运行规律：快速地散热冷降，所散之热循膀胱经上行，冷降之液归降地部后循膀胱经下行。
功能作用：散发肺脏之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
14厥阴俞
别名：厥俞，厥俞，心包俞，关俞。
名解：1）厥阴俞。厥，通阙，阙乃古代宫癜、陵墓等的卫外建筑，用于厥阴经之名，指厥阴经气血为心血的气化之气。厥阴俞名意指心室外卫心包中的干热之气由此外输膀胱经。厥俞、心包俞名意与厥阴俞同。
2)关俞。关，关卡也。俞，输也。关俞名意指心脏中的血液被关卡于内，而血液的气化之气则由本穴外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外泄心包之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
15心俞
别名：背俞。
名解：1）心俞。心，心室也。俞，输也。心俞名意指心室中的高温湿热之气由此外输膀胱经。
2)背俞。背，指穴所在部位为背部。俞，输也。背俞名意指心室中的高温湿热之气由此外输背部。
运行规律：湿热水气一方面散发热量循膀胱经向上传输，另一方面水湿散热冷降后循膀胱经下行。
功能作用：散发心室之热。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
16督俞
别名：高盖，商盖，高益。
穴义：体内所生的纯阳之气由此输入膀胱经。
名解：1）督俞。督，督脉也，阳气也。俞，输也。督俞名意指督脉的阳气由此输向膀胱经。本穴为膀胱经接受督脉阳气之处，故名督俞。
2)高盖。高，上也，天部之气也。盖，护盖也。高盖名意指本穴气血为天之天部的纯阳之气。本穴气血为督脉传来的阳热之气，性干燥，所处为天之天部，如卫外护盖，故名高盖。
3)商盖。商，计时之漏刻也。盖，护盖也。商盖名意指本穴气血为天部的弱小阳气。本穴气血为督脉传来的阳热之气，性干燥，至本穴所在的膀胱经后散热缩合为弱小的水湿之气，气属外卫之护盖，而弱小水湿之气则如从漏刻中滴出一般，故名商盖。
4)高益。高，上也，天部之气也。益，益助也。高益名意指本穴气血为督脉传来的纯阳之气。本穴物质为督脉传来的纯阳之气，性干燥，与背俞各穴传至膀胱经的水湿之气相比所处的天部层次为高，对膀胱经天之天部的纯阳之气有益助的作用，故名高益。
运行规律：循膀胱经上行。
功能作用：补阳益气。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
17膈俞血会。
名解：1）膈俞。膈，心之下、脾之上也，膈膜也。俞，输也。膈俞名意指膈膜中的气血物质由本穴外输膀胱经。本穴物质来自心之下、脾之上的膈膜之中，故名膈俞。
2)血会。因本穴物质来自心之下、脾之上的膈膜之中，为血液所化之气，故名血会。
气血特征：气血物质为心血液的气化之气，性湿热。（微观下的血液微粒则当看成是气态物）
功能作用：散热化血。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或补血水针。
18肝俞
名解：肝，肝脏也。俞，输也。肝俞名意指肝脏的水湿风气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：散发肝脏之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或灸之，热则泻之。
19胆俞
名解：胆，胆腑也。俞，输也。胆俞名意指胆腑的阳热风气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外散胆腑之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
20脾俞
名解：脾，脾脏也。俞，输也。脾俞名意指脾脏的湿热之气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外散脾脏之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
21胃俞
名解：胃，胃腑也。俞，输也。胃俞名意指胃腑的湿热水气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外散胃腑之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
22三焦俞
名解：三焦，三焦腑也。俞，输也。三焦俞名意指三焦腑的水湿之气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外散三焦腑之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
23肾俞
别名：高盖。
名解：1）肾俞。肾，肾脏也。俞，输也。肾俞名意指肾脏的寒湿水气由此外输膀胱经。
2)高盖。高，天部也，气也。盖，护盖也。高盖名意指肾脏外输膀胱经的气血物质为天部的水湿之气。本穴物质为肾脏输出的寒湿水气，所处为天部，为卫外之护盖，故名高盖。
运行规律：大部分水湿之气冷降归于地部，小部分水湿之气吸热后循膀胱经上行。
功能作用：外散肾脏之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
24气海俞
穴名：腰腹内部的温热水气由此外输膀胱经。
名解：气海，脐下的气海穴也，指气血来源于生气之海的腰腹内部。俞，输也。气海俞名意指腰腹内部的温热水气由此外输膀胱经。本穴物质为来自于腰腹内部的湿热水气，所对应的部位为脐下的气海穴，故名气海俞。
功能作用：外散腰腹内部之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
25大肠俞
名解：大肠，大肠腑也。俞，输也。大肠俞名意指大肠腑中的水湿之气由此外输膀胱经。
功能作用：外散大肠腑之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
26关元俞
名解：关元，脐下关元穴也，指气血来源于与关元穴对应的小腹内部。俞，输也。关元俞名意指小腹内部的湿热水气由此外输膀胱经。本穴物质为来自于小腹内部的湿热水气，所对应的部位为脐下的关元穴，故名关元俞。
