As we continue our yearlong journey through the Meridian System (energy pathways in the body), this month brings us to Bladder Meridian (BL). Bladder is Kidney Meridian’s (see FP Jan 2020) partner in the Water Element, according to the Five Elements model in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Both Meridians filter and help to eliminate fluid from our body and keeping BL happy and balanced, can help Kidney Meridian stay balanced, as well as improve many other aspects of our health.
The Bladder Meridian is the longest and most complex Meridian in the body and governs the nervous system. It runs from the inner corner of the eyes, over the head, down both sides of the spine, and ends at the little toe. When the Bladder Meridian is imbalanced, we can experience physical systems such as a stiffness in our neck and shoulders, headaches, back pains, urinary issues, a lack of energy and even pain in the eyes.
Emotionally, an imbalance of Bladder energy can cause us to feel that our problems are unsolvable. We can also have an inability to express emotions, feel fearful and suspicious, as well as resist change because of a feeling of inflexibility. On the other hand, a balanced BL will help us feel courageous, trusting, and hopeful. When BL is balanced, we feel calmer and more peaceful and look forward to a future filled with endless possibilities. Through the TCM lens, Bladder is the storehouse of our emotions, and is most active from 3pm to 5 pm. If you feel a little slump during that time period, working with BL might help.
The Source Point of any Meridian can directly send energy to the organ that it is associated with, as well as balance the Meridian itself. The Source Point for BL is BL-64 and according to TCM, it has a relationship with Heart Meridian and can be good for heart palpitations, chest pain, irritability, headaches, and back pain. Simply massage, tap or just hold the point called BL 64 (see picture) on both sides of the foot.
Another point to work with is the beginning point of BL. This point can help eye problems, migraines, insomnia, and nasal congestion, and it can also help balance the Meridian as a whole. The BL1 points are located at the top of the inside of the eye sockets. I like to gently hold these points with my middle fingers, but you can hold them in whatever way is most comfortable.
BL 11 is a point that Donna Eden calls “The Magic Point” because it can help to balance so many other energies in the body and can also influence bone health. These points are located at the bottom of the neck on either side of the spine. As with the other points, massaging, tapping, or simply holding the points will all help bring them into balance. Tracing Meridian pathways is another way to balance them, but because of BL’s complexity, it is too lengthy to explain in these few words. If you would like to view a video of tracing BL, as well as a way to balance the Water element by tracing both Kidney and Bladder Meridians together, click the link below.
(Published in Front Porch Magazine- Jan. 2020)
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