Nourishing the Jing
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "Jing" is considered one of the three treasures along with "Qi" and "Shen." Often translated as "essence," Jing is a vital substance that is fundamental to our health and vitality. It is believed to be the foundational energy that is inherited from our parents and stored in our kidneys. Jing is responsible for our growth, development, hair growth, and reproductive capacity. It is also associated with our overall constitution, resilience, and the aging process.
By nurturing and preserving our Jing, we can enhance and maintain our life force energy, ensuring greater longevity and well-being. TCM modalities and Acupuncture employ a complete and complimentary medical system of techniques to support and nourish Jing, as it is considered a precious and invaluable resource for optimal health.
Jing is stored in the kidneys and determines one's vitality, resistance to disease, and longevity.
One is born with "Congenital" Jing, which influences individual constitution and development. The amount of "congenital" jing one receives corresponds to the heal ing ability and constitution of the parents. This jing is irreplaceable and meant to serve throughout life; once it is used up; life ceases.
"Acquired" jing can be obtained from food and lifestyle habits which can greatly magnify the activity of even small amounts of congenital jing.
When the Jing is deficient one may experience impaired growth and development. One cannot have too much jing. Symptoms of jing deficiency include, dizziness, teeth loss, loss of hair, ringing in the ears, and weak painful knees and lower back.
Factors which deplete Jing:
1. Stress, fear, insecurity and overwork
2. Toxins in food and water, intoxicants such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, coffee and tobacco.
3. Excessive sweet flavored food, i.e sugar
4. Too much dietary protein
Nourish your Jing with lifestyle & diet
Building Jing through lifestyle and diet requires time and patience. The Jing is the essence of our being, and although we may, in essence, always be in a rush or have things to do, the foundational ocean of one’s Jing can only sustain so much.
To support the Jing is to support moments of stillness and quietness. It is to know that while you may look like you are doing nothing, in actuality on the inside your entire body is quite active and working 24/7. To nourish the Jing, relax into this state. Allow the breath to move freely and feel the calm waters of your internal processes blanket your being.
Further, the nourishment of certain foods can promote the growth and development of the body and mind. These foods listed below provide renewal, longevity and reproductive capacity; combating premature aging.
1. Micro-algae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue green) fish, liver, kidney, brain, bone and its marrow, human placenta (post partum), and cereal grass.
These foods are rich in nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) which protect the body form degeneration. The animal products are rich in vitamin B12 which as shown to influence the production of nucleic acids, helps with growth and development.
Vitamin A is also supplied richly in the above animal and vegetable foods. Chinese medicine ascribes the health of the hair to both the blood quality and vital jing-rich kidneys.
2. Solomon's seal, almonds, milk, clarified butter (ghee).
Solomon's seal used extensively in the East, plays a prominent role in a formula developed my mountain-dwelling Taoists.
All dairy, if it is of the highest quality (organic and pasture raised) AND tolerated by the individual, supplements the Jing.
3. Nettles.
A kidney tonic in the West, nettle leaves also thicken the head hair and enrich the blood.
4. Royal jelly and bee pollen.
These honey-bee products are thought to contain the most complete range of nutrients of any foods. Royal jelly is more concentrated in nutrients than bee pollen. They are both energy tonics and used in cases of general deficiency.
5. Millet, organic wheat, black sesame seeds, black soybeans, chestnuts, mulberries, raspberries, strawberries and walnuts.
6. Ideal jing nourishment must also include spiritual practices, which can mobilize jing, infuse it with energy,and spirit, and transform in into qi(energy).
Alitheia Healing Acupuncture recommends various Qi-Gong Practitioners on You Tube. Schedule to learn more.