功能作用：外散小腹内部之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
27小肠俞
名解：小肠，小肠腑也。俞，输也。小肠俞名意指小肠腑的湿热之气由此外俞膀胱经。
功能作用：外散小肠腑之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
28膀胱俞
名解：膀胱，膀胱腑也。俞，输也。膀胱俞名意指膀胱腑中的寒湿水气由此外输膀胱经。
运行规律：大部分寒湿水气冷降归于地部，小部分吸热后循膀胱经上行。
功能作用：外膀胱腑之热。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
29中膂俞
别名：中膂，中膂内俞，脊内俞。
名解：中膂俞。中，与外、与旁相对，指体内。膂，脊骨也。俞，输也。中膂俞名意指脊骨中的气化之气由此外输膀胱经。本穴位在脊背下部，脊骨为肾之所主，内藏水液，水液气化后由此外输膀胱经，故名中膂俞。别名之意与中膂俞同。
功能作用：外散脊骨之热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
30白环俞
别名：腰俞。
名解：1)白环俞。白，肺之色也，气也。环，古指环状且中间有孔的玉器，此指穴内气血为肺金之性的凉湿之气。俞，输也。白环俞名意指臀部肌肉层中的气化之气由本穴外输膀胱经。
2)腰俞。腰，肾之府也，此指穴内气血有寒冷之性。俞，输也。腰俞名意指穴内气血来自腰臀肌肉层中的气化之气。本穴物质为来自腰臀部位的肌肉层中的气化之气，其性寒湿，表现出肾气的润下特征，故名腰俞。
运行规律：大部分水气冷降后循膀胱经下行，小部分水气吸热后循膀胱经上行。
功能作用：外散腰臀之热。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
注：本经的解析中，从肺俞穴开始一直至白环俞穴共十八穴，解析的内容都只是言及各穴内部外输膀胱经的气血物质和运行规律，并没有涉及到经脉中上下穴位间相互传递的气血物质。而实际上，自心俞穴开始，穴内就有地部的经水流行，且至白环俞穴后地部的经水达到了最大量。首先是肺俞穴外传膀胱经的气血为湿热之气，其湿热之气一方面受厥阴俞、心俞、督俞等穴外传的高温热气作用而胀散化风上传风门穴，另一方面，气血中富含的较多水湿又会对厥阴俞、心俞、督俞等穴外传的高热之气起降温作用。因此，厥阴俞、心俞、督俞等穴外传的气血物质在和经脉中流行的气血物质相合后，以上几穴中的气血物质和其外传的气血物质相比温度就有了降低，此为其一。其二是心俞穴外传的高温高热之气，其气中水湿浓度大，受膀胱经经脉中流行的气血影响，小部分水湿会冷降归地，因此，自心俞穴开始，膀胱经的心俞穴下段经脉中就有了地部经水。其三是自膈俞穴开始至白环俞穴的以下各穴，它们由内外传的水湿之气都会因膀胱经的寒冷特性而部分冷降归地并汇入地部流行的经水之中，因此，膀胱经背部经脉各穴中流行的经水在白环俞穴达到最大。本经穴解析中没有把脏腑外输的气血与经脉中流行的气血结合起来一起分析，原因在于一是有相当的难度，二是不能更好地说明各穴对其所属脏腑的调节作用，故没有结合在一起分析。
31上髎
名解：上，指本穴相对于次髎、中髎、下髎三穴而言为上也。髎，孔隙也。上髎名意指膀胱经的地部经水由此从体表流入体内。本穴物质为膀胱经上部经脉下行的地部水液，至本穴后，由本穴的地部孔隙从地之天部流入地之地部，故名上髎。
功能作用：疏导水液，健脾除湿。
32次髎
名解：次，与上髎穴相对为次也。髎，孔隙也。次髎名意指膀胱经的地部经水由此从体表流入体内。本穴物质为膀胱经上部经脉下行的地部水液，至本穴后，由本穴的地部孔隙从地之天部流入地之地部，故名次髎。
功能作用：疏导水液，健脾除湿。
33中髎
名解：中，与其余三髎穴相对位处中部也。髎，孔隙也。中髎名意指膀胱经的地部经水由此从体表流入体内。本穴物质为膀胱经上部经脉下行的地部水液，至本穴后，由本穴的地部孔隙从地之天部流入地之地部，故名中髎。
功能作用：疏导水液，健脾除湿。
34下髎
Running pattern: Heat dissipates rapidly and cools downward. The dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian (Bladder Channel of Foot-Taiyang), while the cooled liquid descends to the Earth Level and then flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Dissipates heat from the Lung Zang.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi.
14 Jueyinshu (BL-25)
Aliases: Jueshu, Xinbaoshu, Guanshu.
Acupoint meaning: The yang-heat qi from the Pericardium, which guards the exterior of the Heart Chamber, is transmitted here into the Bladder Meridian.
Name explanation:
1) Jueyinshu. "Jue" (Jue) is interchangeable with "Que" (Que), referring to the defensive structures of ancient palaces or tombs. In the context of the Jueyin Meridian, it indicates that the qi and blood of the Jueyin Meridian are the qi-transformed essence of Heart Blood. The name Jueyinshu implies that the dry-hot qi from the Pericardium guarding the Heart Chamber is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point. The names Jueshu and Xinbaoshu share the same meaning as Jueyinshu.
