The body's gallbladder is full and the bile secretion is vigorous, then the spleen and stomach will function properly and have strong digestion ability. If the bile cannot be generated and excreted normally, the spleen and stomach will be disrupted and symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting will occur. To reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, it is important to protect the gallbladder. Regularly tapping on the acupoints of the gallbladder meridian is a good way to regulate gallbladder qi. So, what is the best time to tap on the gallbladder meridian?
The Best Time to Tap on the Gallbladder Meridian
During zi hour (11 pm - 1 am), qi and blood enter the gallbladder meridian, making it more active and facilitating the digestion and metabolism of food. Massaging the gallbladder meridian during this time is the best way to provide nourishment. However, it is important to emphasize that one must sleep before zi hour because the meridians with the same name seek each other. As an alternative, tapping or rubbing the gallbladder meridian can be done during the hours when the hand shaoyang sanjiao meridian is active (9 pm - 11 pm).
Benefits of Tapping on the Gallbladder Meridian
The gallbladder meridian runs along the side of the body. Tapping on the acupoints of the gallbladder meridian can promote liver and gallbladder flow, resolve stasis, and detoxify. It is particularly beneficial for the outer side of the lower limbs. This method can promote the circulation of qi and blood, dredge the meridians, and promote gallbladder detoxification. It is especially suitable for patients with liver and gallbladder diseases.
Functions of Tapping on the Gallbladder Meridian
1. The body's energy comes from food. Part of the food we eat is broken down by bile into proteins needed for hematopoiesis. Therefore, if bile secretion is insufficient, the food cannot be broken down into enough proteins for the body's absorption, resulting in insufficient materials for hematopoiesis. Tapping on the gallbladder meridian can promote bile secretion and increase qi and blood.
2. The body is a place where ascending, descending, entering, and transforming movements of qi and transformation occur. When the liver qi is unobstructed and the qi flows smoothly, the organs can achieve balance. Tapping on the gallbladder meridian can regulate the qi of the organs.
3. The gallbladder meridian is semi-exterior and semi-interior. When the body is invaded by pathogenic factors, there is often a struggle between the body's righteous qi and the pathogenic factors in the semi-exterior and semi-interior. This can cause the body to experience alternating hot and cold sensations. If the righteous qi is strong, it will drive out the pathogenic factors. If the righteous qi is weak, the pathogenic factors will invade the body. Tapping on the gallbladder meridian can enhance resistance.
Correct Method of Tapping on the Gallbladder Meridian
Location: The upper half of the lower limbs, from the buttocks to the lower end of the knee joint, along the middle line of the outer side of the leg, approximately in the position of the outer seam of pants.
Procedure: Hold your fist with your hand and tap gently along the course of the gallbladder meridian from the buttocks to the lower end of the knee joint with the thumb or the palm side, focusing on tapping the acupoints. Both sides of the gallbladder meridian should be tapped, at least 5 minutes per side. The tapping rhythm should be about two taps per second, 50 times per acupoint, and a slight warmth on both sides of the thigh is appropriate.
Then, curl your fingers into claws with both hands and massage from the forehead to the back of the head, or perform a hair combing motion to stimulate the acupoints on the head, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and enhance the movement of qi and blood.
Characteristics of the Gallbladder Meridian
1. The gallbladder is the key organ to be nourished during zi hour. The secretion of bile by the gallbladder is strong and it has a strong effect on the digestion and absorption of fats. It can also promote the absorption of various fat-soluble vitamins.
2. In terms of mental and conscious activities, the gallbladder plays a role in judgment and decision-making. The gallbladder is in charge of decision-making and plays an important role in defending against and eliminating the adverse effects of certain mental stimuli, maintaining the normal circulation of qi and blood, and ensuring the coordination between organs.
3. The liver and gallbladder are closely related. The liver governs planning and the gallbladder makes decisions. They mutually depend on each other and have a close relationship.
4. The gallbladder can assist the liver in promoting drainage and achieve the goal of regulating the qi of the organs. If the gallbladder functions properly, other organs can also function properly.
Key Acupoints for Health on the Gallbladder Meridian
Huantiao: Located on the buttocks, above the posterior superior iliac spine. Apply appropriate pressure with the fingertip of the thumb to promote the circulation of gallbladder meridian qi and blood.
Fengshi: Located on the lateral side of the thigh, at the intersection of the midline and a horizontal line 7 cun above the knee joint, or naturally hang the hand when standing upright, and the tip of the middle finger is the location of Fengshi. Pressing this acupoint can relieve itching.
Guangming: Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the lateral malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula. It is on the gallbladder meridian of the foot shaoyang, connects to the eyes, and has the effects of soothing the liver, improving vision, promoting collateral circulation, and reducing swelling.
Xiaxi: Located on the dorsum of the foot, between the fourth and fifth toes, at the end of the cleft. It has the functions of pacifying the liver, extinguishing wind, reducing swelling, and relieving pain.
Zuqiaoyin: Located on the lateral side of the fourth toe, 0.1 cun from the angle of the toenail. It has the effects of soothing the liver, resolving depression, and promoting the circulation of meridians.
Zulinqi: Located on the dorsum of the foot, between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, in the depression in front of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, on the outer side of the tendon of the fifth extensor digitorum muscle. It has the effects of soothing the liver, extinguishing wind, resolving phlegm, and reducing swelling.
