Bladder Channel (Foot Taiyang)

Introduction

The Bladder Channel of Foot Taiyang is the longest meridian in acupuncture, playing a crucial role in water metabolism, nervous system function, and musculoskeletal health. It is essential for treating back pain, headaches, eye disorders, and urinary conditions.

Primary Channel Pathway

  • Begins at BL-1 (Jingming) in the inner canthus of the eye.

  • Ascends to the forehead and vertex, descends along the back of the head.

  • Runs parallel to the spine, forming two branches that influence the Bladder and Kidney.

  • Continues down the posterior leg, terminating at BL-67 (Zhiyin) on the lateral side of the little toe.

Primary Channel Connects with Zangfu

  • Bladder

  • Kidney

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • DU-13, DU-14, DU-17, DU-20

  • GB-30 (Huantiao)

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • DU-13, DU-14, DU-17, DU-20

  • GB-30 (Huantiao)

Actions and Indications of the Bladder Channel

  • Regulates water metabolism, treating urinary disorders, edema, and fluid retention.

  • Strengthens the back and spine, making it a primary channel for low back pain, sciatica, and stiffness.

  • Clears heat and wind, addressing fevers, headaches, and eye disorders.

  • Supports emotional balance, linked to the Kidney’s role in fear and willpower.

Luo-Connecting Channel Pathway

  • Begins at BL-58 (Feiyang).

  • Connects with the Kidney Channel.

  • Balances lower limb function, treating weakness and numbness in the legs.

Divergent Channel Pathway

  • Separates at the popliteal fossa, ascends through the spine.

  • Connects with the Bladder and Kidney.

  • Ascends to the heart, disperses in the brain.

Sinew Channel Pathway

  • Begins at BL-67 (Zhiyin) on the little toe.

  • Ascends along the posterior leg, binding at the knee and sacrum.

  • Travels along the spine, connecting with the occiput and forehead.

Sinew Channel Symptoms

  • Pain, stiffness, and spasms along the back and legs.

  • Eye pain and visual disturbances.

  • Difficulty bending and extending the spine.

Discussion of the Bladder Channel

The Bladder Channel of Foot Taiyang is deeply connected to the autonomic nervous system, playing a key role in stress regulation, pain management, and water metabolism. Due to its extensive pathway along the back, legs, and head, it is widely used for musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, and nervous system disorders. Additionally, its connection with the Kidney Channel supports the urinary system, fear-based emotional states, and reproductive health.

Explore Bladder Channel Points

  • BL-1 (Jingming) – Benefits the eyes and clears wind.

  • BL-2 (Zanzhu) – Relieves sinus congestion and headaches.

  • BL-3 (Meichong) – Clears the head and alleviates dizziness.

  • BL-4 (Qucha) – Expels wind and benefits the eyes.

  • BL-5 (Wuchu) – Clears the brain and relieves headaches.

  • BL-6 (Chengguang) – Eliminates wind, brightens the eyes.

  • BL-7 (Tongtian) – Treats nasal congestion and headaches.

  • BL-8 (Luoque) – Calms the spirit, clears heat.

  • BL-9 (Yuzhen) – Benefits the neck and relieves headaches.

  • BL-10 (Tianzhu) – Clears wind, benefits the brain and sensory orifices.

  • BL-11 (Dazhu) – Influences bone health, strengthens the spine.

  • BL-12 (Fengmen) – Expels wind, strengthens immunity.

  • BL-13 (Feishu) – Back Shu point of the Lung, regulates breathing.

  • BL-14 (Jueyinshu) – Back Shu point of the Pericardium, calms the Shen.

  • BL-15 (Xinshu) – Back Shu point of the Heart, calms the Shen.

  • BL-16 (Dushu) – Regulates the governing vessel.

  • BL-17 (Geshu) – Influences blood, treats blood stagnation.

  • BL-18 (Ganshu) – Back Shu point of the Liver, regulates emotions.

  • BL-19 (Danshu) – Back Shu point of the Gallbladder, resolves damp-heat.

