Gallbladder (Dan)
Functions of the Gallbladder
The Gallbladder's main function is to secrete bile, which is formed from an excess of Liver Qi. The secretion of bile aids Stomach and Spleen with the digestion process. The Gallbladder is one of the Extraordinary Organs, because it is a hollow organ, resembling a Yang organ, but it's function to store bile resembles a Yin organ. Bile is considered to be a "pure" substance, rather than a waste product conveyed by the other Yang organs. Liver and Gallbladder stand in interior-exterior relationship. The Liver governs the free flow of the bile. The Liver depends on the Gallbladder Qi to maintain the free flow of the Qi. The Gallbladder governs decision-making. The Gallbladder provides courage and the impulse for action needed by the spirit in order to follow through in the decision making process. The Gallbladder stands in a relationship with the Kidneys, which govern the willpower. Willpower needs the decision-making aspect of the Gallbladder in order to transform impulses into mature actions. The Gallbladder provides Qi for the tendons, whereas the Liver nourishes the tendons with Blood.