18/10/2023
Measuring only four inches in length, the gallbladder is an organ small in comparison to many other organs in the human body. It can be found under the liver in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. How can we help the gallbladder with acupressure?
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The gallbladder stores bile. Bile is a combination of fat, fluids and cholesterol that helps break down fat from the food we eat. The bile is then secreted into the small intestine allowing fat-soluble vitamins to be more easily absorbed by the body. And even though the gallbladder has a very specific function, it is not vital for life, as the liver actually produces bile. Here’s more information about Gallbladder disease.
What does Eastern Medicine Say?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the gallbladder has several other functions too. The gallbladder governs decision making and planning. It affects dreams and it controls the sinews of the body. The gallbladder is responsible for passion, action and assertiveness.
Many people have problems with their gallbladders. This is usually caused by one of two main conditions, poor diet or excessive stress. A person who experiences severe chronic stress and couples that with poor eating habits, can easily become sick. Greasy, rich or spicy foods combined with added stress lead to inflammation in the gallbladder, as well as stagnation that can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
There are some acupressure points that can be very beneficial when dealing with gallbladder issues.
A medical practitioner pointing at a plastic model of a gall bladder with a pen
Here are 5 of the most commonly used Acupressure for Gallbladder points:
Yanglingquan GB34
Gallbladder 34
This point is located on the outer aspect of the lower leg, in the depression in front of and below the head of the fibula. Gallbladder 34 is the command point of the joints and sinews, which makes it a great choice for relieving pain, especially in the lower extremities. It is also used to address pain in the sides of the abdomen, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting and mood swings.
Acupuncture Point LR14 Qimen
Liver 14
Located on both sides on the abdomen and directly below the nipple.It is 4 thumb widths from the midline, in the sixth space between ribs. Liver 14 promotes the smooth flow of liver Qi and benefits the digestive tract. This point is also useful to address depression, distention and pain in the chest, as well as bloating, hiccup, and acid reflux.
Acupuncture Point BL18 Ganshu
Urinary Bladder 18
This point is located on either side of the spine, at the lower border of the ninth thoracic vertebra in the middle of the back. It’s about one and a half thumb widths from the spine. This point benefits Liver Qi and decreases anger and irritability. And it is used to help with pain in the upper chest, eye diseases, vomiting, irritability, and back pain.
Gall Bladder Foot Points
Gallbladder 43
Located on both feet, on the outer edge of the top of the foot, just after the margin of the web between the 4th and 5th toes. Gallbladder 43 is a great point for resolving damp heat in the gallbladder, caused by eating greasy or fatty food. This is a good point to use for somebody suffering from gallstone pain, headache, dizziness. Or for swelling and pain of the eye, tinnitus, mastitis, or fever.
Taichong LIV-3
Liver 3
This point is located on both feet, on the top of the foot. It is in the depression about one thumb-width from the edge of the webbing between the 1st and 2nd toes. Liver 3 is one of the most widely used acupuncture points. It is used to treat lower abdominal fullness, jaundice and distention of the sides, where the gallbladder is located. And can also help headaches, vertigo, swelling and pain of the eye, depression, and pain in the abdomen. Try it for hiccups, weakness, numbness and pain of the lower extremities, difficulty in walking, and irregular menstruation.
Try Acupressure
Any of these points can be used alone or with others. They can be manually stimulated using pressure from a finger or a dull, rounded tool.
But as with any medical modality, it is important to talk with a provider before treating or diagnosing yourself. Ask your doctor about it.
