Life Gate
Mingmen · 命門 · มิ่งเหมิน
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Location
On the dorsal midline between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, level with BL-23.
Landmark: L2-L3 interspinous space.
Actions and Indications
Tonifies kidney yang — the warming point for the geriatric patient.
Needling
Perpendicular 0.5-2 cm; especially suited to moxa.
Cautions
Do not reach the vertebral canal.
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Conditions That Use This Point
Often Used Together With
Leg Three Li 足三里
The strongest qi and blood tonic; regulates stomach and intestines and supports immunity.
Kidney Shu 腎俞
Tonifies the kidney and strengthens the bones and lower back — the principal point of the geriatric patient.
Bai Hui (lumbosacral) 百會
The principal point for the lower back and hindlimbs; raises yang and relieves pain — the most used point in veterinary acupuncture.
Supreme Stream 太溪
Tonifies both kidney yin and yang — the principal geriatric point.
Recover Flow 復溜
Moves water, regulates sweating, tonifies the kidney.
Jumping Round 環跳
Frees the hip and hindlimb and relieves sciatic pain.