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[Diagram of the Kidney corresponding to the You hour]

[Diagram of the Pericardium corresponding to the Xu hour]

[Diagram of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) corresponding to the Hai hour]

[Anatomical Diagram of the Front of the Five Zang Organs]

[Anatomical Diagram of the Back of the Five Zang Organs]

[Diagram illustrating the separation of Essence and Urine]

Each zang organ has one kidney, yet the kidneys are uniquely paired. Why is this? The left side is the Kidney (Shen), and the right side is the Mingmen (Gate of Life, the root of vitality and source of Yuan Qi), corresponding to Water and Fire respectively. This is analogous to animals associated with the North (Water element): the turtle represents Yin, and the snake represents Yang. It is said that "Yang arises from Wu," and Fire serves as the Mingmen of the organs, where the Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) is anchored. In men, it stores Jing (Essence); in women, it sustains the Baogong (Uterus). The Qi of the Mingmen communicates with the Kidney Qi.

The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian connects to the Small Intestine; the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian belongs to the Small Intestine. The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian connects to the Large Intestine; the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian belongs to the Large Intestine. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects to the Bladder; the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian belongs to the Bladder. The mesenteries of the Large and Small Intestines extend from below the diaphragm, along the spine, connecting to the Heart and Kidneys. The mesentery of the Bladder consists of fatty membranes and tendinous networks distributed within the body cavity. However, each possesses distinct vascular textures and meridian networks spreading throughout the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Bladder. These fine vessels serve as the pathways for the circulation of Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids.

[Diagram]

Bian Que stated: The convergence point of the Large Intestine and Small Intestine is called the Lanmen (Ileocecal Valve/Lan Gate). Its function is to regulate water and grain, facilitating their separation into clear and turbid components. Nutrients received from the Small Intestine enter the Lanmen for differentiation. The fluids are internally separated into clear and turbid parts.

[Diagram of the Qihai (Sea of Qi) and Diaphragm]

The Yellow Emperor said: Danzhong (Chest Sea, the Mu-Point of the Pericardium) is the official of the ministers and messengers, from which feelings of joy and pleasure arise. Located between the two nipples, it is the Sea of Qi. When Qi distributes Yin and Yang, and harmonious Qi reaches the will, joy is generated. It is also stated: Above the diaphragm lie the "Parents" (referring to the Heart and Lung, which reside in the Upper Jiao and protect the lower organs). Above the diaphragm resides the Qihai. Qi is the origin of life and the master of the Mingmen; thus, Qihai is regarded as the parent of human life. The diaphragm refers to the region containing the Heart and Lungs. The diaphragm extends from below the Heart and Lungs, attaching to the spine, ribs, and abdomen, forming a curtain-like barrier that prevents turbid Qi from ascending and harassing the Heart and Lungs.