When to use: when you feel quick to anger, irritable before your period, or after a late night.
| Element | Wood |
|---|---|
| Organ | Liver |
| Paired with | Gallbladder Meridian |
| Peak hours | 1–3 a.m. (Chou hour) |
| Number of points | 14 |
| Starts at | Da Dun (LV1) |
| Ends at | Qi Men (LV14) |
| Pathway type | Three Yin of the Foot · foot to abdomen |
| Emotion | Anger |
| Color | Green-blue |
The pathway
Begins at Da Dun (LV1) on the outer side of the big toe, passes Tai Chong (LV3) on top of the foot, rises along the inner lower leg (crossing the Spleen Meridian 8 cun above the inner ankle) and inner thigh, circles the external genitals, and ends at Qi Men (LV14) in the sixth intercostal space directly below the nipple.
Its hour on the meridian clock
1–3 a.m. (Chou hour) · Hexagram Lin (Approach). Yang keeps growing. Deep sleep is traditionally said to nourish Liver blood—this is the hour of the day most worth leaving undisturbed.
Key points
- Five transporting points: Da Dun (LV1), Xing Jian (LV2), Tai Chong (LV3), Zhong Feng (LV4), Qu Quan (LV8)
- Source (yuan) point: Tai Chong (LV3)
- Connecting (luo) point: Li Gou (LV5)
- Cleft (xi) point: Zhong Du (LV6)
- Front-mu point: Qi Men (LV14)
- Back-shu point: Gan Shu (BL18)
A simple tapping routine
Sit down and massage Tai Chong (LV3) on top of the foot for 1 minute, then press and glide from the inner ankle up the inner lower leg and thigh to the groin.
Foods traditionally linked to this meridian
Spinach, celery, leafy greens, green tea, smoked plum (wu mei)
Everyday tips
- Women: When you feel irritable before your period, press Tai Chong (LV3) and sip rose tea.
- Men: If you're quick to anger, press Tai Chong (LV3) and Xing Jian (LV2), and cut back on late nights and alcohol.
- Elders: Aim to be sound asleep between 1 and 3 a.m., and avoid eating dinner too late.
Six ways to work with your meridians →
See all twelve on one chart: The 12 Meridians Wall Chart →
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
