The Water Element also gives us the will to survive as a source of life. The Kidneys are characterised by the wisdom to become active in life-threatening situations and to take appropriate steps to ensure survival with a cool strategic ability.

Through the storage of Ki and essence, which we can rely on in situations that require stamina, they give us the strength to continue like water, to go on and on and on

The will to survive, to act and to accomplish something is the Yang manifestation of the will in the Water Element. The „Yin will” consists in the ability to flow with the natural course of events, to follow our destiny.

The balance between the trading Yang will and the allowing Yin will is the gift of a healthy Water Element.

Water Element general
Fear is part of our survival instinct. Strong fear causes the release of Original-Ki from the kidneys, which is also called “fight-flight„ -response.

The fear that is rooted in the Water Element is a fear that is rooted in the roots of our existence and is usually too threatening to be consciously perceived. It is expressed, among other things, in the need to control the situation before they control us. It can be hidden behind aggression (Wood Element) or care (Earth Element) or mixed with both.

Phobias and other neurotic or obsessive fears are frequent side effects of an imbalance in the Water Element (then in combination with the Fire Element)

However, the fear of the Water Element combined with the will to survive gives the situations their very own intensity, which carries the steel undertone of determination. This is not a refusal to let go (Metal Element), but a refusal to give up.

Fear related to the Bladder Meridian
In case of bladder imbalance, anxiety expresses itself more in the form of tension, anxiety and restlessness. Or also as e.g. Fear of flying, fear of heights, etc. In extreme stress situations, however, a kind of free-floating panic may develop

On the psychological level, the Bladder symbolizes our “backbone” and our determination

Everything we would like to hide “behind our backs”, such as fear, jealousy, feelings of guilt, suppressed sexual desires – feelings that we find it difficult to acknowledge are suppressed.

In the traditional Chinese way of thinking, man has a privileged position “between heaven and earth”. Heaven is the epitome of Yang, while the depths of Yin symbolize the earth. The central vessel of Bladder- and Kidney Meridian connects at the head with the Yang of the heaven and at the feet with the Yin of the earth.

Principle
Sensitive to insult

General
The Bladder Meridian is the Yang partner of the Kidney Meridian (Yin partner), both of which are the energetic expression of the Element Water to which they are associated. In principle, all Yang-Organs can be seen as the embodiment of the energetic functions of their associated Yin-Organs.

The Yu Points of the Bladder Meridian indicate that the Bladder Meridian not only represents the organ bladder, but also serves as a vehicle for the Yang-functions of the kidneys. The Bladder Meridian tones all organ functions for which the Kidney-Yang has provided energy. Thus, the symptoms are similar in an imbalance in the Bladder-Function and those of a Kidney-Yang-vacuity.

According to Zen Shiatsu theory, both bladder and kidneys embody drive, survival instinct and the ability to respond to stimuli.

Since the Bladder Meridian originates in the deepest part of the eye cavity, at the level of the pituitary gland (controls the autonomic nervous system), and moves downwards in its further course to both sides of the spine (near the spinal nerves), it can be assumed that the Bladder Meridian is related to the nervous system. Our nervous system regulates all physical processes and willful actions.

It is also understandable that Masunaga often uses the word “nervous” in his description of bladder symptoms. An imbalance in the Bladder-Ki will preferably manifest itself in tension and overreactions – this is how “nervous” in the anatomical and figurative sense is meant.

Tonifies all organ functions

Regulates the body’s reactions to stimuli and information via the autonomous nervous system; “fight or flight” response

Stores and excretes urine

Influences the function of the uterus

Influences the bones together with the kidneys

Gives the back strength and support – together with Gall Bladder- and Stomach Meridian, the Bladder Meridian forms an energetic structure that supports us like holding ropes in an upright position; Gall Bladder- and Bladder Meridian ensure an even alignment of the hips and the lower back

Exhaustion: often the Bladder Meridian in a Hara diagnosis is part of the current finding when someone is exhausted and temporarily lacks drive. If the energy of the Bladder is out of balance in the long term (e. g. due to persistent stress), then this state of exhaustion becomes chronic and is more likely to change into a Kidney-finding. The exhaustion then penetrated deeper into the system.

Organ
Bladder

Sense Organ
Ears

Body Structures
Bladder, autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, bone

Ability
to tremble

Releated Chakra
Chakra 1 und Chakra 2

Neck tensions; tense back muscles; back pain; subluxation 5. Lumbar spine; tormenting pain Lumbar spine

Hay fever

Sinusitis

Eye complaints

Cystitis

Gynaecological complaints: severe, weak or irregular bleeding, painful menstruation, discharge

Prostate problems; impotence

Neuroses; phobias; paranoia

“the nerves lie bare”; (hyper-)irritability; nervousness, anxiety and restlessness; nervous tension

Exhaustion

Headaches, etc.

Cold

Stress

Overwork

Too much sport

Stimulating substances such as alcohol, coffee, tea and especially drugs (!)