2) Guanshu. "Guan" means checkpoint or barrier. "Shu" means transmission. The name Guanshu implies that blood within the Heart is retained internally by a barrier, while the qi-transformed essence of the blood is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian via this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance consists of yang-heat qi at a relatively high temperature, rich in dampness.
Running pattern: Transmitted externally from the Pericardium guarding the Heart Chamber to the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally泄s (releases/dissipates) heat from the Pericardium.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi.
15 Xinshu (BL-15)
Alias: Beishu.
Acupoint meaning: High-temperature damp-heat qi from the Heart Chamber is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation:
1) Xinshu. "Xin" refers to the Heart Chamber. "Shu" means transmission. The name Xinshu implies that high-temperature damp-heat qi from the Heart Chamber is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
2) Beishu. "Bei" refers to the back, indicating the location of the acupoint. "Shu" means transmission. The name Beishu implies that high-temperature damp-heat qi from the Heart Chamber is externally transmitted to the back through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is high-temperature damp-watery qi.
Running pattern: The damp-watery qi dissipates heat and transmits upward along the Bladder Meridian; meanwhile, after the water-dampness dissipates heat and cools downward, it flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Dissipates heat from the Heart Chamber.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion, or use aquapuncture; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
16 Dushu (BL-16)
Aliases: Gaogai, Shanggai, Gaoyi.
Acupoint meaning: Pure yang qi generated within the body is transmitted here into the Bladder Meridian.
Name explanation:
1) Dushu. "Du" refers to the Du Meridian (Governor Vessel) and yang qi. "Shu" means transmission. The name Dushu implies that the yang qi of the Du Meridian is transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here. This point is where the Bladder Meridian receives the yang qi of the Du Meridian, hence the name Dushu.
2) Gaogai. "Gao" means upper, referring to qi in the Heaven Level. "Gai" means cover or shield. The name Gaogai implies that the qi and blood at this point are pure yang qi in the Heaven Level. The qi here is yang-heat qi transmitted from the Du Meridian, dry in nature, located in the Heaven Level, acting like a protective shield, hence the name Gaogai.
