In this blog post, we will explore the role of the GALLBLADDER in TCM and how its health and function can impact overall well-being. The gallbladder is considered the yang organ associated with the wood element, with its partner, the liver, being the yin organ. You can read all about the yin wood element, the liver, in this blog, The Wood Element the Liver in TCM | AcuHealth (acuhealthacupuncture.com.au).
Understanding the Gallbladder in Traditional Chinese Medicine goes beyond this important organ’s responsibility for storing and excreting bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. According to TCM theory, the gallbladder not only plays a critical role in digestion, it is also believed to play a significant role in the body’s ability to make decisions, plan effectively, think clearly, and take action. In TCM theory, each organ is associated with specific emotions and virtues, and the gallbladder is linked to courage, decisiveness, and sound judgment.
The emotional aspect sees the Gallbladder being responsible for our passion for life, inspiration, action, and assertiveness. When we are having problems being assertive, making decisions or following through, lacking passion, feeling timid or uninspired, we are experiencing an imbalance of the Gallbladder. When the Gallbladder is balanced and its energy is flowing freely, we are happy, healthy, assertive and passionate.
Let’s first talk about the Gallbladder from the Western medical functionality with the gallbladder being responsible for storing and excreting bile, which aids in the digestion, absorption and breakdown of fats in the body. From a physical perspective, the gallbladder plays a crucial role in our digestion, with imbalances leading to digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion and gallbladder stones.
Normal bile’s composition is water, cholesterol, lecithin, other fats, bile acids, bilirubin, waste products and proteins. If cholesterol concentration is too high relative to the bile acid, then it can precipitate out and form stones. How can this happen?
– Excess carbs are converted into fat in your liver.
– Low-fat diets lead to bile stasis along with a deficiency of fat-based vitamins (ADEK).
– Gluten can interfere with gallbladder contractions.
– Gallstones are often due to problems with the liver, which is the organ that produces the bile. Supporting the liver leads to healthy bile quality.
It can take many months to dissolve gallstones. The aim is to help prevent a gallbladder attack long enough to work on dissolving the stones. This is done through improving liver/digestive function and balancing bile composition.
Some steps to aid in a healthy gallbladder function;
- Keep the bile fluid and keep it moving – drink plenty of water, eat good fats.
- Foods and herbs – bitter tasting herbs and foods promote bile secretion.
- Beet leaves
- Dandelion leaves and root
- Endive
- Fresh mint leaves
- Globe artichoke
- Radishes
- Lemons
- Limes
- Rocket
- Watercress
- Basil
- Cabbage
- St Mary’s Thistle (mainly for the liver)
- Turmeric (assists conversion of cholesterol to bile acids)
- Keep the bowel moving – water, fiber (not using grains too much) fresh vegetables (some cooked and some raw), coconut yoghurt, probiotic, healthy fats, slippery elm or psyllium husk, magnesium, Vitamin C (4000mg – split in two), de-stress, yoga, breathing, acupuncture.
- Nutrients – Taurine and glycine can help to improve production of healthy bile (1000-2000mg), ox bile (100-500mg), Vitamin C (as above), magnesium which also improves insulin sensitivity (400-600mg), Selenium, apple cider vinegar (ACV) also reduces blood sugar levels after a meal (1-2tbls in half a cup of warm water and sip before each meal), melatonin.
- Reduce cholesterol – avoid carb rich and processed foods, sugar, floury foods, salty chips, alcohol, cereals, polenta, pasta, noodles, grains such as rice and corn, too much fruit (fructose tends to convert to fat).
- Eat veges, seadfood, poultry, eggs, good fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut oil, macadamia oil and avocado oil, small amounts of raw/activated nuts), and only 2 serves of fruit.
- Avoid food sensitivities – eggs, pork, onions, milk, corm, legumes, and nuts can be an issue. Using a glutamine supplement can help repair digestive lining (2g twice a day).
- Fats – Avoid margarine, dairy spreads, vegetable oils high in omega 6 (canola, sunflower, corn, soybean), heavy dairy such as butter, cream and cheese, fried foods. Eat – olive oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, unsalted nuts and seeds, omega 3 fats such as in fish, algae, EPA (1.2g)/DHA (800mg) supplement.
*****PLEASE NOTE: Not every issue with gallbladders can be healed this way. If you experience any discomfort, pain or distress then definitely seek medical treatment from a doctor or hospital.
The GALLBLADDER is viewed differently in TCM principles and sees the function of the Gallbladder going beyond that of just the western framework.
1. Controls the sinews – much like its wood partner the liver, the gallbladder thrives on the free flow of qi/energy, if the gallbladder becomes stagnant, you can find that the sinews, ligaments and tendons will also become rigid, tight and painful.
2. Decision-Making abilities – the gallbladder is considered the “Official of Decision Making” in TCM. When the gallbladder is in balance, it helps us make clear decisions and take appropriate actions. An imbalance in the gallbladder can lead to indecisiveness, hesitancy, and difficulty making choices.
3. Emotional Well-being – Anger is also the emotion associated with the gallbladder in TCM theory. Excessive or repressed anger can affect the gallbladder’s function and lead to symptoms such as irritability, frustration, and resentment.
4. Physical health – from a physical perspective, the gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion by storing and releasing bile to aid in the breakdown of fats. Imbalances in the gallbladder can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and gallbladder stones.
How can we help the Gallbladder.
1. Avoid Greasy, Fatty, Fried, Rich or Spicy Foods.
2. Express Emotions Freely and appropriately.
3.EXERCISE!! – whatever your chosen movement regime is from walking, swimming, tai chi, HIIT, just move daily.
4. ACUPUNCTURE and Chinese Herbs – can be beneficial to support the healthy balance of the gallbladder and treat various gallbladder-related conditions. Acupuncture points and herbal formulas specific to the gallbladder meridian can help regulate its function and promote overall well-being.
5. Eat foods grown in season and locally if you can – the gallbladder and digestive system thrives on the natural rhythms of the universe.
6. Foods that according to our TCM principles that help the gallbladder are;
- Broccoli
- Rocket
- Beetroot
- Oranges
- Jasmine tea
- Green tea
- Radishes
- Basil
- Garlic
- Cayenne (this may seem contradictory, but Cayenne is very moving for qi. Just remember moderation!)
- Dill
- Chive
- Cardamom
- Lemon
- Dandelion root
- Licorice root
- Cumquat
- Grapefruit
- Kale
- Carrot
- Celery
- Peppermint tea
- Chrysanthemum tea
- Tea with orange peel
The gallbladder plays a multifaceted role in Traditional Chinese Medicine, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental aspects of health. The most magnificent thing about Chinese medicine is that it is a system that was developed to focus on prevention. It teaches an entire way of life, on how to live in harmony with nature, listen to our bodies, eat with the seasons, balance in work and play, movement and exercise and emotional wellness and seeking guidance from TCM practitioners. By practicing these basic principles, Chinese medicine teaches that you can maintain optimum health so that illness never has a chance to develop.
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