The Three Treasures of Qigong

In Qigong views the body as the culmination of three universal forces: Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit)

Essence put simply is the physical self. This includes our flesh, muscles, bones, organs tissues and our physical make up. Though ancient Qigong text does not describe genes as protein structures in cells there was a fair understanding of the concept of genetic make up. For example; the traits one receives from parents, familial similarities or physiological predispositions. In addition there was also a clear understanding of physical nurturing, and the role that nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and social predisposition play on development as well.

This concept is called Essence because it pertains to our essential self. To be more specific Essence is broken down into two distinct parts:

Pre Natal Essence – our predetermined self, the genetic information passed on from parents and to some extent our destined paths.

Postnatal Essence – the self that is developed from our diet and nutrition and how we develop ourselves through lifestyle, social interactions, and of course practice of Qigong!

Energy is the amount of vitality that our body has; the output of force that that we generate; the movement and metabolism of the organ systems and our general work potential. Our personal level of energy is determined by several factors:

Body Structure – the structure determines the efficiency of force transfer from the ground through the limbs and out of the body of the efficiency of movement within the organ systems.

Nourishment – the chemical substance from food and water supply energy in the form of nutrience and calories.

Air – Oxygen triggers cellular metabolism and the production of ATP (vie creb cycle).

Qigong postures and breathing exercises can strongly enhance ones energetic development by reinforcing a highly efficient physical posture, aiding movement of metabolism and enhancing the oxygen capacity through focused breathing exercises.

Spirit in qigong relates to our conscious self and the ethereal soul. It is the component that makes us aware individuals and distinct entities. Some highly skilled Qigong practitioners speak of experiences where the consciousness is moving freely outside of the body during deep meditation – (Buddha often spoke of these phenomena). Thus the Qigong understanding is the spirit resides in and connects to the body but exist outside of the body as well.

Because an important component of Qigong is to develop a deeper awareness of the physical self, it opens the door to understanding the spiritual self as well. That being said its important to understand that though Qigong can be a very spiritual practice it is not devised as a religious system.

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