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 side body to the outside of the leg, to the ankle and ending on the outside of the fourth toe. 

Certain points and areas on the body can help the gallbladder function improve.

• The gallbladder 41 point in the acupuncture meridian system. This point is located on the top of the foot, in the depression below the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsals. Please Google the image of this point to see a picture of it. You can apply direct circular pressure to this point for about one minute every day.

• Acupuncture point large intestine 4 or LI-4, located in the web of skin between the thumb and index finger on the right hand. It will usually be pretty sensitive. You can really dig into this point and apply circular pressure for about a minute, once per day. This is a great point to relieve headaches and migraines.

• The neurolymphatic point for the gallbladder is located on the right edge of the ribcage (mid portion of the V) anatomically where the gallbladder is underneath. Rub this point in a circular motion for about 20 to 30 seconds once per day. 

• Brush the gallbladder meridian of your leg with your hands or a stick. Start from the side of your hips, down through the side of your ankle and brush across the top of your foot ending at the fourth toe.

 Foods to help the gallbladder and bile flow:

• Red beets and beet greens - Betaine, which is found in beets, can help with bile flow and protects the bile ducts.

• Artichokes - Specifically Caffeoylquinic acid from the leaves help with bile flow. 

• Dandelion greens - Helps to support a sluggish gallbladder.

• Sauerkraut - Helps with bile flow. Sauerkraut juice should also be consumed to help the bile flow properly.

Physical movements like chi gong and yoga can also help the gallbladder's function. The twisted cobra pose in yoga helps to stretch the liver and the gallbladder. Here's how you do it:

• Lying on the floor, lay down on your stomach and spread your legs far apart. Raise your body up until your arms are extended or as far as you can comfortably go. Twist your torso and look over your shoulder so that you can see the left heel of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds and then come down and repeat on the other side. Repeat this movement three times on each side.

Our emotions influence and affect every organ and system in our body. The emotions that are associated with gallbladder imbalance are resentment, stubbornness, feeling galled, emotional repression, and difficulty with making decisions. If someone has gallstones or problems with the gallbladder, it is likely that some or all of these emotions are affecting them.

If you have had your gallbladder removed, it is imperative that you take nutritional supplements that compensate for the lack of this organ. Specifically, a nutritional supplement that contains bile salts. A-F Betafood, choline, and Cholacol are nutritional supplements that I find to be essential for those that have had their gallbladder removed. An enzyme may also be necessary to help the digestive process. Nutritional support can save a needless gallbladder surgery and restore the gallbladder to its normal function.

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NY and Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.