Organ Spotlight: The Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ about 4 inches long located by the liver on the right side of the body, around the level of the seventh rib. The gallbladder is responsible for storing bile and mixing it with enzymes and mineral salts to send to the intestines. Bile and bile salts are essential for fat digestion. Anyone that has an impaired gallbladder has difficulty absorbing fat properly. The gallbladder also works with the lymphatic system to help the muscles move out waste products effectively. There are many common symptoms that are related to a gallbladder that is not functioning properly. Many people that have headaches, constipation, knee problems, or mid back pain may have a gallbladder issue. Why are these symptoms so common with gallbladder issues? Many of these symptoms have to do with the location of the gallbladder meridian. The gallbladder meridian is an energetic pathway that travels along the side of the head and continues down the neck to the shoulder, down the si