The gallbladder meridian begins just outside the outer corner of the eye, loops down and up to the forehead just within the hair line, and descends behind the ear to the corner of the skull. It then returns to the forehead above the center of the eye and contours the head to the bottom of the skull at GB-20. It continues down the neck behind the shoulder to connect with the governing vessel at GV-14, then crosses over the shoulder.
The channel then descends the side of the body along the rib margin to the waist and pelvic crest before going deeper to meet the bladder channel at the sacrum. At GB-30 it re-emerges and continues down the outside of the leg, in front of the ankle, ending on the outside of the 4th toe. Internal branches connect with the stomach channel (on the jaw) and the small intestine channel, and join the liver and gallbladder organs.
The gallbladder meridian is associated with the gallbladder organ, which plays a role in the digestion of fats and the regulation of bile. Emotionally, it is believed that the gallbladder impacts decision-making and provides courage and initiative. It is also thought to influence the length and quality of sleep.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances or blockages in the gallbladder meridian can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, eye problems, anxiety, and digestive issues.