Kidney

The human kidney is a bean-shaped organ weighing about half a

pound. We have two kidneys located within the abdominal cavity

and protected at the rear by the spinal column and the big muscles

of the back. The tops of the kidneys are just beneath the ribcage.

The right kidney, above which lies the liver, is usually a little lower

than the left. About 1,700 quarts of blood flow through the

kidneys each day.

Among the kidney cells are certain glands of endocrine secretion.

The kidneys produce blood pressure-elevating substances

causing hypertension at times. Erythropoietin is a substance pro

duced by some kidney cells, that stimulates the production of red

blood cells.

In the Taoist Esoteric System, the Ming-men (the Door of Life) is

the energy center corresponding to the activity of the kidneys.