Gallbladder

The Gallbladder

The gallbladder is somewhat pear shaped, roughly about 10cm long by 4cm wide. It is surrounded by peritoneum and has a rich nerve supply, which is why it can become very tender. It has no capsule, or muscle wall. The general function of the gallbladder is to store, and concentrate bile. During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and the bile passes through the bile ducts into the duodenum. The gallbladder has the capacity to store 40-60ml of bile. Bile salts then emulsify fats, which allow them to be more readily digested.  This is an organ that has a role of accepting overflow in all senses of the word. It is a primary organ for somatization of emotional and mental stress. For example, if a person is upset upon receiving bad news or witnessing an accident, the body will often respond initially with an intense contraction of the gallbladder.

Visceral Manipulation, and the Gallbladder:

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle, and supportive manual therapy. Working with the ligaments, and tissues surrounding the organs. If you’re curious about the therapy in general, click this link to read more: https://www.wtwmassage.com/post/visceral-manipulation

When evaluating any of the viscera, we check for alterations in the proper physiologic placement of the organ. We tune into the mobility & motility of the organ, ensuring it has adequate space to utilize its full and proper axis of movement on its own, as well as in relation to other viscera. If we tune into these movements, and find that there are no discrepancies, that everything seems to be moving as it should be-we simply move on to another area.

When working with the viscera, we do so with the thinking of “less is more”. Working with each organ a maximum of 3 cycles of mobilization in each plane of movement, so as not to overwhelm it. The beautiful thing about our bodies, is that they are always working. The changes we support through these mobilizations will continue to take place over hours, days, and weeks going forward as your bodies continue to do the work.

Those who have been in a motor vehicle, or inertia-based trauma (whiplash, high velocity impacts etc.) As our bodies have to brace our internal organs upon impact, and as a result, may have developed areas of restriction. Those who have undergone an abdominal or pelvic surgery, as this creates scar tissue, and a drying out of the tissues making them less pliable, and more prone to adhesion. Pregnancy, as our organs have to do a lot of rearranging in order to make space for a growing baby.

Who can benefit from Visceral Manipulation of the Gallbladder?

Those who find themselves tired in the morning, even after adequate rest. The fatigue is reduced by an increase in activity. Phrenic nerve issues, as discomfort from gall stones can affect the phrenic nerve. Those who are shallow breathers, have pain on exhalation, or tension into diaphragm. Cholecystitis-inflammation of the gallbladder, or gallstones. Malaise which is slightly relieved after eating. Following eating, will have symptoms of nausea.

Sources:VM1-Barral Instituteehealthstar.com

Visceral Manipulation: Jean-Perre Barral & Pierre Mercier

Physiological and Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation: Ron Mariotti