Mìngmén (Gate of Life)《Acupuncture Jia Yi Jing》
Mìngmén - Surface Map (Click to enlarge)
【Location】Located in the waist area, on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
【Anatomy】Located in the lumbar back fascia, supraspinous ligament, and interspinous ligament; it contains the posterior branch of the lumbar artery and the venous plexus between the spinous processes; it is supplied by the medial branch of the posterior branch of the lumbar nerve.
【Indications】Deficiency and debility of the waist, excessive backward bending of the spine, nocturnal enuresis, frequent urination, diarrhea, nocturnal emission, turbid urine, impotence, premature ejaculation, abnormal vaginal discharge, coldness in the hands and feet.
【Technique】Needle insertion can be straight or obliquely upward for a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch.
【Combination】Combined with Shènshū (BL23) and Tàixī (KI3) to treat nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, sore and weak waist and spine, weak knees and feet, enuresis, urinary retention, edema, dizziness, tinnitus, and other symptoms of kidney yang deficiency; combined with Bǎihuì (GV20), Jīnsuō (BL25), and Yāngguān (BL39) to treat tetanus with convulsions; moxibustion on Mìngmén and Géyán (BL34) to treat windstroke sequelae; combined with Guānyuán (CV4), Shènshū (BL23), and Shénquè (CV8) (moxibustion) to treat nocturnal emission at the fifth watch; tonify Mìngmén, Shènshū (BL23), and Sānyīnjiāo (SP6) to treat kidney deficiency and waist pain; purge Mìngmén, Ashi point, Wěizhōng (BL40), and Yāojiājǐ (EX-B2) to treat lumbar sprain and ankylosing spondylitis; combined with the seventeenth thoracic vertebra and Sānyīnjiāo (SP6) to treat dysmenorrhea (cold and damp obstruction type) (moxibustion); combined with Dàchángshū (BL25), Pángguāngshū (BL28), and Ashi point (moxibustion) to treat cold and damp obstruction causing waist pain.
