Part 2: The Gallbladder Channel – Spring’s Inner Guide

Welcome to Part 2 of our spring TCM series! In Part 1, we talked about the Liver channel, which helps energy and emotions flow smoothly. Today, we’re looking at its close partner—the Gallbladder channel.

🌀 What Does the Gallbladder Channel Do?

The Gallbladder in TCM isn’t just about breaking down fats. It’s your inner decision-maker, giving you the clarity, direction, and courage to take action.

It’s connected to:

• Making decisions with confidence
• Courage and assertiveness
• Healthy sleep (especially if you wake between 11 PM–1 AM!)
• Flexibility in body and mind

The Gallbladder channel runs from the outer corner of the eye, over the side of the head, down the side of the body, and along the outside of the leg to the fourth toe. That long path gives it a wide influence—especially in muscles and joints.

🌱 Gallbladder and Spring

Spring is a time of vision and movement—perfect for the Gallbladder’s energy. If the Liver is the planner, the Gallbladder is the one who takes the leap. But if Gallbladder Qi is out of balance, you might feel:

• Indecisive or hesitant
• Frustrated and reactive
• Stiff or achy in the hips, sides, or neck
• Trouble sleeping

💡 Tips to Support Your Gallbladder in Spring

• Stretch sideways: Twists and side bends help open the Gallbladder channel.
• Journal decisions: If you’re stuck on something, write it out. Gallbladder loves clarity.
• Rest well: Sleep between 11 PM and 1 AM is key for Gallbladder repair.
• Eat clean and light: Avoid heavy, greasy foods that burden the system.

✨ Acupressure Points to Try

Try gentle pressure or massage on these points for 1–2 minutes each day:

Gallbladder 20 (Feng Chi – “Wind Pool”)

• Location: At the base of the skull, in depression between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
• Benefits: Relieves headaches, neck stiffness, eye strain, and clears the mind.

Gallbladder 34 (Yang Ling Quan – “Yang Mound Spring”)

• Location: On the lateral part of the lower leg, just below the knee, in the depression below the head of the fibula.
• Benefits: Great for muscle tension, joint stiffness, and supporting tendons and ligaments.

Gallbladder 41 (Zu Lin Qi – “Foot Governor of Tears”)

• Location: On top of the foot, in the depression below the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon.
• Benefits: Helps with decision-making, eye tension, and releasing pent-up emotions.

🌼 A Spring Duo

Together, the Liver and Gallbladder form the Wood element in TCM. They help you see clearly, plan wisely, and move forward—just like nature in spring. By supporting both channels, you align with the energy of the season and give yourself a fresh, empowered start. Did you miss our blog on how to support your Liver? Click here to learn all about it!

👉 Stay tuned for our summertime blogs, where we’ll explore the Heart and Small Intestine channels.

✨ Are you interested in getting more support for your gallbladder channel with acupuncture? Healing Lotus Acupuncture proudly serves Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Golden Valley, and other surrounding areas. Call us at 612-447-4002 to set up a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if acupuncture is right for you! Or contact us here.