Mingmen-GV4 : Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Method, Precaution

Nomenclature:

Ming : life                 Men : door
The kidney is the vital source, Mingmen is between shensu , like a door for the Qi of the kidney.

English name/meaning :
Chinese name: 命门
Chinese pinyin : Mingmen
Korean name: Myongmun
Japanese name: Meimon
Vietnamese name: Menhmon
French: Ming-menn

Location:

On the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra

Functions:

• Nourishes yuan qi and strengthens kidney (chronic kidney disease, chronic weakness, Kidney yang deficiency).
• Strengthens lower back (stifness and pain inlower back and knees due to kidney yang deficiency).
• Benefits essence (sexual imbalances, premature ejaculation, impotence; builds up marrow).

Indication:

• Mingmen is the main point to treat diseases of the genital system: impotence, nocturnal emission, morbid leucorrhea, irregular menstruation, usually good for deficiency syndrome.
• Good point for fatigue.
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Main point for Ache of the back and spinal column.

Method:

Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely a bit upwards 0.5 – 1 cun.

Remarks:

Main point for strengthening Kidney Yang.

Precautions:

Deep insertion should be avoided. The spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.
According to a number of classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion in those who are under 20 years of age.