3) Shanggai. "Shang" refers to the clepsydra (water clock). "Gai" means cover. The name Shanggai implies that the qi at this point is weak yang qi in the Heaven Level. The qi here is yang-heat qi from the Du Meridian, dry in nature. Upon reaching the Bladder Meridian, it cools and condenses into weak watery qi. This qi acts as an external protective shield, and the weak watery qi drips out like water from a clepsydra, hence the name Shanggai.
4) Gaoyi. "Gao" means upper, referring to qi in the Heaven Level. "Yi" means benefit or assist. The name Gaoyi implies that the qi at this point is pure yang qi transmitted from the Du Meridian. The substance here is pure yang qi from the Du Meridian, dry in nature. Compared to the watery qi transmitted from other Back-Shu points to the Bladder Meridian, its level in the Heaven Level is higher, benefiting the pure yang qi in the Heaven Level of the Bladder Meridian, hence the name Gaoyi.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is pure yang qi in the Heaven Level.
Running pattern: Flows upward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Tonifies yang and benefits qi.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
17 Geshu (BL-17) - Meeting Point of Blood.
Acupoint meaning: Damp-watery qi from the diaphragm below the heart is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation:
1) Geshu. "Ge" refers to the diaphragm, located below the heart and above the spleen. "Shu" means transmission. The name Geshu implies that the qi and blood substances in the diaphragm are externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian via this point. Since the substance originates from the diaphragm between the heart and spleen, it is named Geshu.
2) Xuehui (Meeting Point of Blood). Because the substance originates from the diaphragm between the heart and spleen, which is qi transformed from blood, it is named Xuehui.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is the qi-transformed essence of Heart Blood, with a hot-damp nature. (Microscopically, blood particles can be viewed as gaseous matter.)
Running pattern: The dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Dissipates heat and transforms blood.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion, or use blood-nourishing aquapuncture; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use blood-nourishing aquapuncture.
18 Ganshu (BL-18)
Acupoint meaning: Watery wind qi from the Liver Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Gan" refers to the Liver Zang. "Shu" means transmission. The name Ganshu implies that watery wind qi from the Liver Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is yang-heat watery wind qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Dissipates heat from the Liver Zang.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
19 Danshu (BL-19)
Acupoint meaning: Yang-heat wind qi from the Gallbladder Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Dan" refers to the Gallbladder Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Danshu implies that yang-heat wind qi from the Gallbladder Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is yang-heat wind qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Gallbladder Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
20 Pishu (BL-20)
Acupoint meaning: Damp-heat qi from the Spleen Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Pi" refers to the Spleen Zang. "Shu" means transmission. The name Pishu implies that damp-heat qi from the Spleen Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is damp-heat qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Spleen Zang.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
21 Weishu (BL-21)
Acupoint meaning: Damp-heat qi from the Stomach Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Wei" refers to the Stomach Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Weishu implies that damp-watery qi from the Stomach Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is damp-heat qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Stomach Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
22 Sanjiaoshu (BL-22)
Acupoint meaning: Watery qi from the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Sanjiao" refers to the Sanjiao Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Sanjiaoshu implies that watery qi from the Sanjiao Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is watery qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward to the Earth Level.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Sanjiao Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
23 Shenshu (BL-23)
Alias: Gaogai.
Acupoint meaning: Cold-damp watery qi from the Kidney Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation:
1) Shenshu. "Shen" refers to the Kidney Zang. "Shu" means transmission. The name Shenshu implies that cold-damp watery qi from the Kidney Zang is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
2) Gaogai. "Gao" refers to the Heaven Level and qi. "Gai" means cover or shield. The name Gaogai implies that the qi and blood substance externally transmitted from the Kidney to the Bladder Meridian is watery qi in the Heaven Level. The substance here is cold-damp watery qi output from the Kidneys, located in the Heaven Level, serving as a protective shield, hence the name Gaogai.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is watery qi.
