Concept

Essence

精jing
2 sources

In Chinese medicine, the fundamental substance of life. The Neijing states that essence forms when two influences unite into bodily form and arises before the body itself (是謂精). It comprises innate essence inherited from the parents and acquired essence derived from food and drink, and is stored chiefly by the kidney as the basis of growth, reproduction, and the generation of qi, blood and spirit.

Source

Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor)《灵枢·决气》（内经选读下篇·藏象·气血营卫·原文2205）

References
  • 《内经》论精散见多篇综合理解（决气/本神/上古天真论等）
  • WHO IST-TCM 2022 术语对齐（WGM2# 223 Essence）
Full definition

Classical source text (Chinese) — English summary above.

兩神相搏，合而成形，常先身生，是謂精

Citations
  • Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) · 托名黄帝/岐伯（先秦—西汉医家辑） · 《灵枢·决气》（内经选读下篇·藏象·气血营卫·原文2205）Cited from Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) for its definition.
  • WHO international standard terminologies on traditional Chinese medicine · World Health Organization · WHO IST-TCM 2022, WGM2# 223 (§1.4 精气血津液类)Cited from WHO international standard terminologies on traditional Chinese medicine for its standardized terminology.