Aspects of Energy / The Three Treasures of Eastern Medicine

The eastern mindset on healing is circular and multi-dimensional. The goal is to see the bigger picture of health. To treat the body, mind, and spirit as an inseparable whole. Eastern healing is based on the balancing of energy within the body. This includes the meridians, which flow like rivers and streams of energy throughout the body, connecting all the parts and pieces as well as the vortexes of energy known as the chakras. The different aspects of energy within us are known as the three treasures; Ki, Jing and Shen.

KI (CHI) (PRANA) is the vital life force that the body derives from air, water, food, movement, sleep and meaningful relationships. It exists throughout the body and contributes to overall well being.

JING is translated as Essence or Power. It represents the core energy within the body. It is stored in the kidneys and adrenals as well as in the abdomen. (Hara) It is understood as the melding of the yin energy from the earth, the yang energy of the heavens with the oxygen from the environment. It can be explained as the internal battery of the body. Jing represents a person's potential and genetics. When the adrenals become exhausted you are wearing down the internal battery which leads to fatigue and ill health.

SHEN represents spiritual energy. The energy of the Heart, Emotions and Conscious Mind. Within the individual, Shen is manifested in personality, thought, sensory perception, the awareness of self and ones connection to the universe, source energy or God. It is connected to passion, joy and what gives life meaning. When this energy is off balance it can lead to depression, confusion and emotion/mental issues.

Eastern Medicine believes that all illness or disharmony is related to an imbalance in one or more aspects of energy. The goal is to seek out the root cause of a particular symptom, unwind it from the cellular memory through releasing excess energy and nurturing deficient energy. The goal is to move and balance energy and work on core issues to facilitate deep healing. The body/mind needs loving support and guidance to get it back to a state of balance and homeostasis. There are many modalities of treatment as well as the practices such as of Yoga and Qigong that can assist you in this process of finding inner balance, peace and health.