Knowledge base

Gall Bladder

The Gall bladder is the ‘central clearing department’ of the body. It is the Yang Wood organ, paired with the Yin Wood Liver and is associated with the colour Yellow Green. Its branches are connected with the eyes and tears, the tendons and nails.

Most of us know it secretes the green digestive fluid known as bile which we use to digest fat and oils. This organ is sometimes called “The General’s Advisor” and is responsible for making decisions and judgments, as well as providing courage and initiative, also provides the capacity to turn this drive and vitality from the Kidneys, into decisive action. It is most active between 11pm and 1am which is why most fights break out in these hours of night!

The Gall bladders energy or Qi provides muscular strength and vitality and it works with the lymphatic system to clear toxic by-products of metabolism from the muscular system, thereby eliminating muscular aches and fatigue.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the common tension headache, which is usually accompanied by aching neck and shoulders, is caused by obstruction in the gall-bladder meridian, which runs up over the shoulders and back of the neck to the top of the head and forehead.

The Gall Bladder has an influence on the quality and length of sleep. If the Gall Bladder energy or Qi is deficient it is common to wake suddenly or very early in the morning, and to be unable to go back to sleep.

The English language acknowledges this relationship with the phrase ‘a lot of gall’, meaning someone is quite brave to do or say something. There is an old Chinese saying that ‘The Gall bladder is daring, the Heart is careful’, which reflects the stimulating influence of Wood to Fire.

Timid, indecisive people who are easily discouraged by the slightest problem are said to have a weak Gall Bladder and those who are determined are said to have a strong Gall Bladder.