3 Imbalance-Specific Bladder Point Combinations

Most bodyworkers now perform a substantial intake evaluation prior to conducting their respective sessions. The interview process has become a requirement for conscious care, arising out of the profession’s increased presence in the healthcare industry. Once a therapist has the informative details of their client’s health, it is easier to create a customized treatment plan from the many possible massage therapy applications.

Acupressure practitioners are familiar with the meridians of the body, accessing the energy within these meridians to influence health. Out of the 12 primary meridians, the Urinary Bladder (UB) meridian is unique. With the most number of accessible points along its path, the UB meridian begins just medial to the inner canthus of the eye, ascends up the forehead, around the cranium, runs all the way down the dorsal surface of the body and finally ends at the lateral edge of the little toe. When this meridian descends along each side of the spine, UB points provide access to toning every organ system in the body.

Although not diagnosticians, bodyworkers can use the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to offer particularly beneficial treatments to their clients. In TCM, an imbalance of health is characterized by a symptomatic pattern. Discover the most beneficial points to work on the UB meridian for the following three commonly encountered imbalances:

Heart Blood Insufficiency

The symptoms of this pattern are characterized by anxiety and insomnia. Additional symptoms may include memory and concentration problems, heart palpitations, pale complexion, dizzy spells, vertigo and blurry vision. This pattern can manifest after blood loss (examples include: giving birth, surgery, trauma or heavy menses), or can be a result of chronic disease.

Working with Urinary Bladder points 15, 17 and 20 can be useful in bringing about balance to heart blood insufficiency.

UB 15 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebrae, at the height of the paraspinal muscle. This is the Associated Point of the Heart, and is indicated for its calming properties and ability to strengthen heart insufficiency.

UB 17 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the seventh thoracic vertebrae, at the height of the paraspinal muscle. This is the Influential Point of Blood, and is useful to build and nourish the blood.

UB 20 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebrae, at the height of the paraspinal muscle. This is the Associated Point of the Spleen, and is indicated because the spleen is the primary source of nourishment for making blood.

Liver Invading the Spleen

The symptoms of this pattern are characterized by abdominal distention and pain aggravated by emotional upset. Additional symptoms typically include alternating constipation and loose bowel movements, flank pain, decreased appetite, dysmennorhea, irritability, depression and fatigue. In TCM, unreleased emotions create stagnation in the liver, which in turn, disturbs the spleen’s digestive functions.

Working with Urinary Bladder points 18, 20 and 25 can be useful in bringing about balance to a liver invading the spleen.

UB 18 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the ninth thoracic vertebrae, at the height of the paraspinal muscle. This is the Associated Point of the Liver, and is used to relieve stagnation in the liver.

UB 25 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebrae. This is the associated point of the Large Intestine, and can help regulate the intestines.

Lung and Kidney Yang Deficiency

The symptoms of this pattern are characterized by asthma and coughing with watery sputum. Additional symptoms typically include a sensation of cold throughout the body, lower limb edema, low back cold and pain, fatigue, desire for warm beverages and breathlessness. In TCM, when the kidneys are lacking their life-giving fire and lung energy is weak, the body fails to transform fluids and warm itself. This pattern is commonly seen in chronic disease and the elderly.

Working with Urinary Bladder points 13, 23 and 43 can be useful in bringing about balance to lung and kidney yang deficiency.

UB 13 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebrae. This is the Associated Point of the Lung, and is useful in strengthening the lung.

UB 23 is located approximately two finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle. This is the Associated Point of the Kidney, and tonifies kidney yang.

UB 43 is located approximately four finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula. This point is commonly used in chronic conditions where the lung and kidney need strengthening.

While arriving at the correct TCM diagnosis is complex, the key to this analytical process is looking at the pattern from an overarching perspective. There are at least five or six possible imbalances each for anxiety, stomach pain and asthma, so investigate further to see if a client’s additional symptoms fit the rest of the pattern as described. If the imbalance seems to fit the presented case, working with the UB points listed abovie will aim your client in the direction of healing and recovery.

Caution

Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If your client has a weak back, use caution with a stationary, light touch. If you have any questions or need medical advice, seek permission to discuss your client’s health with their physician.