For an overview of how internal organs are thought of in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I highly recommend my first post in this series “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine.”
In both Western and Chinese Medicine, the Gall Bladder organ stores bile and releases it into the digestive tract in order to aid in digestion.
The medicines differ in their understanding of how the Gall Bladder affects psycho-emotional states and the factors that can contribute to Gall Bladder pathology.
In TCM, the Gall Bladder shares its Yin-Yang organ relationship with the Liver. As we have noted previously, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and this smooth flow is often affected by acute stress, resulting in Liver Qi Stagnation. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, the Gall Bladder can be impacted as well and this can be seen in physical symptoms such as gall stones, nausea and belching, and in pathological indecisiveness. The Gall Bladder controls the capacity to make decisions, giving us courage and initiative and when it is lacking or otherwise impacted, symptoms of timidity, discouragement, and depression can manifest.
The next post will cover “The Functions of the Urinary Bladder in Chinese Medicine”
To start this series from the beginning, go to “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine”
Like what you’re reading and want to learn more about how these concepts may be useful in your health care? If you are in the Austin area, contact me for a free consultation here.
