Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: The Human Body (1609) - Page 19

The spirit's name is Dark Obscurity original: "玄冥" (Xuánmíng). This name refers to the Kidney's association with the North, the element of Water, and the deep, hidden nature of winter.; his courtesy name is Nurturing the Infant original: "育嬰" (Yùyīng), symbolizing the Kidney's role as the source of life and reproductive potential..

The Kidney is shaped like a Black Deer original: "玄鹿" (Xuánlù). In Daoist meditative practice, internal organs are often visualized as animals to represent their energetic qualities. The deer represents longevity and agility. with two heads; it governs storage.

The Will original: "志" (zhì). In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney is the residence of the Will, representing one's drive and determination. is shaped like two round stones. Their color is like white silk reflecting purple. They are situated opposite the navel, pressing against the back.

The spirit resides in the lower back and spine; the left is the True Kidney, which corresponds to the five viscera. The right is the Gate of Life original: "命門" (Mìngmén). A vital center of energy located between the kidneys, considered the root of the body's warmth and primordial energy.. Men use it to store Essence original: "精" (jīng). The fundamental life force and reproductive substance.; women use it to connect to the Uterus original: "胞" (bāo). Specifically the womb or the "chamber of the child.".

The Kidney Channel original: "脈" (mài). Referring here to the acupuncture meridian or the flow of energy. emerges from the Gushing Spring original: "湧泉" (Yǒngquán). This is the first point on the Kidney acupuncture meridian, located on the sole of the foot.. The Gushing Spring is on the foot,

At the center.

Technical Terms:

Kidney: One of the five major organ systems, associated with water, the bones, and primal energy.
Black Deer: A symbolic zoomorphic representation of the kidney used in meditative visualization.
Gate of Life: The functional center of vitality, often identified with the right kidney or the space between the kidneys.
Gushing Spring: An important acupuncture point (Kidney-1) used to ground energy.
Dark Obscurity: A name for the kidney spirit reflecting the mystery of the deep water element.
Nurturing the Infant: A name for the kidney spirit signifying its role in growth and fertility.
Storing Essence: The primary function of the kidney in preserving the body's most basic vital substances.
Connecting to the Uterus: The kidney's role in female reproductive health and the nourishment of the fetus.