The functions of the TCM Gallbladder

The Gallbladder is the only Yang organ which does not deal directly with food and drink.  It is also considered an extraordinary organ.  All other Yang organs have direct contact to the outside world.  It also doesn’t transport food stuffs.  The Gallbladder stores a refined essence (bile) which actually makes it resemble a Yin organ.  Possibly the most important aspect of the Gallbladder is its influence on decision making.

The functions of the Gallbladder are:

     - Stores and excretes bile

     - Governs decision making

     - Controls sinews

     - Effects dreams

     - Close relations with the Liver

Stores and excretes bile

Just as in western medicine, the Gallbladder receives bile from the Liver which it stores until it is needed for digestive processes.  It is the only Yang organ that stores a refined fluid.  When the Gallbladder releases bile it is considered to regulated by the Liver Qi, when digestion is smooth so is the flow of Liver Qi, conversely, the Gallbladder needs Liver Qi to flow smoothly to be able to release its bile.  If this relation with the Liver is impaired it can create a situation called ‘wood overacting on earth’ which can result in rebel Stomach Qi flow.

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Governs decision making

The Liver is considered to be responsible for the ability to plan life, the Heart oversees all mental functions, the Small Intestine gives clarity and wisdom to decision making, and the Gallbladder gives the courage and capacity to make decisions.  All these functions must be harmonized to plan and lead a harmonized life.  If the Gallbladder is weak a person will be timid and lack initiative and courage.  The Gallbladder gives us drive and the passion to excel and the action potential necessary for these to come to fruition.  Dealing with adversity also comes under the role of the Gallbladder.  It is often necessary to tonify the Gallbladder to support the Hearts function.

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Controls sinews

This is almost identical to the function of the Liver but the Gallbladder provides the Qi to the sinews not the blood.  This is why GB 34 Yanglingquan is the influential point for the sinews.

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Effects dreams

It is said that the Gallbladder effects the quality and length of sleep, if it is deficient a person will wake very early and not be able to return to sleep.  “When the Gallbladder is deficient, one dreams of fights, trials, and suicide.” (Spiritual Axis).

Close relations with the Liver

The Liver and Gallbladder depend on each other to perform their functions.  They both play an essential role in the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. 

In order to plan a good life (which is a function of the Liver), one needs good decision making skills (which is a function of the Gallbladder).