Category Archives: Gall Bladder pain

How Flexible Are You?

Acupressure Points, Flexibilty, Gall Bladder pain, Low back pain, Pain Relief, Tendons & Ligaments, , , , , ,

Bending treeThe sinews of the body, the tendons and ligaments, are the province of the Wood Element, and particularly of the Gall Bladder. When Wood is healthy, there is strength and flexibility in these tissues, joints move freely and the body moves smoothly in space. When Wood is wobbly, there can be stiffness in the joints and tightness in the tendons which make movement slow and painful. Sometimes the problem is the opposite, that the tendons and ligaments are too loose, the joints lose their structural integrity and bones do not hold their alignment.

The concept of flexibility extends beyond the physical structures to the psychological level. Inflexible attitudes and beliefs can also point to an imbalance in Wood. Healthy trees bend and sway with the wind; as humans we need to be able to adapt flexibly to changing conditions in our lives if we are to move smoothly through life. On the other hand, some people are so over-flexible and accommodating towards others that they lose sight of themselves. If you bend over backwards for people, you are likely to hurt your back!

Yang Mound Spring (Gall Bladder 34) is considered to be the master point for treating the tendons and ligaments and bringing smooth flexibility to them. The point nourishes the tendons, relieves spasms and cramps, especially along the pathway of Gall Bladder, i.e. head, neck, shoulders, sides of the ribcage, hips, and sides of the legs. It also treats sciatica which refers down the side of the leg.

There is a saying in Chinese, “He has a small gallbladder”, which refers to a person who is timid, shy, indecisive, anxious and wary. Yang Mound Spring is a wonderful point for strengthening the Mind and Spirit in this arena, supporting the person to be bold, confident and decisive in the world.

Gall Bladder 34 also supports the partner organ of Liver, treating nausea, vomiting, indigestion, jaundice and hepatitis. At the emotional level, it can move stagnant emotions which lodge in the Liver, such as depression, frustration, irritability, anger and confusion.

So if you want to maintain a flexible body and an adaptable mind this spring, treat yourself to a little Yang Mound Spring.

Location of Gall Bladder 34

GB34The point lies below the outside of the knee in a depression below (inferior) and in front of (anterior) to the head of the fibula. Slide your finger up the side of your lower leg until you find a bony prominence below the knee. Move one cun (body inch) diagonally forward and down until you feel a tender spot in the depression where the fibula meets the tibia. Hold for 2-3 minutes or until you feel the Qi move. Treat the left side, then the right.

Transition from Water to Wood

Acupressure Points, Gall Bladder pain, Low back pain, Pain Relief, Point Location, Urination, , , , , ,

Transition to springAfter the last few very cold days here in South Australia, you may be wondering what planet I’m on as I talk about the seasonal change from winter to spring. According to the ancient Chinese solar calendar, spring starts at the beginning of February in the northern hemisphere, which means the beginning of August here in the antipodes. August 5th is a cross quarter day, marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The ancients called this “Establishment of Spring Qi.” From this date, the days begin to lengthen rapidly, temperatures rise and there is an overall quickening in nature.

If you tune into your own body, you may notice that you too are responding to this speeding up. You may perceive it as a feeling of get-up-and-go, a sudden desire to dust off the hiking boots, clean the mountain bike, or get started on spring cleaning. For some it may appear as a restlessness that can only be managed by movement. This is the Wood energy of spring making itself felt in you.

This is a great time to make plans and start new projects, for the ambient Wood energy will support you in your endeavours. It’s a bit like a surfer catching a wave. If you catch the first waves of Wood in August, they will add power to your arm as you implement your new plans.

But take care not to rush too quickly to action. Wood energy can be jerky and erratic and many people suffer tendon and ligament strains in spring as a result of jumping into motion too quickly after a winter of inaction. Make sure you stretch your body before starting physical activity. If you are starting a new project, ensure your plans are sound before you launch into your endeavour.

There is an acupoint which can be very supportive of this transition from Water to Wood. Gall Bladder 25, Capital Gate, lies on the side/back of the body at the end of the twelfth rib. While it is a point on the Gall Bladder meridian (Wood), it is also the mu or alarm point of the Kidney (Water). Therefore it influences both Elements, helps to smooth the movement of Water to Wood and can ease our passage from winter to spring

Capital Gate relaxes the sinews and can get you going, stimulating the will to move into action. The point also helps with low back pain, spinal weakness, feeling the cold, lower abdominal cramp or distension, kidney complaints and difficult urination. It is known to support the free flow of Qi in the area after gall bladder removal.

So if it feels like your get-up-and-go got up and went during the winter, support yourself in the early spring with Capital Gate.

 

Location of Gall Bladder 25

 

GB25GB 25 is located a the free end of the twelfth rib. Place your thumbs on your lower back around the level of your waist. Press upwards with your thumbs until you feel the bottom ribs. Follow the ribs down and outwards to the sides of the body until you can feel the ends of the ribs. You are still on the back of your body, but almost to the side. The point is often tender to the touch. Apply sustained pressure for two to three minutes or until the point relaxes and the Qi flows.