Ming Men is an energy center located in the lower body centered between the kidneys. It is so important to health that it has been called the Vitality Center, the Gate of Destiny, and the Gate of Life. Martial artists also call this point the "Gate of Power" because it is a key marker for movement and is essential for the development and application of inner power. Ming Men is associated with three acupuncture points: Governor Vein 4 (Gv4), Pregnancy Vein 4 (Cv4), and Pregnancy Vein 5 (Cv5).
Ming Men is not a place, but rather a region of the body. Think of it as a collective field that contains the organs that act as filters, the blood vessels that act as highways for fresh fuel and waste, the surrounding tissue that warms and tones the organs when pushed, and the inner spine that stabilizes them. When this area is working well, it functions like a happy city on a sunny day with traffic flowing in all directions. When it is not working well, it is the same city of traffic jams and toxic congestion. If your blood is dirty, dried out, and sticky from poor organ function, if you don’t go to the bathroom regularly, if your organs are crushed from the pressure of the colon, if a weak lower back prevents movement, how healthy, strong, happy, or clear-thinking can you be?
Meaning of the Word Ming Men
In Chinese, all translations of the word "ming men" give us a sense of grandeur. The character ming (命) means life, order, destiny, or order. The character men (門) means gate or door. So when you put it together, ming men (命門) combines two powerful characters into one, meaning "gate/door of destiny/life/power." That's why it's called the Gate of Power, the Center of Vitality, the Gate of Destiny, or the Gate of Life.
Where is Ming Men located?
The ming men is located on the inside of the spine, in front of the second and third lumbar vertebrae. It is located in the exact center of the body between the two kidneys. The ming men is a central intersection of several meridian highways that run through the body. To the right in front of the ming men is the dantian, the lower energy center of the body. The dantian and ming men are collectively called the "Sea of Qi."
Similarities between Ming Men and Dantian
Both Ming Men and Dantian are present at birth. They are both located near the navel. The area can be accessed collectively to create energy or collect energy from other areas of the body.
Differences between Ming Men and Dantian
Dantian- Located in the center of the body, 5 cm below the navel.
Ming Men- Located 5 cm below the navel along the inner part of the spine.
Dantian- Represents the post-natal energy
Ming Men- Represents prenatal energy
Dantian-Yin
Ming Men-Yang
Dantian- Can act as a storage container to build up energy and send it to other meridian points.
Ming Men- Can act as a gateway to allow energy in and out and to blend opposing energies produced by the kidneys.
You can find your Ming Men by placing your fingers at the base of your spine and counting two vertebrae with your thumb, you will be at the correct height and just outside of your Ming Men. Mentally move into a centered position within your body, between the point on your back and your belly button, just in front of your spine.
Ming Men and Qigong in Tai Che Practice
Its primary use in Ming Men and Qigong, and any martial art, is to develop strength and energy. The power originates in the kidneys and is transmitted throughout the body. This is true if you are accumulating energy for healing or if you are accumulating energy for attacking the lower back (fa-jin). This transmission of power requires alignment of all the connective tissues (muscle, fascia) and bone. The center of this connection is the Ming Men and the Dantian. When your posture is correct, energy and movement can be transmitted smoothly outward. Think of it like a spider sitting at the center of a perfectly woven web, able to transmit energy in one direction from the center.