Neil Gumenick, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac.
Editor’s Note: In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 2016, including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
GB 7: Crooked Hair on the Temples
“Crooked” means bent or twisted. Often, the carrying out of our plans requires the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen twists or turns in our journey. Rubbing of the temples can be indicative of the stress and frustration of puzzlement, indecision and the inability to move forward.
However, in these challenges are opportunities for growth. We can learn and gain much from new experiences, solving mysteries and problems. This point can bring clarity to indecision – finally arriving at a solution, with its attendant relief.
GB 10: Floating White
Floating implies moving effortlessly, like water, with the flow of nature, neither pushing toward nor resisting what is. Water cannot be grasped in a tight fist, but can be contained in a relaxed palm. Things are what they are, regardless of how we may dislike or disagree with them.
White light is composed of all the colors of the spectrum, suggesting that all our experiences – both the pleasant and unpleasant – contribute to growth, the treasures of a rich harvest, with gratitude for it all.
This point helps relax and release the wood-imbalanced patient who may be frustrated, resisting, fighting against, and unaccepting. It can restore faith that the light of the Eternal is ever-present; we need not struggle; we can always find a glimmer of the true white light of the Spirit, and come to remember that we are always on the path, supported by nature itself, and that the darkness is transient and will eventually be dispelled.
GB 14: Yang White
Yang symbolizes the sunlit side of a hill, embodying qualities of warmth, movement, upward momentum, and progress. White, in this context, represents purity, specifically the purity of consciousness – untainted awareness devoid of thoughts, beliefs, or concepts. Much like a pristine mirror, it merely reflects whatever is before it.
This point assists us in reacting and acting with the instinctual spontaneity of a serene and uncluttered mind. Our actions become precise and flawless responses, utilizing just the right amount of energy required – neither excessive nor deficient. In doing so, our conduct becomes harmonized with the rhythms of nature itself.
In the words of the great boxer Muhammed Ali, seemingly reflecting on the mystery and perfection of nature, and reminding us of a gift of this point:
“Isn’t nature wonderful? What makes moss grow on one side of a tree and not the other? Why do birds fly south and then north in the spring, and why do fish swim upstream to lay eggs? Nature is a mysterious thing. It is just like me. Sometimes I wonder when a big fist comes crashing by and at the last moment, I just move my head the smallest bit and the punch comes so close I can feel the wind, but it misses me. How do I know at the last minute to move just enough? How do I know which way to move?”
GB 15: Head Above Tears
Tears are an expression of grief – the emotion we feel in the presence of loss or separation. Although we may know that all things do pass, still we experience grief. However, sorrow is natural and normal emotion. Tears cleanse us of attachment and clinging, allowing us to release the past, process the grief, move forward, and experience the new beginning that is present in every moment.
The power of wood is birth or rebirth. This point allows the patient to come to the point of tears and grieve fully. If trees didn’t shed their leaves in fall, there would be no room for new leaves in spring – the rebirth.
The notion of “Head Above” implies that if we simply witness, without judgment, the grief and tears, and allow them to be, Nature will restore balance in her own time, just as surely as she brings forth new leaves in spring.
GB 18: Receiving Spirit
This point infuses our decisions and judgment with the impressions of Heaven-Spirit. Often, the mind is incapable of transcending the residue of past experiences, which clouds our judgment moving forward. Spirit enables us to see beyond our old attachments and beliefs from the past and experience the newness of the present.
With fresh, objective clarity, we come into alignment with nature. We see reality as it is, and are in the best state to evaluate and make correct and wise choices that serve us, as well as the world around us.
GB 19: Brain Hollow
When the mind is empty or “hollow,” we are receptive to the impressions of Heaven. We perceive reality as it is and respond accordingly. Similar in connotation to GB 18, this is a point used to empty the mind of the chatter of old worries, regrets, indecision, and fears of the future. Our best decisions are made in a state of quiet clarity.
GB 21: Shoulder Well
Our shoulders carry not only physical weight, but also the weight of our non-physical burdens, responsibilities, decisions, and choices. A “well” is a pool fed by a spring or a pit sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water. From a deep reserve of qi, this point helps heal and strengthen the shoulders of those weighed down at all levels, so their burdens can be carried with greater ease and grace. The weight of responsibilities can be met with strength and clarity.
GB 23: Neglected Muscles
Muscles play a role in nearly every system and function of the body. If neglected, they tend to weaken; there may be stiffness, pain, and lack of mobility, which can even result in paralysis. Sometimes we neglect or avoid an area that has been injured or is painful, yet these are often the exact areas that need attention and work in order to heal. Attention to those parts is important for regaining strength and mobility, and preventing further injuries.
In the context of this point, we refer not only to physical muscle, but also to the strength of the mental and spirit levels, which can also be injured and impaired. Injury to those levels can leave us hobbled, weak, timid, fearful, indecisive, and unable to move forward with confidence.
These are our sensitive “buttons” that get pushed regularly until they are no longer neglected, but clearly recognized, processed, and cleared of stored negative emotional charge. This point helps illuminate those dark and painful areas at all levels so healing can begin.
Author’s Note: There are many interpretations and uses of these points in various traditions; the preceding is not intended to encompass all possibilities. English translations of point names are those taught by Professor J.R. Worsley and appear in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Volume 1: Meridians and Points by J.R. Worsley; Element Books, 1982.
