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According to Li Shizhen, the Mingmen (Gate of Life) is an organ that stores essence and connects to the uterus. Its substance is neither fat nor flesh, but is wrapped in a white membrane, located between the two kidneys at the seventh vertebral level of the spine.
This Fire (Fire of the Gate of Life) extends downward to connect with the two kidneys, upward to connect with the Heart and Lungs, and penetrates the brain. It is the source of life, the master of Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo), and the repository of essence and Qi. Both humans and animals possess it; the generation of humans and the creation of all things all originate from here.
Furthermore, according to Wang Ang, if a person lacks this Fire, their Shen (Spirit) mechanisms will cease, and their vital Qi will perish. Zhao Yangkui stated that while ordinary Fire can be subdued by Water, the Fire within Water cannot be subdued by Water. Therefore, one must select substances with similar properties to attract and guide it back to its origin, so that the Fire will no longer float upward but descend properly. This is the rationale for tonifying this Fire.
However, people of the world only know that Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) are the best herbs for tonifying Fire, and Huhuang (Sulfur) is the essence of Fire, completely neglecting other aspects, and further failing to understand why these specific herbs must be used in conjunction.
Consider this:
When Fire deficiency leads to Cold Qi and Jue syndrome (cold extremities/loss of consciousness), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Blood Cold causing abdominal pain, Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to unresolved Cold coagulation, Huhuang (Sulfur) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Cold Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) and spermatorrhea, Xianmao (Curculigo Rhizome) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Hernia (Shan Jia) and testicular retraction/pain, Huba (Fennel Fruit/Xiao Hui Xiang) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to rebellious Qi failing to descend, Chenxiang (Agarwood) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Kidney-type diarrhea without retention control, Buguzhi (Psoralea Fruit) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Impotence and Blood stasis, Yangqishi (Calcined Pyrolusite) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Wind-Cold numbness and paralysis, Yinyanghuo (Epimedium Herba) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Wind-Damp skin sores and itching, Chuangzi (Cnidium Fruit) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to Internal Cold and Gu poison (parasitic disease), Chuanjiao (Sichuan Pepper) must be used.
When Fire deficiency leads to rebellious Qi and hiccups, Dingxiang (Clove) must be used.
When Fire deficiency fails to secure Essence and saliva, Yizhi (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit) must be used.
Regarding cases where Yang Qi does not unblock the Du Meridian, Lurong (Deer Antler Velvet) must be used to tonify it.
Where Fire does not interact with the Heart, Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) must be used to facilitate communication.
Where the water orifices are not open, Zhongrushí (Stalactite) must be used to promote drainage.
Where Qi deficiency causes panting and fatigue, Gejie (Gekko Gecko) must be used to manage it.
Where Essence slips uncontrollably, Afuyou (Opium) must be used to astringe it.
All of these should be administered according to careful consideration of symptoms and must not be used indiscriminately. If both Water and Fire are deficient, or if there is sinking Qi without retention, or solitary collapse of Yin Essence, such conditions are strictly contraindicated. Otherwise, the harm inflicted upon the patient will occur in the blink of an eye.