The Three Jewels of QiGong
Understanding the Alignment of the Three Treasures in QiGong | Kevin Dewayne Hughes, QiGong Sifu
The practice of QiGong centers on the cultivation of the Three Treasures known as Jing, Qi, and Shen. These fundamental energies are stored within the three Dan Tien points which serve as the primary reservoirs of the body. The lower Dan Tien is located in the pelvic bowl and relates to Jing or physical essence. The middle Dan Tien is found at the solar plexus and governs Qi or vital energy. The upper Dan Tien is situated at the brow and holds Shen or mental clarity. Proper alignment of these centers allows the practitioner to harmonize their biological functions with their internal energetic flow.
The three Dan Tien correspond closely to major nerve plexuses and energy centers known in other traditions as chakras. The lower Dan Tien aligns with the sacral and root charka focusing on foundational health and vitality. The middle Dan Tien correlates with the heart and solar plexus area governing emotional balance and the distribution of life force. The upper Dan Tien matches the third eye region acting as the seat of perception, but also associates with the throat and crown chakra. This alignment ensures that the physical, energetic, and cognitive aspects of the practitioner function as a single unified system.
Raising Shen is often misunderstood as a purely mystical or religious event involving the soul. In technical QiGong practice raising Shen refers specifically to the elevation of conscious awareness and cognitive focus. It is the process of moving from a state of distraction to a state of high level mental clarity and presence. While the term Shen is often translated as spirit for simplicity the Chinese language distinguishes between this mental state and the actual spirit or Ling. Therefore raising Shen is an exercise in mental discipline and refined perception rather than a change in spiritual essence.
Philosophy Corner:
The philosophy of the Three Treasures emphasizes the interconnectedness of the material and the immaterial. It suggests that a human being is a bridge between the solid earth and the heavens. By balancing Jing, Qi, and Shen the practitioner seeks a middle path of moderation and internal stability. This framework teaches that physical health is the foundation for energetic strength which in turn provides the clarity needed for wisdom.
Awesomeness Corner:
What makes this system remarkable is its practical application to daily life and high performance. By learning to shift focus between the three Dan Tien a person can choose the type of energy they need for a specific task. One can ground themselves in the lower Dan Tien for physical endurance or tap into the upper Dan Tien for creative problem solving. It provides a biological remote control for the human nervous system.
Psychology Corner:
From a psychological perspective the Three Treasures represent the stages of human development and integration. Jing represents the subconscious and biological drives, Qi represents the bridge of emotion and breath, and Shen represents the conscious ego and higher intellect. QiGong practice acts as a form of somatic therapy that helps individuals integrate these different parts of the self to reduce internal conflict and stress.
Warrior Ethos:
Significance to the Warrior is found in the development of unbreakable composure and explosive power. A combatant must be grounded in the lower Dan Tien to maintain balance and generate force from the legs. Simultaneously they must keep the Shen raised to perceive the movements of an opponent without emotional interference. This dual focus creates a state of relaxed readiness that is essential for survival and victory in any conflict. Martial QiGong!
Spiritual Ethos:
Spiritual significance from a Christian perspective involves the stewardship of the temple of GOD. As the Church is the body of Christ every believer is called to maintain their physical and mental well being to better serve YAHWEH. While QiGong is a technical discipline for health the clarity gained through raising Shen can help a person focus more deeply on His Word. By discipline of the mind and body the practitioner honors the life and breath given to them by GOD.
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Kevin Dewayne Hughes
Tenkidokan School of Energy Arts
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Ponder this: How would your daily productivity change if you could consciously raise your awareness and clarity at will?
Having practiced QiGong for several years, I've personally experienced the profound benefits of cultivating the Three Treasures—Jing, Qi, and Shen. What truly resonates with me is how these energies correspond to different Dan Tien points, each offering unique advantages that influence my physical, emotional, and mental state throughout the day. For instance, grounding myself in the lower Dan Tien (associated with Jing) before engaging in physical activity provides a solid base of vitality and endurance. This focus helps me feel rooted and balanced, greatly enhancing my stamina during workouts or long work hours. When I need emotional equilibrium, especially in stressful situations, I consciously shift my awareness to the middle Dan Tien where Qi resides. This encourages calm, breath control, and a more centered approach to challenges. Over time, this practice has improved my emotional resilience and reduced anxiety. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is raising Shen through the upper Dan Tien—the 'third eye' region. By training myself to elevate mental clarity and conscious awareness, I find that my focus sharpens significantly. This heightened presence not only boosts creativity but also helps me maintain composure amidst distractions, which is invaluable in both professional and personal settings. I’ve also noticed how this triadic approach serves as a natural "biological remote control" for my nervous system. Intentionally cycling through the Three Treasures depending on the demands of a task has improved my productivity and overall sense of well-being. From a spiritual perspective, balancing Jing, Qi, and Shen has deepened my mindfulness practice and fostered a greater connection to the present moment, resonating with the idea of stewardship of the body as a temple of life energy. This alignment underscores the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit—an understanding that enriches not only physical health but also spiritual growth. For anyone interested, regular QiGong sessions focusing on these principles can act as holistic somatic therapy, promoting integration of subconscious drives, emotions, and conscious intellect. It’s a powerful tool for reducing internal conflict and cultivating inner peace. Overall, embracing the Three Treasures in daily life offers practical, accessible ways to enhance energy, emotional balance, and mental clarity. I recommend beginners start by simply becoming aware of these Dan Tien centers in quiet meditation or gentle movement. Over time, this awareness can transform your approach to health, performance, and mindful living.
