Treasure Rating

The Taoist sages who developed Chinese tonic herbalism said that a human being is composed of three “Treasures.” The “Three Treasures” are called Jing, Qi and Shen.

Jing

The wax and wick of a candle – is the first Treasure and is translated as “Essence.” Jing is the primal energy of life and is closely associated with our genetic potential and is associated with the aging process.

Qi

The flame – is the second Treasure, and in the Three Treasures system includes both Energy and blood. This is the aspect of our life that involves action and thought.

Shen

The light being given off by a candle – is the third Treasure. Shen is our Spirit. This is ultimately the most important of the Three Treasures because it is the basis of our higher nature as human beings.

Each of the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen) have a Yin and a Yang aspect. Our candle diagram provides that refinement.

This rating provides the overall amount of Jing, both Yin and Yang, provided by this particular product. A 5-rating means that it is a supreme Jing power herb. Humans are born with a certain amount of Total Jing, manifesting genetically. As one ages, their Total Jing diminishes, and when Total Jing runs below a certain level, we die. The great secret of Asian health wisdom is that Total Jing can be conserved by moderate living and replenished by consuming certain superfoods and tonic herbs. This is why Total Jing is directly associated with healthy aging and longevity.

Yin Jing – This rating indicates the amount of high quality Yin Jing that can be provided by this product. Yin Jing is the substantial, concentrated Yin essence, which typically has a nourishing, moistening, cooling, blood building, marrow nourishing, calming quality. Yin Jing is stored throughout the body, especially in the Yin organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, and most especially the Kidneys. Yin Jing is reserve energy for the whole body and is the basis of health preservation and longevity.

Yang Jing – This is primordial Qi, the deepest inner power source of the body. Yang Jing activates Yin Jing – and burns it as fuel - to provide power, strength, will, creativity, sexual motivation and power, and outward movement. It is a warm or hot energy. Yang Jing is the motive force that is the basis of a successful life. It is also associated with the 5 solid organs, but most especially with the Kidneys, which can control Yang Jing and conserve it for use as required.

Qi is energy. Pure Qi is associated with vitality at every level of our life. However, there are a number of aspects of Qi that are worth recognizing, so the Candle reflects those aspects of Qi where applicable. Total Qi is the sum of all the types of Qi provided or supported by an herbal product, superfood or dietary ingredient of that product.

Vitality – This is a rating for the Qi (energy) provided by the product that enters the meridian network and their associated organs. This “meridian network” circulates throughout the body and may be manipulated through diet, exercise, meditation. This type of Qi is produced on a daily basis by the Lungs and Spleen,so we must eat well and breathe deeply to produce this type of Qi. If we produce extra Qi, it may be concentrated and saved as Jing for future use. Most Qi tonic herbs provide the vitality described here.

Protection – Qi tonic herbs and superfoods also have a profound protective role in all living creatures. This type of Qi nourishes and supports our immune system in every way. Thus, they build resistance and the capacity to respond to attack. Protective Qi tonic herbs also enhance the ability of the skin to respond appropriately to changing environmental factors. This is called Wei Qi.

Adaptability – This is the most underrated aspect of glowing health. Adaptability is the measure of your life – and of all life on Earth. It is the capacity to adjust to changing atmospheric, emotional and social conditions determines survivability. Those who have high levels of adaptability are always more successful than those who have poor adaptability. Tonic herbs, especially Qi tonic herbs, are often called adaptogens. They boost adaptability, encourage simultaneous strength, calm, and flexibility. For us humans, they help us handle stress efficiently and successfully without burning out. Adaptogens are the key to a happy, successful life.

Regulating – There are several ways in which herbs can help regulate our energy levels so that they remain balanced and appropriate. First, there are the adaptogens: the Qi tonics that promote adaptability under small and large stress conditions. This capacity to adapt accurately and quickly helps maintain homeostasis in thousands of organic functions that are always occurring . That is how the body and mind can remain comfortable under a multitude of circumstances, so Qi tonics that are specifically adaptogens, are profoundly important to our survival and to our life experience. There are some special herbs that are specifically known for their capacity to regulate the amount of energy flowing through our organs. These are among the greatest herbs in the world. When added to a formula, they help establish energetic balance that does not fluctuate too the extremes. Some formulations are specifically designed to regulate functions by diminishing “spikes” in our energy flow and thus smoothing out our life experiences. These can be life changers. Any formula that is either an adaptogen and/or that contains these regulating herbs receives a rating in this category.

Blood Building – Traditionally, our blood is considered to be a form of Qi. The types of Qi described above is considered a Yang type of Qi, and blood is considered to be a Yin type of Qi. Obviously, the quality, quantity, vitality and general health of our blood is critical to our health. Yet most westerners do not think about the quality of their blood. Many people actually produce too little blood, and they are considered to be blood deficient by Asian standards. Blood tonic herbs build healthy, rich blood. Both men and women can benefit from blood tonics, but women are frequently in need of blood tonics because of their hormonal and menstrual functions. If an herb builds red blood cells, it is known as a Blood tonic. If an herb builds white blood cells, it is a Qi Tonic in the protective category.

Blood Vitalizing – Our blood circulation is critical because of the thousands of essential molecules it distributes throughout the body, it dispenses oxygen to all the cells of the body, and it removes toxins created in the course of living. The typical human body has approximately 50,000 miles of capillaries. We can influence our circulation through exercise, diet, herbs, and stress management. Sometimes, due to diet, stress or other factors, our blood becomes thickened and sticky, so blood flow becomes diminished. Nature provides many herbs and food that help maintain healthy, free-flowing blood. Herbs that expressly motivate our circulation are known as Blood Vitalizing. These can be consumed in moderation throughout one’s lifetime to maintain and improve blood flow. Many modern drugs are also blood vitalizing, and if you are using one or more of these, you should consult your physician before consuming blood vitalizing herbs.

Shen is your state of mind and your state of higher consciousness. True Shen is the divinity that resides within you. Shen can easily be repressed, and as a result, other lower emotions like fear, anger, anxiety, jealousy, frustration, and worry can become dominant. Shen, though, is the ruler of the emotions and when Shen is open, we discover great wisdom, happiness, satisfaction, compassion, and love. The Total Shen category includes both the Yin and Yang aspects of Shen.

Shen Stabilizing – These herbs have a calming effect. They are more yin. They are actually not stabilizing Shen – they are stabilizing the renegade emotions that cause Shen to recede. Shen stabilizing herbs are very popular because of their immediate calming effects. When combined with adaptogens and blood tonics, they can rebalance one’s emotional state leading to a much happier state of mind.

Shen Opening – A small number of herbs have the profound capacity to open up our Shen, to help it inflate to its glory. These are not “psychoactive drugs,” but they do have a time proven capacity to raise consciousness, broaden one’s perspective, release (evaporate) decadent or aberrant emotions. Many gurus and masters consider these to be the ultimate herbs in the world. A high rating in this category is a very good thing, because in the end, our happiness, our true wisdom, our conscious capacity and our unconditional love are the ultimate successes of one’s life.