Running pattern: Most of the watery qi cools and descends to the Earth Level; a small portion absorbs heat and flows upward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Kidney Zang.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
24 Qihai shu (BL-24)
Acupoint name: Warm watery qi from the interior of the waist and abdomen is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Qihai" refers to the Qihai acupoint below the umbilicus, indicating that the qi and blood originate from the interior of the waist and abdomen, the sea of generating qi. "Shu" means transmission. The name Qihai shu implies that warm watery qi from the interior of the waist and abdomen is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point. The substance here is damp-watery qi from the interior of the waist and abdomen, corresponding to the Qihai acupoint below the umbilicus, hence the name Qihai shu.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is damp-watery qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the interior of the waist and abdomen.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
25 Dachangshu (BL-25)
Acupoint meaning: Watery qi from the Large Intestine Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Dachang" refers to the Large Intestine Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Dachangshu implies that watery qi from the Large Intestine Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is watery qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Large Intestine Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
26 Guanyuan shu (BL-26)
Acupoint meaning: Damp-heat qi from the lower abdomen is transmitted into the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Guanyuan" refers to the Guanyuan acupoint below the umbilicus, indicating that the qi and blood originate from the interior of the lower abdomen corresponding to the Guanyuan acupoint. "Shu" means transmission. The name Guanyuan shu implies that damp-watery qi from the interior of the lower abdomen is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point. The substance here is damp-watery qi from the interior of the lower abdomen, corresponding to the Guanyuan acupoint below the umbilicus, hence the name Guanyuan shu.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is damp-watery qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the interior of the lower abdomen.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
27 Xiaochangshu (BL-27)
Acupoint meaning: Damp-heat qi from the Small Intestine Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Xiaochang" refers to the Small Intestine Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Xiaochangshu implies that damp-heat qi from the Small Intestine Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is damp-heat qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Small Intestine Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
28 Pangguangshu (BL-28)
Acupoint meaning: Cold-damp watery qi from the Bladder Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: "Pangguang" refers to the Bladder Fu. "Shu" means transmission. The name Pangguangshu implies that cold-damp watery qi from the Bladder Fu is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is cold-damp watery qi.
Running pattern: Most of the cold-damp watery qi cools and descends to the Earth Level; a small portion absorbs heat and flows upward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the Bladder Fu.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation.
29 Zhonglü shu (BL-29)
Aliases: Zhonglü, Zhonglü nei shu, Ji nei shu.
Acupoint meaning: Qi-transformed qi from the spinal bone is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation: Zhonglü shu. "Zhong" contrasts with exterior and side, referring to the interior. "Lü" refers to the spinal bone. "Shu" means transmission. The name Zhonglü shu implies that qi-transformed qi from the spinal bone is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian through this point. Located in the lower back, the spinal bone is governed by the Kidneys and stores fluids. After fluid transformation, it is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian, hence the name Zhonglü shu. The aliases share the same meaning.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is watery qi.
Running pattern: The externally dissipated heat travels upward along the Bladder Meridian; the cooled liquid flows downward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the spinal bone.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion, or use aquapuncture; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
30 Baihuan shu (BL-30)
Alias: Yaoshu.
Acupoint meaning: Qi-transformed qi from the deep layers of the buttocks is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian here.
Name explanation:
1) Baihuan shu. "Bai" is the color of the Lung and refers to qi. "Huan" refers to an ancient jade ring with a hole in the center, indicating that the qi in the acupoint has the cool-damp nature of Metal (associated with the Lung). "Shu" means transmission. The name Baihuan shu implies that qi-transformed qi from the muscle layer of the buttocks is externally transmitted to the Bladder Meridian via this point.
2) Yaoshu. "Yao" is the residence of the Kidneys, indicating that the qi in the acupoint has a cold nature. "Shu" means transmission. The name Yaoshu implies that the qi in the acupoint comes from the qi-transformed qi in the muscle layer of the waist and buttocks. The substance here is qi-transformed qi from the muscle layer of the waist and buttocks, with a cold-damp nature, exhibiting the descending characteristic of Kidney qi, hence the name Yaoshu.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is cold-damp watery qi.
Running pattern: Most of the watery qi cools and flows downward along the Bladder Meridian; a small portion absorbs heat and flows upward along the Bladder Meridian.
