Open the Gallbladder Meridian with 3 Simple Movements

roadbarrierThe Gallbladder meridian tends to have blocks that restrict the flow of energy (Qi).

When Qi (“chee”) flow is restricted, we feel pain, tension, or restricted movement in the area of the blockage.  Similar to traffic backing up at a site of road construction, Qi can back up within a blocked Gallbladder meridian. And just like the frustration that builds up in a traffic jam, pain, frustration, anger and restricted motion can result from backed up, stagnant Qi, within a meridian.

The Gallbladder meridian happens to be very prone to blockages.

The Gallbladder meridian runs from the eyes, along the side of the head, down the side of the neck, through the shoulders, along the side of the ribs, to the hips, knees, ankles and then ends on the 4th toes. Due to its location, blocks in the Gallbladder meridian often play a role in the energetic cause of headaches, jaw tension, shoulder pain, sciatic pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and foot pain.

Gallbladder Meridian

Gallbladder Meridian
(Located on both sides of the body)

Stretch that Gallbladder meridian to remove the blockages!

Getting motion and space back into the Gallbladder meridian frees the flow of Qi.  When Qi is flowing we have less pain and more energy. Stretch and open the meridian to release the Qi that is held up in the Gallbladder meridian. This will recharge your whole body with energy!

Simple movements to open your Gallbladder meridian:

  1. Raise your arms over your head – and keep breathing!
    Use your big inhale to stretch the ribs while you keep lifting your arms up toward the sky. This only works if you keep your breath moving.  If you feel too restricted to breathe, bring your arms down until you find the right height where you can breathe and stretch (and of course, you are not creating any pain.)
  2. Stand tall and bend to one side – and keep breathing!
    Try this with your arms up over head if possible. A little at a time goes a long way.  Do not create any strain or pain as you move. Be sure to bend on both sides to open the Gallbladder meridian on each side.
  3. Stand tall and twist to one side – and keep breathing!
    Try this with your arms up over head if possible. A little at a time goes a long way. Do not create any strain or pain as you move. Be sure to bend on both sides to open the Gallbladder meridian on each side.

 

Stretches for Gallbladder Meridian

Open up your Gallbladder meridian with these simple movements.

Keep it moving!

Take breaks from sitting at your computer and play with these stretches.  It only takes 2-3 minutes, but the benefit is huge! Frequent short breaks of movement are very effective – give it try!
To continue learning, check out the “All About the Gallbladder Meridian” video on demand.

Posted in

Cindy Black

Cindy Black is the Founder of Big Tree School of Natural Healing and the author of Meridian Massage, Pathways to Vitality. She is appreciated for her ability to make the complex accessible, fun, and practical.

47 Comments

  1. Sharon Pescheret on August 31, 2023 at 10:09 pm

    I have had a tingling sensation for 3 to 4 years at the top of my right leg, near the pelvis and joint. I believe I had some gallstones that were cleared via an apple juice cleanse several months to a year before the tingling sensation began. My chiropractor told me he thought the tingling was due to the sciatica issue I’ve had for about 15 years. I was having a hard time believing it since it was continuing to get worse. I tried your stretches tonight and the tingling is COMPLETELY gone!!! Thank you SOOOO MUCH! I will keep stretching to keep them away… now that I understand what was causing them.

    • Cindy Black on August 31, 2023 at 11:20 pm

      Yay! I am very happy that the stretches helped – it all comes back to keeping that Qi moving!
      – Cindy

  2. jane on July 1, 2023 at 11:21 am

    Thank you for your article, I am going to do this, It is like a piece of string is going through my right side right should area and when I stretch it pulls on it, I do have a gallbladder issue, I hope to slowly resolve with qigong your stretching and diet herbs etc, I am grieving and had heavy stress the last year, its been truly horrible.

    • Cindy Black on July 1, 2023 at 9:17 pm

      I hope that you get relief quicker than you can imagine.
      Wishing you health and happiness
      – Cindy

  3. Tammie on December 7, 2021 at 8:12 pm

    Hi. Just writing to thank you for taking the time to share your healing knowledge. Much appreciation.

    • Cindy Black on December 8, 2021 at 12:14 am

      Thank you so much Tammie!

    • RoseMarie Guerra on October 31, 2022 at 10:01 am

      I just had my gallbladder removed. Are there any herbs to take to keep me from weight gain.Im 66 yrs very active. Thank you.
      RoseMarie

      • Cindy Black on November 8, 2022 at 6:29 pm

        Hi Rose Marie,
        I don’t have any specific suggestions for you. The best approach is to consult with a qualified herbalist so that you get the individual attention required for success.

        – Cindy

      • Angelyn Forsyth on November 11, 2022 at 10:00 am

        Hello Cindy, I was in school with you at EWCCM Land my name is Angie.
        Just want to let you know that I see where your ambition has taken you and it pleases me.

