In Chinese medicine, some energy is for spending. Some is for saving.
Jing is the saving kind. It is the deepest reserve of vitality you have, and much of Chinese medicine's advice about winter, rest and aging comes back to protecting it.
What is jing?
Jing (精) is usually translated as essence. It is one of the Three Treasures, along with qi and Shen. Read more in What is Shen.
Chinese medicine describes two kinds.
- Prenatal jing is what you are born with, inherited from your parents. It is like a savings account you cannot easily add to.
- Postnatal jing comes from food, breath and rest. It helps replenish and protect your reserve.
Jing is stored in the Kidney. It is said to guide growth, development and healthy aging.
What jing is linked to
In Chinese medicine, jing is connected to the following.
- Growth and development
- Strong bones and teeth
- Healthy hair
- Energy reserves
- The pace of aging
Signs your jing may be taxed
Chinese medicine associates these signs with depleted Kidney essence.
- Lower back or knee weakness
- Deep fatigue that rest does not fully fix
- Early graying or thinning hair
- Feeling older than your years
Many of these can also have medical causes. If they are new or getting worse, see your doctor.
Why winter is jing season
Winter belongs to the Kidney and the Water element. It is the season of storage, when nature pulls its energy inward.
Chinese medicine suggests we do the same. Winter is the time to rest more, eat nourishing food and avoid burning through reserves. Read The Power of Wintering.
Everyday ways to protect jing
1. Sleep deeply and consistently
Late nights and chronic sleep loss are seen as a major drain on jing.
2. Avoid chronic overwork
Short bursts of hard work are fine. Years of running on empty are what Chinese medicine warns against.
3. Eat Kidney nourishing foods
- Black sesame seeds
- Walnuts
- Black beans
- Bone broth
- Seaweed
- Goji berries
4. Keep your lower back warm
Chinese medicine calls the lower back the "house of the Kidney." Layers and a warm belt or wrap help in cold weather.
5. Practice gentle movement
Qigong and tai chi are traditionally used to build energy rather than spend it.
6. Manage stress and fear
Each organ is linked to an emotion. The Kidney is linked to fear. Long term fear and anxiety are said to drain it.
Traditional herbal support
- Rehmannia Six (Liu Wei Di Huang Tang), a classic formula traditionally used to nourish Kidney yin
- Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Shen Qi Tang), traditionally used to warm Kidney yang
- Premium Goji Berries, a food herb linked to the Kidney and Liver
- Wine-Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
A licensed practitioner can help you decide which, if any, fits you.
For a full picture of the Kidney in Chinese medicine, read our Kidney guide and our Chinese medicine organs guide.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese Medicine, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Qigong, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency. nhlbi.nih.gov
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.