Chapter 2
The Nine Openings of the Body
The Front Door
Urinary Tract and Genitals
The front door opening of the body includes the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, and urethra) as well as the genital organs. Collectively, these structures help to filter and excrete waste and toxins consumed and processed from the digestive system through the excretion of urine. The system also acts as a balancing mechanism by balancing water, pH levels, and various hormones and minerals that the body needs to have flowing in precise concentrations through the bloodstream for maximum development. This front door opening is very important for the birth, growth, and reproduction processes of the body.
Characteristics of the Front Door
Associated Organs: Kidneys and adrenals
Element: Water
Season/Climate: Winter/cold
Healing Sound: Chooooo
Parts of the Body: Side of foot, inner leg, chest, groin
Senses: Hearing (ears and bones)
Taste: Salty
Color: Black or dark blue
Negative Emotions: Fear and shock
Positive Emotions: Gentleness, stillness, and alertness
Associated Organ: Kidneys
On an energetic level, the kidneys express the base of our spiritual power through the ming men point, where the root of chi within the body is stored. The kidneys form the basic yang and yin energies from which all the other organs draw. As the seat of the body’s energetic power, the kidneys are an important aspect of the body to keep in balance. Being a water organ yet the source of fire for the whole body, the kidneys must constantly balance themselves between yang and yin energies.
Common Ailments
Urinary tract diseases are the second most common infection in the body. A disruption of the kidney yin always affects the kidney yang energy and vice versa, as both are intimately connected. This imbalance is expressed in the body in various ways depending on whether yin or yang is deficient. When kidney yin energy is deficient, the body might experience soreness around the kidneys, ringing in the ears, or hot/sweaty palms. When kidney yang energy is deficient, the body might experience soreness around the kidneys, difficulty urinating, a decreased sex drive, or an unwillingness to experience any cold feeling.
Front Door Opening Cleanses
For the front door cleansing, Taoists highly recommend focusing on the kidneys with a cleansing herbal tea; periodic vaginal douches and regular sexual chi self-massage are also recommended. This will assist in clearing out any debris or blockages and buildup of various toxins through the front door opening.
Kidney Flush and Herbal Cleanse
The kidneys are extremely delicate, blood-filtering organs that congest easily because of dehydration, poor diet, weak digestion, stress, and an irregular lifestyle. The main form of congestion in the kidneys is kidney stones. Most kidney grease/crystals/stones, however, are too small to be detected through modern diagnostic technology, including ultrasounds or X-rays. These are often called “silent” stones and in general do not seem to bother people much. When they grow larger, though, they can cause considerable distress and damage to the kidneys and the rest of the body. To prevent kidney problems and kidney-related diseases, it is best to eliminate kidney stones before they can cause a crisis. You can easily detect the presence of sand or stones in the kidneys by pulling the skin under your eyes sideways toward the cheekbones. Any irregular bumps, protrusions, red or white pimples, or discoloration of the skin indicates the presence of kidney sand or kidney stones.
The following herbs, when taken daily for a period of twenty to thirty days, can help dissolve and eliminate all types of kidney stones, including uric acid, oxalic acid, phosphate, and amino acid stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, you may need to repeat this cleanse a few times, at intervals of six weeks.
Ingredients
Marjoram (1 oz.)
Cat’s claw (1 oz.)
Comfrey root (1 oz.)
Fennel seed (2 oz.)
Chicory herb (2 oz.)
Uva ursi (2 oz.)
Hydrangea root (2 oz.)
Gravel root (2 oz.)
Marsh mallow root (2 oz.)
Goldenrod (2 oz.)
Directions: Take 1 ounce each of the first three herbs and 2 ounces each of the rest of the herbs, and thoroughly mix them together. Keep them in an airtight container. You may put them in the refrigerator. Before bedtime, soak 3 tablespoons of the mixture in 2 cups of water, cover it, and leave it overnight. The following morning, bring the concoction to a boil; then strain it. If you forget to soak the herbs in the evening, boil the mixture in the morning, and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes before straining. Drink a few sips at a time in six to eight portions throughout the day. This tea does not need to be taken warm or hot, but do not refrigerate it. Also, do not add sugar or sweeteners. Leave at least one hour after eating before taking your next sips. Repeat this procedure for twenty days.
If you experience discomfort or stiffness in the area of the lower back, this is because mineral crystals from kidney stones are passing through the urethra ducts of the urinary system. Any strong smell and darkening of the urine during the kidney cleanse indicates a major release of toxins from the kidneys. Normally, the release is gradual and does not significantly change the color or texture of the urine. It is important to support the kidneys during the cleanse by drinking extra amounts of water, a minimum of six to eight glasses per day. If the urine is dark yellow, you will need to drink more than that amount.