Function: Externally dissipates heat from the waist and buttocks.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, apply pricking to bleed, or sedation followed by tonification, or tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
Note: In the analysis of this meridian, from Feishu (BL-13) to Baihuan shu (BL-30), totaling eighteen acupoints, the analysis only discusses the qi and blood substances transmitted externally to the Bladder Meridian from within each point and their running patterns, without involving the mutual transmission of qi and blood substances between upper and lower acupoints in the meridian. In reality, starting from Xinshu (BL-15), there is the flow of Jing Water (meridian water) at the Earth Level within the acupoints, reaching its maximum volume at Baihuan shu (BL-30). First, the qi and blood transmitted externally from Feishu (BL-13) to the Bladder Meridian is damp-heat qi. On one hand, this damp-heat qi expands and transforms into wind under the influence of the high-temperature heat qi transmitted externally from Jueyinshu (BL-25), Xinshu (BL-15), and Dushu (BL-16), transmitting upward to Fengmen (BL-12); on the other hand, the abundant water-dampness in the qi and blood cools down the high-heat qi transmitted externally from Jueyinshu, Xinshu, and Dushu. Therefore, when the qi and blood substances transmitted externally from Jueyinshu, Xinshu, and Dushu combine with the flowing qi and blood in the meridian, the temperature of the qi and blood in these points becomes lower compared to their externally transmitted substances; this is the first reason. Second, the high-temperature, high-heat qi transmitted externally from Xinshu (BL-15) has a high concentration of water-dampness. Influenced by the flowing qi and blood in the Bladder Meridian, a small portion of water-dampness cools and descends to the Earth Level. Thus, starting from Xinshu (BL-15), Jing Water at the Earth Level exists in the lower segment of the Bladder Meridian below Xinshu. Third, from Geshu (BL-17) to Baihuan shu (BL-30), the watery qi transmitted from both internal and external sources partially cools and descends to the Earth Level due to the cold nature of the Bladder Meridian, merging into the flowing Jing Water at the Earth Level. Consequently, the flowing Jing Water in the back meridian acupoints of the Bladder Meridian reaches its maximum at Baihuan shu (BL-30). The analysis of these acupoints does not combine the qi and blood transmitted externally from the Zang-Fu organs with the flowing qi and blood in the meridian because doing so is quite difficult and does not better explain the regulatory function of each point on its corresponding Zang-Fu organ. Therefore, they are not analyzed together.
31 Shangliao (BL-31)
Acupoint meaning: Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior here.
Name explanation: "Shang" means upper, relative to Ciliao (BL-32), Zhongliao (BL-33), and Xialiao (BL-34). "Liao" means pore. The name Shangliao implies that Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior through this point. The substance here is the Earth Level fluid descending from the upper segment of the Bladder Meridian. Upon reaching this point, it flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point, hence the name Shangliao.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is Jing Water at the Earth Level.
Running pattern: Flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point.
Function: Promotes the drainage of fluids, strengthens the Spleen, and eliminates dampness.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, promote circulation, apply tonification and moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
32 Ciliao (BL-32)
Acupoint meaning: Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior here.
Name explanation: "Ci" means secondary, relative to Shangliao (BL-31). "Liao" means pore. The name Ciliao implies that Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior through this point. The substance here is the Earth Level fluid descending from the upper segment of the Bladder Meridian. Upon reaching this point, it flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point, hence the name Ciliao.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is Jing Water at the Earth Level.
Running pattern: Flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point.
Function: Promotes the drainage of fluids, strengthens the Spleen, and eliminates dampness.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, promote circulation and apply moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
33 Zhongliao (BL-33)
Acupoint meaning: Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior here.
Name explanation: "Zhong" means middle, positioned centrally relative to the other three Liao acupoints. "Liao" means pore. The name Zhongliao implies that Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior through this point. The substance here is the Earth Level fluid descending from the upper segment of the Bladder Meridian. Upon reaching this point, it flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point, hence the name Zhongliao.
Qi and Blood characteristics: The substance is Jing Water at the Earth Level.
Running pattern: Flows from the Heaven Level of the Earth to the Earth Level of the Earth through the Earth Level pore of this point.
Function: Promotes the drainage of fluids, strengthens the Spleen, and eliminates dampness.
Treatment method: For cold patterns, promote circulation and apply moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi or use aquapuncture.
34 Xialiao (BL-34)
Acupoint meaning: Jing Water at the Earth Level of the Bladder Meridian flows from the body surface into the interior here.