Tai Chi Glossary > Jing-Qi-Shen (精气神)

Jing-Qi-Shen (精气神)

Definition: Jing-Qi-Shen (精气神), known as the Three Treasures (San Bao, 三宝), are the three essential foundations of life in Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They represent a hierarchy of refinement: Jing (精, Essence — the physical substrate), Qi (气, Energy — the vital force), and Shen (神, Spirit — consciousness).

In Tai Chi and Qigong practice, these three are cultivated in sequence: solidify Jing (healthy lifestyle, proper rest), refine Jing into Qi (breathing practices, movement), and refine Qi into Shen (meditation, stillness). The ultimate goal — returning Jing to replenish the brain (还精补脑) — describes the Taoist internal alchemy process embodied in advanced practice.