肾
kidney; testicles
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
kidney; excretory organ
technicalRefers to the bean-shaped internal organ that filters blood and produces urine.
The doctor said his kidney function is a bit weak.
This patient suffers from severe kidney failure.
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He decided to donate a kidney to save his brother.
Drinking more water helps keep the kidneys healthy.
Broad beans are shaped like human kidneys.
noun
testicles (TCM term)
archaicIn Traditional Chinese Medicine or older texts, 'external kidney' refers to the testicles.
In ancient TCM texts, 'shen' sometimes specifically refers to the external kidneys.
TCM believes the kidney governs reproduction, which relates to the function of the external kidneys.
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The 'injury to the kidney' mentioned in this ancient text refers to damage to the testicles.
Old novels often referred to the external kidneys as 'shi'.
Protecting the external kidneys was very important for ancient male concepts of fertility.