The paradox of the unity and duality of the kidneys according to Chinese medicine: kidney essence, yin, yang, qi, the mingmen--their origins, relationships, functions and manifestations.

This paper explores the relationship between Kidney Essence, Yang, Yin and Qi, and the Mingmen, their origins, the variety of functions they provide to the human organism, mentally, physically and spiritually, and the fundamental paradox they represent in terms of unity and polarity. This exercise is part of an ongoing personal exploration in the service of a more complete understanding of the cosmic and material functions of the Kidney in Chinese medicine and culture, also illuminated by Chinese pulse diagnosis. It is not meant to convey a final statement or as a repository of absolutes, but as an attempt to stimulate and ultimately share new ideas.