Lesson 9: The Three Treasures Copy Copy

The three treasures:
Jing, Qi and Shen – These are the three primary types of energy in the body

Jing- Regenerative (astragalus) schzandra, reishi, foti

Qi- Vitality (astragalus, ginseng, gynostemma) schzandra, reishi

Shen- Spirit (reishi, ginseng, gynostemma) schzandra

Adaptogenic herbs or superior herbs are adaptogenic which means these
herbs help regulate all systems in the body to promote health and vitality.
Also balancing Yin (relaxation) and Yang (invigorating). These herbs most
importantly help the body deal effectively with stress and so help you strive
under stressful events – This is the art of living from the Daoist perspective.
There are 120 superior class Daoist herbs (60 are tonic). We focus on the
top Ten in our recipes.

The Traditional Three Treasures System of Healthcare in Chinese Tonic
Herbalism

Traditionally in Asia, there are said to be three primary types of energy in the
human body, and the same is true throughout nature. These three energy
categories are traditionally known as “the three treasures,” Jing, Qi
(pronounced chee), and Shen. These energies are called “treasures”
because they are the very basis of our life. As the great Chinese Daoist
sage Lu Zi said:
“The human body is only Jing, Qi, and Shen. These are the three treasures.
These three treasures are complete as human beings. In order to attain true
health and happiness, you must value the three treasures. Without the three
treasures, you cannot live long, and deep attainment cannot be reached in a
lifetime. The three treasures must not be wasted. They must be nourished
and protected as one’s life.”

The Three Treasures are the fundamental ener­gies of life within a human being. They are more important to our health and happiness than any­ thing else. The Three Treasures are known as Jing, Qi and Shen in Chinese. Jing is our primal power – it determines our fundamental life force and how long we live. If you replenish Jing on a daily basis, you will be recharging your inner battery before you run dry. You will slow down the aging process and will always have the ener­gy reserves to handle everything that life can throw at you. Qi is our day­ to­ day vitality and our protective energy – it determines how we adapt to the world around us and how well we function. With an abundance of Qi, your adapt­ ability will be optimized, and since adaptability is the measure of your life, your life will be abundant. Shen is our Spirit – we know it as our state of psychological well being and our spiritu­al experience. It is the spark of divinity that resides within your heart. With Shen fully open, you will experience the full joy of life. By fully nurturing and protecting our Three Treasures, we virtually assure ourselves of health, happiness and a long life. Learn the art of cultivating the Three Treasures. Consume tonic herbs that nurture the Three Treasures.

Jing, the First Treasure

The first “treasure” is known as Jing. Jing is generally translated as Regenerative Essence, or simply as Essence. Jing energy is fundamental to life. It is the deepest source of energy in the body and is associated with our genetics. Jing is also our long term energy and may be thought of as our reserves of life force. In Asia, Jing is associated with regeneration, longevity, youthfulness, deep long-term vitality, mental energy, the source of power for the reproductive system and for optimal functioning of the immune system. Jing energy also supports our skeletal system, renal functions and our sensory functions, especially our ability to hear. Jing is believed to govern our courage and is the power behind our will. Jing energy is depleted by living itself, but most especially by stress, excessive behavior, and overwork. Jing can be re-acquired and replenished through the consumption of certain rare herbs which contain this treasure. Jing herbs are divided into two categories: Yin and Yang tonics. Some Yin and Yang herbs can be used singularly because they are so well balanced. Sophisticated formulations have been developed over the centuries that build Yin and Yang energy and these are created by blending Yin herbs and Yang herbs. The secret of rejuvenation and in maintaining our health lies in rebuilding the right balance of Yin and Yang. These Yin and Yang tonic herbs tend to be mild and are very well tolerated in both the short and long term by most people. Everybody needs some Yin and Yang tonification, so finding an appropriate combination is very important. Some Yin and Yang tonics are almost universally tolerated and may be used by anyone.

Yin herbs are deeply nourishing. They replenish spent Jing and build reserves that are stored in the body for future use. They are famed for their long term regenerative qualities. They are generally moistening and are believed to be youth preserving. Yin herbs should be consumed by people who have depleted their Yin reserves. Life itself depletes Yin, and Yin is constantly consumed as we grow older, until by middle age many people experience Yin depletion. Yin tonic herbs tend to nourish endocrine hormones, which are noticeably depleted as one grows older. Besides aging, Yin is also specifically depleted by stress, overwork, exhaustion, childbearing, excessive or chronic drug or medicine use, disease, excessive emotionalism and sexual excess. Those who are deficient in Yin Jing tend to be chronically exhausted, and they tend to have dark rings under their eyes, backaches, weak kidney and reproductive functions, low resistance to infection, weak digestion and show signs of rapid aging, including dryness and wrinkling of the skin. Yin Jing herbs are capable of replenishing the treasure and building reserves for the future. Thus Yin Jing herbs are considered in Asia to be the cornerstone of rejuvenation and the foundation of longevity.

