The Gallbladder & The Power of Conviction

Written By Kiara Segal

Hi all,

The birds are chirping, the ice is melting and the sun is gifting us her light a little bit more every day. This yawning towards Spring — the time of the Wood Element in Chinese Medicine — marks a pivotal energetic shift as we begin the climb from the deep, dark yin of winter, towards the bright, warm yang of summer.

But first, Spring and all its beginnings. This season is most intimately related to two paired Organs (capitalized to mark the way that term encompasses both physical and emotional components in Chinese medicine): the Gallbladder and the Liver. Since the Gallbladder channel flows into the Liver channel in our body’s internal highway system, I’ll begin there and then discuss the Liver in my next post.

The Gallbladder

Physically, the Gallbladder stores and secretes bile to break down fats — to digest what is dense, rich and more difficult to metabolize, so that it can be properly processed and absorbed. Emotionally the Gallbladder performs a rather similar function. It helps us break down the more complex, weightier aspects of life into digestible, actionable pieces, preparing us to make choices that are aligned with our values. As stated in the Su Wen (a foundational text of ancient Chinese medicine), “the gallbladder is responsible for what is exact and just; determination and decision stem from it.” It is the organ that anchors us as we navigate complex choices, competing desires and moral nuance. It carries us from dreaming our dreams, into daring to act.

When the Gallbladder is in Balance…

We Feel:

  • Clear

  • Courageous

  • Decisive

  • Able to trust ourselves

  • Steady in our boundaries

  • Confident in our steps

When the Gallbladder is distressed symptoms may show up…

Along the meridian’s pathway as:

  • Blurred vision

  • Temporal headaches

  • Pain along the ribcage

  • Tight IT bands

More systemically as:

  • Nausea

  • Poor appetite

  • Acid reflux

  • Dizziness

  • Insomnia

  • Excessive dreaming

Or emotionally as:

  • Indecision

  • Timidity

  • Inaction

  • Impulsiveness

  • Anger

  • Resentment

Tending to your Gall Bladder this Season

So what can we do? Remember that small shifts go a long way:

  • Eat bitter greens and moderate healthy fats

  • Stretch the sides of your body from your head to your feet

  • Go to sleep before 11pm so that your gallbladder can rest and rejuvenate

  • Make one small decision you’ve been avoiding

  • Practice stating your needs directly

  • Commit to something and follow through

The Gallbladder does not ask for perfection. It asks for movement, for conviction, for the courage to make decisions in our lives and begin moving forward.

Kiara Segal