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Taichong (LV-3), “Great Surge”, is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Liver channel. It is the principal point for spreading Liver qi, calming the mind and settling Liver yang.
Location
On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones, where the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery may be felt.
Anatomy
Between the first and second metatarsal bones; the dorsalis pedis artery; the deep peroneal nerve and dorsal digital nerves.
Actions & Functions
- Spreads and smooths Liver qi
- Subdues Liver yang and extinguishes wind
- Nourishes Liver blood and yin
- Regulates menstruation
- Calms the mind and the emotions
Indications
Headache, dizziness, irritability and depression, hypertension, menstrual disorders, eye disorders, hypochondriac and chest pain, insomnia, and stress-related digestive upset.
Needling
0.3-0.5 cun, perpendicular or oblique insertion.
Moxibustion Suitability
Less commonly moxa’d, as it is most often used to drain or regulate; gentle indirect moxa may be used in cold or Liver-blood deficient patterns.
Point Combinations
With LI-4 as the ‘Four Gates’ to powerfully move qi and blood and calm the mind; with GB-20 for headache and Liver yang rising; with LV-2 to clear Liver fire.
Classical Text References
- One of the Four Gates (四關穴), paired with LI-4, in classical practice.
- Listed in the Systematic Classic of Acupuncture for Liver-related disorders.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use cautiously in marked deficiency, given its strong moving action.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.