  • BL-20 (Pishu) – Back Shu point of the Spleen, aids digestion.

  • BL-21 (Weishu) – Back Shu point of the Stomach, regulates digestion.

  • BL-22 (Sanjiaoshu) – Back Shu point of the San Jiao, regulates water metabolism.

  • BL-23 (Shenshu) – Back Shu point of the Kidney, strengthens vitality.

  • BL-24 (Qihaishu) – Strengthens the lumbar region.

  • BL-25 (Dachangshu) – Back Shu point of the Large Intestine, regulates bowels.

  • BL-26 (Guanyuanshu) – Strengthens the lower back and regulates the lower jiao.

  • BL-27 (Xiaochangshu) – Back Shu point of the Small Intestine, promotes urination.

  • BL-28 (Pangguangshu) – Back Shu point of the Bladder, regulates urination.

  • BL-29 (Zhonglushu) – Benefits the lumbar region.

  • BL-30 (Baihuanshu) – Benefits the lumbar and sacral regions.

  • BL-31 (Shangliao) – Regulates the lower jiao, benefits urination.

  • BL-32 (Ciliao) – Regulates the lower jiao, benefits reproductive health.

  • BL-33 (Zhongliao) – Regulates urination and defecation.

  • BL-34 (Xialiao) – Benefits the lumbar and sacral areas.

  • BL-35 (Huiyang) – Clears damp-heat, regulates the lower orifices.

  • BL-36 (Chengfu) – Relieves sciatic pain, benefits the hamstrings.

  • BL-37 (Yinmen) – Relaxes the tendons, alleviates pain.

  • BL-38 (Fuxi) – Harmonizes the lower jiao.

  • BL-39 (Weiyang) – Lower He-Sea point of the San Jiao, promotes urination.

  • BL-40 (Weizhong) – Command point for the lower back, relieves pain.

  • BL-41 (Fufen) – Relaxes the sinews, clears wind.

  • BL-42 (Pohu) – Regulates Lung Qi, relieves cough.

  • BL-43 (Gaohuangshu) – Nourishes deficiencies, strengthens immunity.

  • BL-44 (Shentang) – Calms the spirit, benefits the Heart.

  • BL-45 (Yixi) – Expels wind, relieves pain.

  • BL-46 (Geguan) – Regulates the diaphragm, alleviates hiccups.

  • BL-47 (Hunmen) – Regulates Liver Qi, benefits the Hun.

  • BL-48 (Yanggang) – Resolves damp-heat, regulates the Gallbladder.

  • BL-49 (Yishe) – Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness.

  • BL-50 (Weicang) – Benefits the stomach and digestion.

  • BL-51 (Huangmen) – Regulates the San Jiao.

  • BL-52 (Zhishi) – Benefits the Kidneys, strengthens the lower back.

  • BL-53 (Baohuang) – Benefits urination and the lower back.

  • BL-54 (Zhibian) – Alleviates sciatic pain.

  • BL-55 (Heyang) – Relaxes the sinews, benefits the legs.

  • BL-56 (Chengjin) – Benefits the calf muscles.

  • BL-57 (Chengshan) – Relieves hemorrhoids and calf pain.

  • BL-58 (Feiyang) – Luo-Connecting point, benefits the lower limb.

  • BL-59 (Fuyang) – Benefits the ankle and leg.

  • BL-60 (Kunlun) – Relieves headaches, sciatica, and stiff neck.

  • BL-61 (Pucan) – Relaxes the sinews, alleviates pain.

  • BL-62 (Shenmai) – Opens the Yang Qiao Mai, benefits mental clarity.

  • BL-63 (Jinmen) – Xi-Cleft point, alleviates pain.

  • BL-64 (Zhentang) – Yuan-Source point, calms the spirit.

  • BL-65 (Shugu) – Shu-Stream point, clears heat.

  • BL-66 (Tonggu) – Ying-Spring point, clears wind.

  • BL-67 (Zhiyin) – Jing-Well point, promotes labor, turns breech babies.