The Three Treasures
The Foundations of Taoist Medicine
Why energetics interests me so much is because it is the bridge between the mind (spiritual) and the body (physical). In my view, many (not all) physical symptoms arise because something that has not yet been healed on the psychospiritual level. Of course, genetic predispositions (what we are born with, which very much relates to jing) can influence physical symptoms as well- thank you western medicine!
The Three Treasures :
Can be thought of as categories of energy, describing the nature and frequency of everything in existence. Jing (physical form) is the most dense, while Shen (spirit) is the most refined. Qi, (movement) is the link in between.
Alt text: Drawing of a candle demonstrating the relationship between Shen (the light), Qi (the flame) and Jing (the wax).
Alt text: Graphic of person in meditation posture with three circles of light representing the upper, middle and lower dantian.
Jing (body)
Jing is the most yin or material expression of energy. This is the level of existence western medicine is most concerned with as it can be seen, measured, and quantified. Because its vibration is relatively slow, healing on this level happens slowly. We can influence Jing directly through exercise, diet and sleep, herbs, and medication.
Qi (energy)
Qi is the activity of Yin and Yang together. We experience it as an animating force- movement, sensation, feeling and thought.
Qi is said to be produced as a result of the functions of the Lungs and Spleen.
Qi is what links the Shen (spirit/mind) and the body together. We can influence our Qi directly through the breath- and through what we do with our body and mind.
Shen (mind)
Shen is the spirit or consciousness, which directs Qi. It operates at highest frequency, (most yang) and although appears subtle, holds a high potential for healing. You can see the quality of one's shen by the light and sparkle in their eyes. In Taoism, it is said that all of our organs exist on a spirit level, and hold a specific spiritual function. We influence the Shen through meditation and living in alignment with our soul's purpose.
For me, I am not at all against western medicine: why? Because western medicine understands the jing (physical) level of reality in detail! BUT we cannot forget the healing that can (and needs to) take place on the emotional and spiritual level as well. The theory is, if we don’t heal these dimensions, disease will keep showing up in the body, because the energetic pattern that created it in the first place is still there.
Holistic practices like meditation, psychotherapy, and qigong can help harmonize the spiritual, mental and emotional domains, which can be so powerful in deep health and healing.
I am curious to know what your experiences have been on healing on the spiritual, energetic/emotional level and how that influenced your body?
Interested in diving deeper? I’m offering an online Yin Yoga Teacher Training that explores the Three Treasures and the Five Spirits.
