The Many Dimensions of the Gallbladder
The
gallbladder is one of the most commonly treated yang organ energetic systems we treat with acupuncture. Each system in Chinese
medicine is designated as either yin or yang. Very generally speaking, the yin
organ systems store vital substances, whereas yang organ systems fill and empty
themselves more dynamically. Each yin organ system is paired
with a yang organ system and vice versa. In modern acupuncture practice, most
acupuncturists pay a lot of attention to the yin organ systems, but the yang
systems are very important too.
The
gallbladder is one such system. Now, it is important to note that
from a Chinese Medicine perspective, when we talk about a particular organ,
such as the liver or heart or gallbladder, we are not talking about the
physical organ that sits inside your body. Rather, we are talking about a complex system of energy that flows within particular pathways and
has a particular physiological function.
In
Chinese Medicine, one of the essential functions of the gallbladder system is
to control the flow of bile. This is its yang organ function of filling and emptying. Each yang organ is paired with a yin organ - the
gallbladder is paired with the liver. The liver and gallbladder work together
on many physiological functions, including bile production and excretion.
The
gallbladder system controls the sinews (or ligaments and
tendons.) Thus, points on the gallbladder meridian are often treated for any
sort of soft tissue injury, such as tendonitis, muscle sprains, strains and
tendon tears. The gallbladder meridian itself runs along the sides of the body - making it doubly useful for musculoskeletal pain affecting the
neck, shoulders, ribs, lateral abdominals, hips, IT Bands, knees, shins and
ankles.
On a
mental-emotional level, the gallbladder system is related to decisiveness and
courage. A strong gallbladder gives us the ability to make
decisions, and the courage to see them through. A weak gallbladder leads to
lots of second-guessing, timidity and fearfulness.
On
both a physical and a mental/emotional level, the gallbladder is about
stability and the boundaries of self. Physically, the
gallbladder meridian traverses the borders of our body - when its function is
impaired, musculoskeletal problems easily arise and our balance and equilibrium
are weakened. Emotionally, a weak gallbladder means our sense of self is endangered - we are unable to fight for what we believe
in, we waver in our opinions and we are apprehensive with our interactions with
the outer world.
Nourishing the Gallbladder through
Food
Because
of the gallbladder’s close relationship with the liver, any
liver-nourishing foods will benefit the gallbladder as well, such as liver,
mustard greens, goji berries, beets, broccoli and sprouts. Because the
gallbladder is closely tied to digestive function through bile production, when
trying to balance the gallbladder energy, it is important to limit fried and
greasy foods, as well as dairy, sugar, caffeine or highly acidic foods.
Nourishing the Gallbladder through
Lifestyle
Of all the systems in the body, the gallbladder system perhaps craves movement the most. The gallbladder meridian will become cranky and painful with lack of movement. So do your best to incorporate some sort of exercise each day.
Of all the systems in the body, the gallbladder system perhaps craves movement the most. The gallbladder meridian will become cranky and painful with lack of movement. So do your best to incorporate some sort of exercise each day.
Stretch!
Stretching enlivens the connective tissue, which the gallbladder system
controls. Take a yoga class, or devote some extra
time to stretching post-workout. In particular, try to incorporate stretches
that get to the sides of your body, as this is gallbladder meridian territory.
Work
out the muscle knots. Use massage, acupuncture or foam
rolling to break up adhesions in the connective tissue of the IT Bands, neck
and shoulders or back. Physically, this will help you to recover more quickly
after exercise and help alleviate pain and tension. Emotionally, it may also
let you free from old emotions, as emotions are often
stored in the body in the form of tension, knots and pain. Releasing those
knots, particularly along the gallbladder meridian, can help you find strength
and flexibility you didn’t know you had.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
888.375.5444
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