Location

below the lateral aspect of the ribcage, in front of and below the free end of the 12th rib.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 inch

caution; deep insertion, especially in thin patients may puncture the peritoneal cavity.

moxa is OK

Actions

Tonifies the Kidneys and regulates water passage
Fortifies the Spleen and regulates the intestines
Strengthens the lumbar spine

Signs and Symptoms

abdominal distention, borborygmus (stomach gurgling), diarrhea, pain in the lumbar, pain in the hypochondriac region.

Commentary

Jingmen is the front Mu point of the Kidneys. A Mu point is where the Qi of a particular organ gathers and collects on the front of the body.

The main action of Jingmen is to harmonize the Kidneys and the Spleen. The Kidneys and the Spleen have an interesting relationship. It is said that the Kidneys house essence. Essence comes from Yuan or source Qi. This is the Qi that comes from one's parents. It is also known as Pre-Heavenly Qi and represents one's complete store of Qi for life and is the source for all the Qi of the body. The Spleen is the source of Jing or nutrient Qi which comes from food, water and breath. It is the Spleens function to transform food (literally grain), water and breath into Jing Qi and transport it to all the other organs. In this way, Yuan Qi (Kidneys) is 'topped up' on an ongoing basis. If the Spleen becomes deficient, or one's diet is deficient in needed nutrients, the Kidneys quickly become depleted affecting the rest of the body.

Jingmen is indicated for such signs of Spleen deficiency as borborygmus, watery diarrhea, and abdominal distention.

Jingmen is indicated for such signs of Kidney deficiency as difficult urination, swelling of the face, and obstructed water passages.

As the front Mu point of the Kidneys, Jingmen is indicated for such disorders of the Lumbar as weakness of the lower spine, inability to stand for very long, lumbar pain, as well as pain in the hip.