In which direction does the bladder meridian go?

The bladder meridian is known for its upward and downward flow characteristics, but primarily it is recognized for its descending nature. The bladder meridian, also referred to as the urinary bladder channel, runs along the back of the body, beginning at the eyes and moving downwards through the thoracic area and the lumbar region, extending down to the feet. This meridian governs not only the function of the bladder itself but also has an important role in distributing qi and blood throughout the back, which is why understanding its directional flow is significant for acupuncture practice.

In addition to its downward path, the bladder meridian also interacts with other meridians and organs, emphasizing its role in the larger context of energy flow within the body. As a student of acupuncture, you'll find that acknowledging the fundamental direction of the bladder meridian is essential when considering treatment protocols, points for needle insertion, and balancing the body's energy systems effectively.