Atlas of Acupuncture

4.12 The Liver Channel System – Foot jueyin(zu jue yin jing luo)

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal

bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal

joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.

How to find

From the web between the 1st and 2nd toes, palpate proximally

past the metatarsophalangeal joints and along the groove

between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, until you reach the

widest and deepest part of the groove. There, locate LIV-3,

which is often sensitive to pressure. To double-check: When

continuing to palpate along the groove, it will become more nar-

row and shallow again.

Located in a similar position on the hand is ➞L.I.-4(between

the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones).

Needling

Vertically or slightly obliquely 0.5–1 cun. Caution during

pregnancy.

Actions/Indications

● Spreads Liver Qi, clears the head, benefits the eyes, nourishes

Liver Blood and Liver Yin, calms spasms, alleviates pain,

regulates menstruation and the Lower Burner

● Eliminates (internal) Wind, pacifies Liver Yang

Special features

Yuan-source point, shu-stream point, Earth point, Ma Dan Yang

Heavenly Star point (later added by Xu Feng). Major point for

spreading Liver Qi.

Great Rushing TAICHONG LIV-3

1.5–2 cun

LIV-3

Interdigital fold

2nd metatarsal bone 1st metatarsal

bone

LIV-2

Depression

at LIV-3

Mittelp Carpal II

L.I.-4

G.B.-41

ST-43

G.B.-42

G.B.-43

BL-67 ST-44

G.B.-44

ST-45

LIV-1 SP-1

LIV-3

SP-4

SP-3

SP-2

BL-66

BL-65

Ex-LE-10(bafeng)

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