The Gate of Life

Throughout life, mingmen serves to strengthen energetic immunity and provides the body with warmth from what is traditionally known as the “life gate fire” of mingmen. This form of fire moves throughout the body within three burning spaces known as the “Triple Warmers”. The upper warmer is located within the chest cavity, the middle warmer on the abdomen below the diaphragm and above the belly button, and the lower warmer within the abdominal cavity below the belly button.

This special form of fire maintains warmth and flow of qi (vital energy) within the vital organs located within these three burning spaces culminating in plentiful energy, sufficient warmth, ample blood circulation, peak metabolism, and excellent respiratory function. In addition, proper amounts of this fire provide the heat required to transform food within the body, thereby supporting digestive function. It produces a restful and peaceful sleep and a pleasant and happy disposition. Fire of the Gate of Vitality, furthermore, promotes the maturing of sexual energy throughout puberty and results in healthy sexuality and fertility.

A main goal of Chinese medicine is to strengthen mingmen through its various energetic modalities. Chinese dietary recommendations include avoidance of ice in drinks, limiting consumption of cold foods, chewing food properly, and being vigilant about taking time and being present while eating meals. A Chinese medicine practitioner typically recommends lifestyle habits that include avoiding too much stress, keeping the lower back covered to protect the vital energy of the kidneys, and adhering to a balanced work-life strategy.

Receiving acupuncture treatments is another way to strengthen the mingmen gate of life especially when the acupoint governing vessel 4 is treated as it is located close to the mingmen region and has the same Chinese name. Additionally, an acupuncturist typically chooses other points in combination for strengthening qi and blood in addition to those along the kidney, spleen, and stomach meridians in addition to the conception vessel. They may also choose to apply a heat treatment known as moxibustion over the mingmen area. Engaging in the practice of Taiji and Qigong are also effective movements and mindfulness techniques for strengthening energies flowing throughout this special area. These ancient exercise regimes are excellent for building mingmen vitality along with that of the entire body, mind, and spirit.

These ancient Chinese methods for health and healing work to build the life gate fire of mingmen through strengthening flow of qi and blood and balancing the energies of yin (coldness) and yang (heat) within the body. They provide ways for a person to maximize their own healing capability and protect the vital resources of energy within their body. Strengthening mingmen and kidney energies, in turn, builds upon a person’s will power to stick with a health plan that includes making the right choices around food, drink, and lifestyle habits. It instills in a person the desire to nurture their energies, protect their bodies, nourish their spirit, and balance their emotional body through having the wherewithal to give themselves the support they need to flourish each and every day of their life – to become the most authentic and best version of themselves.