Understanding Jing, Qi, and Shen in Chinese Philosophy and Chinese Medicine

The Oil, the Spark, and the Light

In Chinese philosophy and Chinese medicine, there are three fundamental concepts known as Jing, Qi, and Shen (精氣神). These concepts are interconnected and play a crucial role in sustaining human life and overall well-being. Let's explore how they interact using the analogy of an oil lamp.

Jing 精: The Essence

Jing, the first treasure, can be translated as "…