Known as the “Minister of the Reservoir,” the bladder is responsible for storing and excreting urinary waste fluid passed down from the kidneys. As an energy system, the bladder meridian influences the function and balance of the autonomous nervous system.
The bladder meridian is associated with the emotion of fear, as well as jealousy, suspicion, and holding grudges. It is also believe to influence decision-making and moral character.
There are altogether 67 points on the bladder meridian. The meridian begins at the inner corner of the eye, rising up through the eyebrow (BL-2) over the forehead and skull to join the governing vessel at GV-20. Here it enters the brain, re-emerging as a superficial path at the nape of the neck. This path continues over the base of the skull (occiput), where it divides again into two branches that descend parallel with the spine.
The inner branch diverts briefly to meet GV-14 before continuing to the sacrum, then on down the back of the thigh to the center of the knee-fold. An internal branch connects with the kidney and then the bladder, after separating at the lumbar region.
The outer branch passes from the occiput along the edge of the shoulder blade and descends to the buttock, continuing down the thigh to meet the other branch at the knee. The single channel continues down the center of the calf muscle and passes behind the outer ankle to the outer tip of the little toe.