Taichong LR-3 location
LR-3

Taichong LR-3

Great Surge · 太冲 · Tài chōng
Liver Meridian
Earth-Tu Stream-Shu Point Yuan-Source Point

Needle Depth

0.5–0.8 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Foot — Dorsum

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.

Previous on channel

Xingjian LR-2

Next on channel

Zhongfeng LR-4

Main Actions

  • Subdues Liver Yang
  • Clears Interior Wind
  • Invigorates Liver Qi
  • Clears Dampness
  • Invigorates Blood and regulates menstruation
  • Calms the Mind
  • Calms spasms

Commentary

Taichong LIV-3 is one of the most important point of Liver Channel, which are mainly used to remove Excess from the Liver. First of all, it is very effective in subduing Liver Yang which gives rise to migraine headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and head numbness. 

It can also clear Interior Wind so as to calm muscle spasm, contraction and cramps. Together with Hegu LI-4, they expel Wind from the face to treat facial paralysis or tic, epilepsy, deviation of eye or mouth and opisthotonos.

Actually the combination of these 4 points (left and right LIV-3 and LI-4) is called 'Four Gate' (四关 Si Guan) and they are very useful in calming the Mind and regulating Rebellious Qi. With Liver Qi Stagnation or Rebellious Liver Qi, patients has the tendency to easily get angry, frustrated and worried. They also suffer from general irritability or other emotional stresses, sighing, nausea, constipation, borborygmi as well as distension of hypochondrium, epigastrium, breasts and abdomen. 

Additionally, LIV-3 is an important point in treating gynaecological diseases due to its close relationship with the Penetrating Vessel (冲脉 Chong Mai, the Vessel of Chong).  Actually, its Chinese name 'Tai Chong' derives from Chong Mai. It activates the Penetrating Vessel, so as to invigorate the Uterus Blood and remove Blood Stagnation there. Therefore, it treats amenorrhoea, irregular periods, painful periods, excessive menstrual bleeding and Uterus prolapse. 

Finally, LIV-3 treats Shan disorder (Hernial and Genitourinary) as well, in a similar way to Dadun LIV-1. It can resolve Dampness from the genitourinary system, the Liver and Gall Bladder. Typical symptoms include jaundice, swollen and retracted testicles, pain and swollen in genitalia, swollen vulva, chronic white vaginal discharge, difficult urination or retention of urine. The result can be further enhanced by moxibustion afterwards. 

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (靈樞), Chapter 1 - Ben Shu: First mentions Taichong as the Shu-Stream point of the Liver channel, establishing its fundamental classification in the Five Transporting Points system.

Zi Wu Liu Zhu Shuo Nan (子午流注·說難): "Taichong is the Shu point where the Foot Jueyin Liver channel pours. The Liver stores Blood; when a woman's Taichong pulse is full, menstruation flows. Taichong is also the Yuan-Source point of the Nine Needles Twelve Originals—where the essence of the five Zang organs concentrates—hence the name 'Great Surge.'"

Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經): Lists Taichong for treating shan qi (hernia), genital retraction, enuresis, urine retention, infantile convulsions, epilepsy, headache, dizziness, and eye diseases.

How to Locate

Run a finger from Xingjian LIV-2 along the groove between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. Locate LIV-3 at the widest and deepest part of the groove. To double check, the groove become more narrow and shallow again from LIV-3.

Caution

Avoid the dorsalis pedis artery pulse, which lies close to the point. Use caution with strong stimulation during pregnancy, as this point strongly moves Liver Qi and Blood. Not typically contraindicated but reduce stimulation intensity in pregnant patients. The point may be tender in patients with significant Liver Qi stagnation—adjust needling technique accordingly.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.5–0.8 cun

Needling Directions

Puncture 0.5-1 cun vertically or slightly obliquely.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Typical deqi sensation includes distension, soreness, and numbness at the point location. Sensation often radiates proximally toward the ankle and distally toward the toes. A pulsation from the dorsalis pedis artery may be felt near the point. Some patients experience a calming or releasing sensation throughout the body, reflecting the Liver Qi-moving action of the point.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

Recommended

Gua Sha

Questionable

Five Element & Transporting Classification

Five Phase

Earth-Tu

Transporting Type

Stream-Shu Point

Mother-Child Role

Child (Reducing)

Special Point Classifications

Yuan-Source Point

Related Resources

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