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11. Leg Shao Yang Gall Bladder Meridian

Pathway:

The Gall Bladder Meridian starts from the outer corner of the eye and divides into two branches. One branch runs externally and weaves back and forth at the lateral side of the head. After curving behind the ear, it reaches the top of the shoulder and crosses the lateral side of rib cage and abdomen, until it ends up at the side of the hip. The other branch enters the cheek and runs internally downward, through the neck and chest to connect with the gall bladder. It continues moving downwards and comes out in the lower abdomen, where it connects with the other branch at the hip. The hip branch then runs toward the lateral side of the thigh and lower leg. After crossing the ankle, it goes over the foot to reach to the tip of the fourth toe. Another small branch leaves the meridian and terminates at the big toe to connect with the Liver Meridian.

Symptoms:

In TCM, the gall bladder is closely related to the liver. Hence, the disharmony of the Gall Bladder Meridian causes symptoms such as a bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, headache, and pain at the outer angle of the eyelids. Pain along the meridian pathway such as in the axilla (armpit), chest, lower chest, buttocks and the lateral side of the lower limbs can also indicate a disorder of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Main indications:

Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for ailments of the eyes, ears, pharynx (throat), and lateral side of the head in addition to mental illness and fever. They are also recommended for symptoms along the meridian's pathway.