Yang herbs are deeply empowering. The rekindle the fire of life where it has been spent and invigorate vigor at the deepest levels. They are famed for their rejuvenative, deeply invigorating qualities. Yang herbs are used to build sexual energy, creative power, will power and athletic power. The result of consuming Yang Jing herbs is a renewed youthfulness. However, Yang energy tends to be warm and invigoration and therefore requires Yin to maintain coolness and balance. Yang herbs should be accompanied by Yin herbs. This is especially true for those who are suffering from Yin deficiency. If you wish to utilize Yang herbs, build up the Yin Jing first until the signs of Yin deficiency are eliminated. This may take some time, but regular consumption of powerful Yin Jing herbs will surely nurture the deep Yin. Eventually Yang herbs can be consumed – and that’s when the real fun begins. Some people may experience hot symptoms and dryness, and still be Yang deficient. It is possible to be both Yin and Yang deficient but to be more Yin deficient. This will result in what is known as “false fire,” where the person will experience heat, inflammation, low grade fevers, hot flashes, etc. These people will certainly need to consume a lot of Yin Jing herbs, but they may also need to consume a small amount of Yang Jing herbs if they also lack any power.

Jing herbs include Dendrobium, Chinese Asparagus root, Raw Rehmannia root, Astragalus root, Eucommia bark, Prepared Rehmannia root, Cornus officinalis fruit, Codonopsis root, Ophiopogon tuber, Phellodendron bark and others .

Simple Jing Tonic: Licorice Root, Fo Ti Root, Schzandra Berry, Chaga, Cinamon all Decocted as a Hot water extraction at 80 degrees for at least one hour. Add Schandra berry in last ten minutes of extraction. Add Nettle Leaf for a full body and add 5/10g of coconut butter to help extract fat soluble medicine for the herbs.

I, the Second Treasure

The second treasure is known as Qi (pronounced Chee). Qi is translated as vitality. Qi is the energy of life that we acquire through breathing and eating and manifests as our day to day vitality. Qi tonics are also divided into two categories: Qi (Energy) tonics and Blood tonics. These Qi and Blood tonics are important in the maintenance of day-to-day health and vitality, our resistance to disease and our ability to cope with stress.

Qi tonics fortify the digestive, respiratory and immune functions and are necessary for true health. Qi tonics also help build muscle and develop muscular strength. Blood tonics help build blood and nourish all the tissues of the body. It is said that “men are governed by Qi and women are governed by Blood. This means that men generally benefit by consuming more Qi tonics while women generally benefit by consuming more Blood tonics. This does not mean that men do not need Blood and women do not need Qi. It is simply a matter of natural balance. Everybody should consume some amount of Qi and Blood tonics regularly according to need. Most Qi tonics are powerful adaptogens. That means they have significant double-direction activity as it relates to our stress responses, our immune functions and our metabolic functions. Every human can benefit from the consumption of adaptogenic herbs.

Qi supertonics used in Chinese tonic herbalism, include Ginseng, Gynostemma, Codonopsis, Astragalus, Tibetan Rhodiola, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) and others. These very powerful herbs can increase Qi production in the body by helping to strengthen the functions of the lungs and digestive system.

Simple Qi Tonic: Licorice Root, Goji Berry, Turkey Tail Mushroom, astragulas all Decocted as a Hot water extraction at 80 degrees for at least one hour. Add Goji berry in last ten minutes of extraction. Add Nettle Leaf for a full body and add 5/10g of coconut butter to help extract fat soluble medicine for the herbs.

SHEN, the Third Treasure

The third treasure is called Shen. Shen is the energy of consciousness and awareness. Though there is no precise translation for Shen, it is often translated as Spirit. Shen is the vitality and stability of the mind and of the human spirit. A person with strong Shen is one who is calm and at peace, strong minded, aware, clear, centered, deeply intelligent and profoundly happy. A person who is kind, generous and giving and who has a big heart is said to have a lot of Shen. Great Shen manifests as great love. From a spiritual perspective, Shen is the ultimate treasure.

Certain herbs have been found through the centuries to enhance this Shen energy. Shen tonics generally have a mild calming quality. When combined into an herbal program that is taken daily, Shen tonic formulation will have profound effects on our state of mind and body. Tonic herbs can be categorized as Jing (Yin and/or Yang), Qi (Energy and/or Blood) and Shen (opening and/or stabilizing) by virtue of which treasure(s) they tend to nourish and develop.

Shen tonic herbs, including Wild Asparagus Root, Albizzia Flower, Spirit Poria, Wild Reishi, Tibetan Rhodiola, Polygala, Longan, American Ginseng, and Guilin Sweetfruit. These herbs have the power to help calm the mind, stabilize Shen and lift the spirit.

Simple Shen Tonic: Licorice Root, Reishi Mushroom, Rosella, Jujube Dates ,Schzandra Berry all Decocted as a Hot water extraction at 80 degrees for at least one hour. Add Schandra berry in last ten minutes of extraction. Add Nettle Leaf for a full body and add 5/10g of coconut butter to help extract fat soluble medicine for the herbs.

Three Treasures Tonic:

Licorice Root, Reishi Mushroom, Turkey Tail Mushrrom, Chaga Mushroom, Cacao Nibs, Dang Gui, Fo ti Root,Schzandra Berry, Goji Berry, Astragalus all Decocted as a Hot water extraction at 80 degrees for at least one hour. Add Schandra berry and Goji Berry in last ten minutes of extraction. Add Nettle Leaf and cacao powder for a full body and add 5/10g of coconut butter to help extract fat soluble medicine for the herbs.