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Jing, qi, shen

Essence, energy and spirit: the three treasures of the body in Daoist inner alchemy.

Also: three treasures of the body

Daoism and Chinese thought

Inner alchemy describes three vital substances: jing, the essence, associated with reproduction and constitution; qi, the breath and energy; and shen, spirit or mind. Practice refines essence into energy, energy into spirit, and spirit into emptiness.