What is the Bladder Meridian Technique?

Photo of Jim lightly touching the horse's neck along the bladder meridian.The Bladder Meridian Technique is the cornerstone technique of The Masterson Method®.  It is one of the major acupuncture meridians in the horse’s body.  Doing the Bladder Meridian Technique has a unique effect on balancing all the other meridians!

The bladder meridian runs along each side of the horse’s body parallel and just below the topline of the horse.  We go softly and slowly to establish communication through touch and response along the bladder meridian. Trust is strengthened because your horse understands you are both communicating in a common language, so to speak.  You will see how sensitive your horse is to touch and where they might be holding tension.

The technique uses Search Response Stay Release (SRSR) by running the hand lightly and slowly along the bladder meridian:

  • SEARCH slowly along the bladder meridian with a light touch.
  • Pause when your horse shows you a RESPONSE.
  • Lightly STAY on the spot continuing to watch your horse’s responses.
  • Wait until the horse shows a RELEASE.

The Benefits of The Bladder Meridian Technique

When you learn The Bladder Meridian Technique, you will impact your horse’s body and mind.

  • Establishes a foundation for communication between you and your horse.
  • It has a calming effect on your horse by upregulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Fact-finding tool to show you where your horse is holding tension.
  • Helps you help your horse release tension.
  • The Bladder Meridian runs through the three key junctions that most affect performance.

Anyone can do the Bladder Meridian Technique!  Try it with your horse!

Watch Jim Demonstrate The Bladder Meridian Technique

See all videos on our Masterson Method YouTube Channel, including a Playlist of Bladder Meridian Technique Videos.

The Beyond Horse Massage Book

Are you looking for more information on the Bladder Meridian Technique?

  • Search Response Stay Release:  Beyond Horse Massage book, Chapter 1.
  • Levels of Touch:  Chapter 1
  • Subtle and Larger Responses:  Chapter 1
  • The Principle of Non-Resistance:  Chapter 1
  • Working Environment and Safety:  Chapter 2
  • Understanding How to Use the Beyond Horse Massage book:  Chapter 3
  • The Bladder Meridian Technique, Tips, and What Ifs:  Beyond Horse Massage book, Chapter 4.

The Beyond Horse Massage book has all of the foundational techniques of The Masterson Method.

Learn In-Person With Us

instructor teaching Masterson Method