In TCM, the urinary bladder meridian is the longest energy pathway in the body. It comprises 67 acupuncture points. The meridian begins at the inner corner of the eye and travels over the head, down the back, and along the posterior aspect of the legs. It ends at the small toe.
This meridian plays a crucial role in the regulation of fluid balance and supports the nervous system. The balancing of the meridian ensures the maintenance of one’s overall health.
What are the causes of blockages in the urinary bladder meridian?
Disruptions or blockages in the urinary bladder meridian can result from different factors:
- Physical trauma – Poor posture, injuries, or repetitive strain affecting the neck, back, or legs can obstruct the pathway to the meridian, causing stagnation.
- Emotional stress – Anxiety, chronic stress, and unresolved emotions can obstruct the flow of Qi, leading to imbalances.
- Lifestyle factors – Lack of exercise, sedentary behaviour, and inadequate hydration can contribute to sluggish movement of the Qi.
What are the symptoms that indicate blockage?
If the urinary bladder meridian is blocked, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Urinary issues – Problems such as urinary retention, frequent urination, or bladder discomfort might signal meridian imbalances.
- Musculoskeletal pain – Stiffness, discomfort or pain along the shoulders, spine, legs or neck. These often correspond to the trajectory of the meridian.
- Stress and fatigue – Feelings of irritability, tiredness, or heightened stress levels might indicate disruptions in the energy flow of the meridian.
- Headaches – Migraines or tension headaches, especially those that originate from the occipital or neck region, can be associated with this meridian.
How to re-balance the urinary bladder meridian?
If you need to re-balance your urinary bladder meridian, head to Acubody. We offer a wide range of therapies aimed at restoring balance to the meridian.
Some of the re-balancing therapies we offer are:
- Acupuncture: At Acubody, we work with experienced acupuncturists who insert fine needles into specific points along the urinary meridian. This is done to release blockages and promote the harmonious flow of Qi. For instance, we target points like Bladder 40 to alleviate muscle tension and lower back pain.
- Myofascial release therapy: This technique aims to relieve tension in the connective tissues that obstruct the flow of energy along the meridian. We apply gentle, sustained pressure to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Pilates and movement retraining: You can improve your posture through our personalised Pilates exercises and movement retraining. These also help to prevent future blockages in the meridian.
- Qigong coaching: This combines meditation, breathing techniques, and gentle movements to improve the flow of Qi. Our coaching sessions promote balance within the urinary bladder meridian.
So, are you experiencing symptoms of blockages in the urinary meridian? Reach out to Acubody.
