From a modern medical perspective, the function of the gallbladder described in Donguibogam largely corresponds to the function of specific brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the core area of 'executive function,' which carries out planning, decision-making, problem-solving, impulse control, and goal-directed behavior. Procrastinating on tasks or avoiding decisions is one of the common symptoms that appear when the function of this frontal lobe is temporarily or chronically impaired. For instance, in stressful situations, the stress hormone cortisol is secreted excessively, and this cortisol impairs frontal cortex function to lower cognitive ability, which can ultimately lead to a lack of decisiveness and excessive procrastination. In addition, an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to the brain's reward system, plays an important role. Dopamine provides pleasure and motivation in the process of setting and achieving goals, so when dopamine secretion is suboptimal, it becomes difficult to gain the driving force needed to initiate new tasks or make difficult decisions. Much like a car with starting trouble, you find no reason to move and remain stuck in place. Serotonin also plays a crucial role by contributing to mood regulation and anxiety reduction. When serotonin levels are low, anxiety and indecision increase, intensifying the burden of making decisions and eventually leading to avoidance. Our autonomic nervous system also exerts an influence; when a state of excessive sympathetic nerve activation persists, the body constantly remains in tension, which depletes brain energy and interferes with executive function. As such, it is important to understand that procrastination or decision avoidance is not simply a matter of 'weak willpower,' but can be the result of interactions between complex neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and the stress response system in the brain. Modern lifestyle habits, such as chronic sleep deprivation, an unbalanced diet, and excessive use of digital devices, can also contribute to this hypofunction of the brain. Managing the gallbladder qi described in Donguibogam can be interpreted in modern terms as adopting lifestyle habits and approaches that help optimize these brain functions and balance neurotransmitters. Remembering that our body and mind are closely connected, we need to approach this issue with a warmer and more scientific perspective.
