MINGMEN

NAME

MINGMEN

LOCATION

Inferior to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Between the spinous processes of the second and third lumbar vertebrae.
On the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
Note: The point is located one intervertebral space below the lines connecting the highest points of the two iliac crests, level with the lower border of L-3.

NEEDLING

Straight insertion, pointed slightly toward the spine, 1 to 1.5 cun. Sensation: local distention. If the needle is inserted too deeply, there is an electric, numb sensation extending into the lower limb.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 1 cun.
Moxibustion is applicable.
Caution: the spinal cord lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.

COMMAND FUNCTIONS

ACTIONS

Tonifies the Kidneys
Tonifies Kidney Yang
Tonifies Yuan Qi
Regulates the water pathways
Dries Dampness and Cold-Damp
Warms the Yang
Warms Cold
Warms the Ming Men
Tonifies the lower back
Benefits the lumbar vertebrae
Tonifies bones
Strengthens Jing
Stabilizes Kidney Qi
Calms the fetus
Calms the Shen
Benefits and clears the Brain
Restores collapsed Yang
Clears Heat
Regulates the DU channel

INDICATIONS

Bone disorders
Chronic nephritis
Sequelae of infantile paralysis
Neurasthenia due to Kidney Yang Deficiency
Lower back stiffness and pain
Irregular menstruation
Amenorrhea
Leukorrhea
Abnormal uterine bleeding due to Kidney Yang Deficiency
Seizures
Mania
Childhood convulsions
Meningitis
Fear and fright
Insomnia
Cold extremities
Chilliness
Tiredness
Lack of vitality
A pale tongue
A deep and weak pulse
Chronic lower back ache
Abdominal pain
Infertility
Endometritis
Spinal myelitis
Headache
Tidal fevers
Prolapsed anus
Lumbago
Dysentery
Four limbs icy and flaccid
Infantile epilepsy with mouth open, head moving incessantly and body arched
Headache and tinnitus
Yin or Yang malaria with cough, body burning like Fire with a very high temperature but no sweat
Gonorrhea
General Kidney diseases
Intestinal hemorrhage
Heat in the body like Fire
Epilepsy
Heat of the five Zang
Shaking of the head with open mouth
Splitting headache
Shan (hernia) disorder
Cold Bi of the hands and feet
Unstable temperature
Kidney pain radiating to the abdomen
Hemorrhoids
Urinary incontinence
Dysuria
Hemafecia due to Cold
Diarrhea
Atrophy syndrome due to Jing Deficiency
Restless fetus disorder due to Kidney Deficiency
All sexual dysfunctions
Impotence
Sterility
Anemia
Disorientation due to Deficiency
Forgetfulness
Somnolence
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Abundant clear urine
Depression
Weak knees and legs
Premature ejaculation
Nocturnal emissions
Enuresis
Dysmenorrhea
Spermatorrhea
Peritonitis
Sciatica
Pain of Intestinal colic
Bloody vaginal discharge
Indigestion
Ejaculation in coitus does not stop in elderly persons
Rectal prolapse
Intestinal pain
Headache like a hatchet
High fever
Heat in the bones
Osseous tuberculosis
Urethritis in women
Diseases of the genital organ system
Cerebral congestion
Heat at the top of the body
Steaming bones
Malaria with alternating chills and fever
Opisthotonis
White turbidity
Spinal rigidity with inability to flex and extend the back

COMBINATIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Be careful with moxa. Make sure there is no Heat anywhere. According to a number of classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion in those who are under twenty years of age.

NOTES

This is the most powerful point to strengthen Kidney Yang, especially with moxa. It is considered to be a rejuvenation point. This point is indicated for Heat disorders, whether Interior or Exterior or Excess or Deficient. It affects the testes, adrenals and ovaries.