Jing, translated as Essence, a very precious substance, should be guarded and not wasted.  There is prenatal, postnatal and kidney jing essence.  The kidney organs store jing, which determines one's vitality, resistance to disease, and longevity.  Jing is also concentrated in the brain, ova, semen, and bone marrow.  One is born with "congenital" jing or prenatal jing, which influences inspanidual constitution and development; the amount of prenatal jing one receives corresponds to the health and consitution of the parents. This jing is irreplaceable and meant to serve one throughout life; once used up, life ceases.    

Pre-natal essence is derived from the conception of blending of sexual energies of man and woman to form what the ancient Chinese called "Pre-Heaven Essence" of the newly conceived human being.  This Essence nourishes the embryo and fetus during pregnancy and is also dependent on nourshment derived from the mother's kidneys.  The Pre-Heaven Essence is the only kind of essence present in the fetus.

The Pre-Heaven Essence is what determines each person's basic constitutional make-up, strength and vitality.  It is what makes each inspanidual unique.  Since it is inherited from the parents at conception, the Pre-Heaven Essence can be influenced only with difficulty in the course of adult life.  Some say this Essence is "fixed" in quantity and quality.  However, it can be positively affected, even if not quantitatively increased.

The best way to affect positively one's Pre-Heaven Essence is by striving for balance in one's life activities: balance between work and rest, restraint in sexual activity and balanced diet.  Any irregularity or excess in these spheres is bound to diminish the Pre-Heaven Essence.  A direct way to positively influence one's Essence is through breathing exercises and such exercises as Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong.

Post-Heaven or post natal essence is refined and extracted from food and fluids by the digestion after birth.  The "Golden Mirror of Medical Collection" says "The Pre-Heaven Essence originates from the parents, the Post-Heaven Essence originates from the food."  The organs of the stomach and spleen in Chinese medicine are responsible for the digestion of food and the transformation and transportation of food essences ultimately leading to the production of Qi (life force energy), the Post-Heaven Essence is closely related to Stomach and Spleen.  The best way to affect positively one's Post-Heaven Essence is through diet.

The Kidney Jing Essence is a more specific kind of vital substance which is the third type of Essence.  It derives from both Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Essence.  The Essence is stored in the Kidneys, but having a fluid nature, it also circulates all over the body, particularly the 8 Extraordinary Vessels (Meridians).  Kidney Essence determines growth, reproduction, development, sexual maturation, conception and pregnancy.  Essence is replenished only with difficulty, whereas Qi can easily be replenished on a day to day basis.  When there is a Kidney Essence deficiency, manifestations in children are poor bone development, late closure of the fontanelle, mental dullness or retardation.  In adults there is a softening of bones, weakness of knees and legs, poor memory, loose teeth, falling hair or premature greying of hair, weakness of sexual activity, soreness of the back. Factors that Deplete Jing: 1. Stress, fear, insecurity, and overwork. 2. a.)  Too much semen loss in men greatly reduces jing, particularly when it occurs in old age.     b.)  Women bearing "too many" children, especially without rebuilding soon after each birth.  "Too many" means more than their particular consitution can healthfully support. 3.  Toxins in food and water; intoxicants such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, coffee, and tabacco; heavey metals such as mercury and lead; and aluminum (usually from cookware). 4.  Excessive sweet-flavored food. 5.  Too much dietary protein. Building jing with diet requires foods that promote the growth and development of the body and mind; such foods should also provide renewal, longevity, reproductive capacity, and protection ifrom premature aging.  The following foods have these qualities to varying degrees. 1.  Micro-algae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue-green), fish, liver, kidney, brain, bone and its marrow, human placenta, and cereal grass.  These foods are rich in nucleic acids that protect the body from degeneration.  Vitamin A is also found in these animal and vegetable foods which strengthen sexual development and reproduction, as well as protecting against congenital birth defects, all properties in the domain of jing activity.  Most of these foods contain ample omega-3 fatty acids which are found in concentraion in the body wherever jing is stored - sperm, brain, liver, kidneys, bone marrow and placenta.  Omega-3s development and maintain the nervous system, clean the arteries and provide cellular integrity.  Microalgae are also the best source of B12 of any foods.  Chlorella Growth Factor in chlorella also promotes vitality described by the concept of jing.  Remember that when using kidney, liver an dother animal parts, it is important that they be from animals raised "organically."  Chinese medicine ascribes the health of the hair to both blood quality and vital jing-rich kidneys.
2.  Solomon's seal, almonds, milk, clarified butter (ghee) are foods which build bones and act as nutritive tonics.
3.  Nettles is a kidney tonic in the West.  Nettle leaves thickens the head hair and enrich the blood.
4.  Royal jelly and bee pollen are thought to contain the most complete range of nutrients of any foods.  Royal jelly is more concentrated in nutrients than bee pollen.  Royal jelly promotes phenomenal physical growth, reproductive ability and longevity in the queen bee.  In humans it also strongly stimulates sexuality, and may help to extend human life as well.
5. Foods that tonify and direct energy to the kidneys in general based on Five Element prescription is beans and especially dark foods with the salty flavor, such as black beans cooked with a little seaweed and a pinch of unrefined sea salt.  Chinese herbology recommends especially beneficial for the kidneys: millet, wheat, black sesame seeds, black soybeans, chestnuts, mulberries, raspberries, strawberries and walnuts.  Black or dark colors in clothing or food nourish the kidney and conserve jing.
Kidneys are one of the main Yin organs in Chinese medicine that are to be protected.  In year of the Black Water Dragon, pay extra special attention to the Kidneys.  By incorporating these foods into your diet for the rest of your life and engaging in Tai Ji and Qi Gong, you will not only help to cultivate your Kidney Essence, but prolong your Essence leading to a healthy and long life full of vitality!
Live and Be Well, Jayne F. Dabu, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.!