As an important concept in traditional Chinese medicine

the concept of the vital gate has led to many misunderstandings and disputes in later generations because of its multiple connotations. In this article

the concept of the vital gate is considered from the perspective of yin and yang and based on the Taoist idea of "bearing with yin and taking in yang". It is clearly put forward that the "right kidney vital gate" theory in the

Nan Jing

is the inheritance of the core of the "eye is the vital gate" theory in the

Huangdi Neijing

. Although the right kidney and the eye part have different functions

they both have the characteristics of "bearing with yin and taking in yang" and are related to the essence of life; that is

based on yin essence and yang qi

the two blend and merge

so as to evolve a complete life activity. Yin and yang are combined

their roots promote each other

and the vitality is inexhaustible

so the place of "bearing with yin and taking in yang" is the door of life generation and the secret of life manifestation; hence

it is called the vital gate. The true meaning of the term vital gate fully reflects the important role played by yin and yang in the construction and formation of relevant theories of traditional Chinese medicine.