TCM II - Essence (Jing)

Question 1

Essence (Jing)

Answer 1

Essence (Jing) is a condensed form of Qi and is Yin in nature. There are two types of essence:
1. Pre-heavenly Essence
2. Post-heavenly Essence

Question 2

Pre-heavenly Essence

Answer 2

• Pre-heavenly Essence is the blending of the life force of a man and a woman at conception, which determines the Constitution, strength and vitality of the child.
• Its volume is fixed.
• There is a resemblance to the concept of genetics in Western medicine

Question 3

Post-heavenly Essence

Answer 3

• Post-heavenly Essence Is continually being replenished from eating, drinking and breathing
• By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well and living a regulated life, we run on Post-heavenly Essence and stay well
• If we live an unhealthy life and eat poorly, we draw on Pre-heavenly Essence and become a weak
• This can be likened to a epigenetics in Western medicine