Which meridians are identified with the water element?

The association of meridians with the water element is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its understanding of the five elements theory, which includes wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. In this context, the kidneys and bladder are the primary meridians identified with the water element.

The kidneys are considered the source of water in the body, responsible for the storage of essence and governing fluids. They also play a critical role in maintaining the balance of yin and yang within the body, which is essential for overall health. The bladder, functioning in conjunction with the kidneys, is involved in the regulation and excretion of fluids, further emphasizing its connection to the water element.

Other meridians, such as those associated with the liver and gallbladder, the heart and lungs, or the stomach and spleen, correspond to different elements in TCM. The liver and gallbladder are associated with wood, the heart and lungs with fire, and the stomach and spleen with earth. Each pairing is rooted in specific physiological functions and associations within the TCM framework. Thus, the correct answer identifies the meridians that are fundamentally linked to the characteristics and influences of the water element.