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San Bao – The
Three Treasures
The treasures are a
fundamental principle of Chinese health and wellbeing. They are jing (essence), qi (energy) and shen
(spirit). The three treasures are
a microcosm of the cosmological principle of heaven, earth and human.
It is said that a realized person unites heaven and earth in their
being. This is done through cultivating the three treasures.
Jing or vital essence is the foundation of life. When it
is exhausted in us we die. Jing is very closely tied to hormonal
secretions in the body and can also be equated with sexual vitality. To
lead a long and happy life one must guard their essence from depletion
and support it through nutrition and qigong. There is also a strong
connection to the genetic code of life and each of our personal
manifestations of this code. The Chinese mysteries refer to this as the
Seal of Heaven.
Qi is perhaps the most well known and understood of
the three treasures in the west. It is the animating principle of all
existence. It is the source of true power. Qi enlivens us and supplies
our muscles, tissues and organs with motivation as well as
organization. The smooth flow of qi in the body is health. When qi flows our movements our subtle and integrated and
our cells grow in harmony with the body. When qi is stagnant we lack
motivation and our body becomes dis-integrated
and eventually malignancies occur. The smooth flow of qi is maintained
through movement and meditation. Practices such as qigong (literally
energy skill), tai chi and Yiquan are effective and profound ways to
smooth the flow of qi in our bodies. When qi is chronically stagnant
bodywork, acupuncture or herbs may be required to restore the flow.
Qi may also be found to be
in excess or deficiency in our bodies. It is the role of an Asian
healing arts practitioner to rectify these imbalances through bodywork,
acupuncture and/or herbs.
Shen is the most elusive and subtle aspect of the three
treasures but profoundly important to optimal health. When our spirit
is calm, at peace, the qi flows and our essence is maintained and
understood. Shen is cultivated through the
practice of meditation and other virtuous activities such as delineated
in the worlds great spiritual traditions.
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