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o) Dreams
Chapter 80 of Simple Questions states that if the Kidneys are weak, one dreams of swimming after a shipwreck and
in the wintertime, one dreams of plunging into water and being scared.
Chapter 43 of the Spiritual axis states that if the Kidneys are in excess, one dreams that the spine is detached from the
body and if weak, one dreams of being immersed in water.
p) Loathe Dryness
Internal dryness or dry weather can injure Kidney Yin. Internal dryness can occur if there is profuse fluid loss from
sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Smoking or the use of tobacco dries the Blood and Essence and so can injure Kidney
Yin, according to Chinese medical thought.
Note on the Gate of Vitality (Ming Men)
Chinese Medicine asserts that the Ming Men
provides Heat for all bodily functions and for the
Kidney Essence. Before the Ming dynasty, the Ming
Men was considered to be the right Kidney and the
Ming Men ‐ Gate of Vitality
left Kidney was considered as the Kidney proper.
With the beginning of the Ming dynasty research on
the theory of the Gate of Vitality increased
tremendously. The Ming Men was placed between the
two Kidneys. A brief history appears in (2).
The Kidneys are regarded as the origin of Fire and
Water of the body, the Primary Yin and Yang. The
Ming Men is the embodiment of the Fire within the
Kidneys.
According to the 5-element theory, Fire is derived from the Heart and not from the Ming Men. The two theories
developed form different perspectives and clinical experience and both are reasonable. However, regarding the origin of
Fire to the Ming Men and hence the Kidneys has wider clinical applications.
The following summarizes the main functions of the Ming Men
(i) It is the Root of O riginal Qi
Original Qi requires Heat, which is supplied by Ming Men Fire, in order to act. One of its functions is to aid in the
production of Blood in both the Pre- and Post-Heaven Cycles - see (f). If the Ming Men Fire is deficient, then
Original Qi will become deficient, which will lead to a deficiency of Qi and Blood.
(ii) It is the Source of F ire for all the Internal O rgans
Decline of the Ming Men Fire will impair the activity of all organs. This produces lack of vitality, tiredness,
negativity, mental depression and cold feeling.
(iii) It Warms the Lower Burner and Bladder
The Ming Men Fire’s Heat is required to transform and excrete Fluids in the Lower Burner aided by its included
Organ, the Bladder. Otherwise, these Fluids will accumulate leading to dampness and edema.
(iv) Warms the Spleen and Stomach to Aid Digestion
Heat supplied by the Ming men fire is required by the Spleen and Stomach for transformation and transportation.
Otherwise, food cannot be digested properly leading to tiredness, feeling of cold and cold limbs, and diarrhea.
(v) Harmonizes the Sexual Function and Warms the Uterus and Essence
Puberty, menstruation, fertility and sexual performance all depend on Heat from the Ming Fen Fire. If the Ming
Men Fire weakens men’s Essence will turn cold causing impotence and infertility and women’s uterus will become
January, 2012 Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) 59