinese believe that everyone is born with a finite amount of Jing. As we go through life, we lose or consume our Jing little by little. Once we lose Jing, it cannot be replaced; it is gone forever. We lose Jing if we live in a wrong or careless way, but Jing can be preserved if we live in moderation. Acupuncture can reduce the loss of Jing.​