  4. Sirena Garrido on November 24, 2021 at 1:40 am

    I am writing again a year later and even myself still don’t believe what happened I have never encountered any non traditional medicine that steals my money I went to a supposed acupuncturist for almost 8 months and I didn’t never feel better and spending a lot of money on supplements very expensive that forced me to choose between treatment or supplements and months later I realize that she just do one side of the body with an stupid excuse that’s when I realized I’ve been had and as soon I realized that I left the place. 30 years of experience talking treatment of acupuncture and never happened before. Now I have a new very good helpful and affordable more than the other one. Some people like tu help you get your health better and other are just interested in money that I wouldn’t mind if at the same I was feeling better, well that’s life I have to lear from this experience

  5. Sirena Garrido on November 11, 2020 at 1:53 am

    Cindy I have 2 meridians unbalance one is the triple warmer like for 1 1/2 year and later find out too that the gall bladders is also affecting me. I just started with an acupuncturist and is to soon to know if the treatment is going to work. I by myself have to look everywhere about my symptoms and find hel. Nobody that’s supposed to know didn’t find nothing wrong with me. Coul you tell me how to balance the gal bladder even if I don’t have it. I’ll appreciate your answer thank you

    • Cindy Black on November 11, 2020 at 10:40 pm

      Hi Sirena,

      I’m sorry you are having trouble finding help.
      I recommend doing these stretches a few times a day to open the flow of the Gallbladder meridian. I know it is a simple thing, but done slowly and mindfully, and keeping your breath moving while you stretch can have a powerful effect on the Qi and the meridian.

  6. Roberta on April 24, 2018 at 8:41 am

    Is this exercise also helpful for migraine headaches? I heard that these headaches were related to the gallbladder meridian. Thanks for your help.

    • Cindy Black on April 24, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Roberta,

      Yes, opening the Gallbladder meridian can help with headaches- especially one-sided headaches.

  7. Melody on February 26, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    Her gallbladder is removed. She has had pain on left side of head, behind ear, on and off for years. Now the pain has moved into left eye. Severe pain, photophobia, very watery eyes. Are those all related to the G.B. meridian?’

  8. Sandy on February 13, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Thank you for this tip!!! My head tension feels better all ready! I have been having head pressure for over 5 years now! I finally did some research and figured it could either be my jaw/wisdom teeth or my gallbladder. I feel a bit at ease now so it just might be my gall bladder!

    • Sandy on February 13, 2018 at 1:26 am

      Also, I notice everyone is noticing pain on their right side…I usually don’t even pay attention to my right side because I barely ever have pain or any sensations on my right side, most sensations I feel and pain as well are on my left side. My head pressure is even on my left side from my left eyebrow down to my crown on my left. Could this because of my blocked gall bladder?

      • Cindy Black on February 13, 2018 at 10:55 am

        Yes, it could be – the Gallbladder Meridian energy is prone to stagnation on one side.

      • Anne Grace on January 8, 2020 at 3:54 am

        Hi Cindy I have all the symotoms you describe on the left hand side especially on the hip since a dental anaesthetic 8 years ago the symptoms came on immediately after the dental treatment
        I’ve attended various acupuncturist s but I still have the symptoms
        Can you recommend an acupuncturist in Ireland who could help me
        Thank you

        • Cindy Black on January 8, 2020 at 9:29 am

          Hi Sandy,

          I would talk with an experienced Homeopath in your area – when there are symptoms that linger for so long with a definite moment of onset like you are describing homeopathy can be of great help.
          I am not familiar with practitioners (either Acupuncture or Homeopathy) in Ireland but I did find the Irish Society of Homeopaths – here is the link https://irishhomeopathy.ie/
          You can learn more there, and also find a practitioner.
          Wishing you all the best on your path of healing,
          Cindy

    • Cindy Black on February 13, 2018 at 10:55 am

      Yay! Very happy for you Sandy!!!
      🙂
      Cindy

  9. […] Open the Gallbladder Meridian […]

  10. Kathy on October 5, 2017 at 9:38 am

    The stretches are good, I’m sure but I’ve had my gallbladder removed many years ago. I struggle with IBS and pain in the gallbladder meridan on the points on my head. Any suggestions. I’ve done acupuncture for over a year and it is still an issue. It makes sleeping a challenge

    • Cindy Black on October 5, 2017 at 10:45 am

      Hi Kathy,
      Even though your gallbladder was removed, you still have your Gallbladder meridian and Qi – Chinese medicine has a very different perspective of organs! I would keep stretching the Gallbladder meridians, and investigate the Wood Element, since this is the Element that the Gallbladder is associated with.
      Here is a post with more about Organs and Chinese medicine
      And here is more about the Wood Element

  11. Jaytee Phan on September 28, 2017 at 1:01 am

    I was skeptic at first… I read that opening the gallbladder meridian would stop this stupid pain in my outer hip when I was throwing kicks during martial arts… I tried it and wow… this is magic. I am definitely going to give some of this treatment to my patients in physical therapy as well.

    • Cindy Black on October 3, 2017 at 9:50 am

      Jaytee – glad you gave it a try!

