Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Volume 2 (The Body)

Page Eleven

The Thirty-sixth Difficulty This refers to the 36th question in the Nan Jing (The Classic of Difficulties), a foundational Chinese medical text that explains complex concepts from the earlier Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon. states: The internal organs original: "藏" (zàng). Specifically the "solid" or yin organs—the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney—which are traditionally thought to exist as single units. each consist of only one; why then do the Kidneys alone come in a pair?

The answer is: Although there are two kidneys, they are not both "kidneys" in the same sense. The one on the left is the Kidney, while the one on the right is the Gate of Life original: "命門" (Mìngmén). A vital center of energy in the body, often considered the source of metabolic fire and the root of the "Three Burners.".

The Gate of Life is the dwelling place of all spirits and essences, and it is where the Primordial Qi original: "原氣" (Yuánqì). The fundamental life force inherited from one's parents at birth, which acts as the catalyst for all bodily functions. is anchored.

Therefore, in men, it is used to store Essence original: "精" (jīng). The refined substance responsible for growth, development, and reproduction.; in women, it is used to connect to the Uterus original: "胞" (bāo). Referring to the womb or the reproductive vessels.. Thus, we know that there is technically only one [functional] Kidney.