Vital Substances: Essence

Vital Substances: Essence

  • “Vital Substances” are different manifestations of Qi

  • Essence is one of Vital Substances

  • Essence is the most precious substance in our body

  • Essence is fluid-like Yin substance that transforms slowly over a long time

 Pre-Heaven Essence 

  • Given from our parents, it determines our constitution and vitality

  • Yang aspect of Pre-Heaven Essence is called the Fire of the Gate of Life or Minister Fire; it accumulates at the acupuncture point Du-4

  • Yin aspect of Pre-Heaven Essence accumulates at the acupuncture point RN-4

  • Yang Fire of the Gate of Life which provides the motive force and warmth for Yin Essence

  • Yin Essence which provides the substance for transformation of Qi

  • Kidney is known as the “Root of the Pre-Heaven Essence.”

  • The Fire of Gate of Life is also known as the “Root of the Pre-Heaven Qi” and the “foundation for the Original Qi” 

Post-Heaven Essence

  • Spleen and Stomach are responsible for extracting nutrition from food and drinks, and forming essence called Post-Heaven Essence

  • Spleen and Stomach are known as the “Root of the Post-Heaven Essence” 

Kidney Essence

  • Kidney Essence is the combination of Pre-Heaven Essence and Post-Heaven Essence

  • Kidney Essence is the organic substances that are in charge of growth and development

  • In childhood: controls growth of bones, teeth, hair, brain, and sexual maturation

  • After puberty: controls the reproductive function and fertility

  • As Kidney Essence declines: aging, loss of teeth and hair, menopause, infertility, and impairment of cognitive functions 

3 Treasures

  • 3 Treasures refer to Essence, Qi, and Mind 

  • Kidney (Essence), Spleen/Stomach (Qi), Heart (Mind)

  • Essence is a material foundation for Qi and Mind

  • Qi is a material foundation for Mind

  • Essence and Qi are important for healthy mental state

  • Essence also produces Marrow, which fills and nourishes the spinal cord and brain

Next, we are going to learn about the second Vital Substance, Qi. If you have any feedback or questions about the material covered, please don’t hesitate to contact at junhwa@tcmexplained.com. Until next time. 

* The content is provided only for education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

1. Cheng, Xinnong, ed. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 3rd ed. Fifteenth Printing 2014. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2012.

2. Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.

3. Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2015.