  12. Rosaly on September 24, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Hi, I don’t have galbladder stone… it’s just working at 11%.
    I have gone through a huge amount of stress, anxiety, frustration and anger for over 1 year. I understand I have internalize it… I also believe my iPhone 6 Plus has contribute for my condition. I used to land it on top of right side abdomen as it is heavy to hold for a long time. I didn’t know iPhone propagate RF radiation. I am trying to limite iPhone to 15 min per day. Drinking lots of water with lemon, doing some exercises to relax.
    Is there a pressure acupuncture points that I can do it myself to help my Galbladder?

    • Cindy Black on October 16, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Rosaly,
      I think the changes are you making are great! I would keep opening the Gallbladder meridian and then consult with a local practitioner to get the best help.
      I use self-massage on certain points to relieve local pain. Stretching and taking walks are the ways that I relieve my personal stress.

  13. Brittany on July 30, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    After months of dealing with gallbladder pain and trying every “home remedy” I could find online, these simple stretches gave me the most relief. Almost instantly, the pain subsided! So thankful I found this site and Cindy~

    • Cindy Black on July 31, 2017 at 7:53 am

      Brittany – yay! I’m so happy for you!

  14. […] the Qi moving in the Gallbladder Meridian helps to relieve and prevent many aches pains – click here for a blog post all about moving Qi in the Gallbladder […]

  15. Anju on June 13, 2017 at 7:10 am

    Hi Cindy! Thanks a lot for valuable advice you share with people with a sincere motive of helping them.i have been having constant pain in my shoulder n sides of neck to the back of my ear.its more on right side.i can feel small lumps along neck muscles which I feel is blocked energy.can u help me

  16. Jane on March 1, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    So, here’s a problem I’ve been having. Been practicing Vipassana for about 6 years. I go on extended retreats. I’m also a reiki master. Every time I go deeper into my spiritual practice, I have Pain on my right side. Some time it’s the whole right side but most times, when I’m not on retreat, it’s just manifeted from the super pubic of the groin on down to my inner thigh. I was told it was my liver meridian. Liked it up and that’s exactly where it manifests. Interesting gact, I’ve been struggling with neurological issue that appear to be like Multiple sclerosis for the past 3 years. I’ve gone to doctors and can’t get diagnosed. Any idea? Thought about acupuncture maybe?

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on March 2, 2017 at 10:00 am

      Hi Jane,
      Yes, I think your idea of working with an Acupuncturist makes sense. Chinese medicine has a very different perspective than western science. To get the benefits it offers, working with a person who understands the depths of Chinese medicine is the best way to go.
      I understand first hand how aggravating pain is. It is easier to witness another person in pain and say or think that there is something that their body is trying tell them, but when it is pain within myself, it’s much more challenging. I am sure you aware of this notion based on your spiritual practices. I am offering you a little of my own story here http://bigtreehealing.com/gain-pain/
      I hope that you experience relief as swiftly as possible.

  17. Mary dean on February 22, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    While I don’t have my gallbladder anymore , ever since I had it removed I still suffer from the same feeling. I have pretty much the entire right side of my body in pain. All the time .along with migraines.at least 5times a week.I will feel a sharp pain just right at the bottom of my right side rib cage and often feel a lot of times like something is trying to pass thru there and can’t get passed.also have severe numbness in my right hip. It looks as if the entire meridian is blocked.what could be causing this even I don’t have the gallbladder but it is still effecting t h e meridian.

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on February 22, 2017 at 7:58 pm

      Yes, the meridian is still present, and the energy is still flowing (or in this case, stuck) even if your gallbladder has been removed. This is one of the benefits of knowing the meridians – you can get relief for things that might not make sense according to modern science.

  18. Marianne Roche on January 1, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Cindy, many thanks for sharing so many pearls of help, healing and wisdom.

  19. Akhlaq on November 4, 2016 at 9:52 am

    Do gallstones dissolve or disappear with these simple movement?

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on November 4, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Hi,
      Not in my experience. Gallstones are dense manifestations and generally require, acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments to resolve (from the Chinese medical perspective). I would consult with a qualified practitioner of Chinese herbology and Acupuncture for this condition.

  20. Zarina on August 14, 2016 at 2:30 am

    Thank you Cindy. Ive had a few sessions of reflexology in the past amd that gave me loads of energy.

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on August 18, 2016 at 9:26 am

      You are welcome. Reflexology is wonderful!

  21. Hyacinth on June 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Gee, thank you Cindy for continuing to be an angel of mercy. Been looking fo a way to relieve the tightness, especially on the right side. Tried your suggesion for just one time, already can feel a difference. Thanks, again.

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on June 17, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Hyacinth,
      Happy to be of help! A little really does go a long way with these stretches. Enjoy
      🙂

  22. […] the Qi moving in the Gallbladder Meridian helps to relieve and prevent many aches pains – click here a blog post all about moving Qi in the Gallbladder […]

  23. […] pain, knee pain, ankle and foot pain can all arise from Qi stagnation in the Gallbladder meridian. Moving Qi in the Gallbladder meridian can really help reduce these associated pain […]

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.