Diagram of the Kidneys

original: "腎圖" (Shentu). In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are considered the "Root of Life," storing the body's essential essence or "Jing."

The kidneys consist of two organs, weighing approximately one jin and one or two liang original: "一斤一二兩"; these are traditional Chinese units of weight. Historically, one jin was roughly 600 grams, subdivided into 16 liang.. Their shape is like stone eggs, and they are attached to the spine at the fourteenth vertebra Counting from the top of the spine downward, the fourteenth vertebra corresponds to the second lumbar vertebra (L2) in modern anatomy., each positioned one and a half cun original: "寸"; an anatomical "inch" used in acupuncture to measure distances on the body based on the patient's own proportions. away from the midline.

In the Suwen (Basic Questions) One of the two parts of the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), the foundational text of Chinese medicine., the "Treatise on the Secret Canon of the Orchid Chamber" original: "靈蘭秘典論" (Linglan Midian Lun); a chapter describing the twelve organs as "officials" in a government. states: "The kidneys are the officials of 'producing strength' original: "作強之官" (Zuoqiang zhi guan); this refers to the kidneys' role in providing physical stamina, structural integrity of the bones, and reproductive vitality., and from them, skill and ingenuity original: "伎巧" (Jiqiao); this encompasses both physical dexterity and the mental capacity for creative thinking. originate."

Foot Lesser Yin Meridian
original: "足少陰經" (Zu Shaoyin Jing). This is the formal name of the Kidney Meridian, which runs from the sole of the foot up the inner leg to the torso.

Kidney Kidney
These labels identify the two kidney organs depicted in the accompanying anatomical woodblock diagram.

The kidneys store the Essence (Jing) and govern the water of the body.