Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng, 足太阳膀胱经) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Water phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Kidney. As the largest Yang channel, the Bladder channel governs the exterior and defends against external pathogens, particularly wind and cold.
| Chinese | 足太阳膀胱经 |
| Pinyin | Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Water |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Bladder |
| Paired organ | Kidney |
| Organ clock | 3pm-5pm |
| Number of points | 67 |
The Bladder channel originates at the inner canthus (BL1), ascends over the forehead to the vertex (GV20), where it branches to the brain. A primary branch descends along the posterior neck, paraspinally down the back, through the gluteal region, and down the posterior thigh. It continues along the posterior leg to the lateral malleolus, then along the lateral foot to terminate at the tip of the little toe (BL67). An internal branch from the lumbar region connects to the Bladder organ.
As the largest Yang channel, the Bladder channel governs the exterior and defends against external pathogens, particularly wind and cold. It influences the brain, eyes, and spine, playing a crucial role in fluid metabolism and the storage and excretion of urine. Its back-shu points directly regulate the Zang-fu organs.
Disorders manifest as headaches, neck stiffness, back pain, sciatica, and pain along its entire pathway. Eye problems like lacrimation, blurred vision, and nasal congestion are common. Urinary dysfunction, mental-emotional issues, and chills or fever due to external invasion can also indicate Bladder channel imbalance.
The Bladder channel originates at the inner canthus (BL1), ascends over the forehead to the vertex (GV20), where it branches to the brain. A primary branch descends along the posterior neck, paraspinally down the back, through the gluteal region, and down the posterior thigh. It continues along the posterior leg to the lateral malleolus, then along the lateral foot to terminate at the tip of the little toe (BL67). An internal branch from the lumbar region connects to the Bladder organ.
As the largest Yang channel, the Bladder channel governs the exterior and defends against external pathogens, particularly wind and cold. It influences the brain, eyes, and spine, playing a crucial role in fluid metabolism and the storage and excretion of urine. Its back-shu points directly regulate the Zang-fu organs.
The Bladder Meridian has 67 acupuncture points, from BL1 to BL67.