LR - Liver Meridian

足厥阴肝经 - Zú Juéyīn Gān Jīng

The Liver Meridian functions as the body's primary strategist and regulator, earning the title "General of the Army" for its role in planning, organizing, and ensuring the smooth coordination of all bodily functions. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When Liver Qi is harmonious, other organs function smoothly; when it stagnates, a wide range of imbalances can appear.

The Liver houses the Hun (ethereal soul), which governs our vision, dreams, creativity, and spiritual inspiration. It controls our capacity for long-term planning, adaptation to change, and emotional flexibility. The Liver also stores blood during rest and releases it during activity, making it crucial for menstrual health, energy regulation, and our ability to respond to life's demands with appropriate vigor or restraint.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

The Liver Meridian ascends from the foot to the chest, flowing from Yin toward Yang

Pathway

  • Origin: Begins at LR-1 (Dadun) on the lateral corner of the big toenail
  • Foot Path: Travels along the dorsal aspect of the foot toward the ankle
  • Lower Leg: Ascends along the medial aspect of the lower leg behind the tibia
  • Knee and Thigh: Continues up the medial thigh toward the genitals
  • Internal Path: Circles the genitals, enters the lower abdomen, and connects with the liver and gallbladder
  • Chest Path: Ascends through the diaphragm and disperses in the ribs and chest
  • Head Connection: One branch reaches the eyes and crown of the head
  • End Point: Terminates at LR-14 (Qimen) on the lateral chest below the nipple
  • Connection: Links back to the Lung meridian at LU-1 (Zhongfu), completing the twelve meridian cycle

Active Time

1:00 AM - 3:00 AM (Peak energy circulation)

Location illustration for LR

Primary Functions

Physical Functions

  • Ensures smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
  • Stores and regulates blood circulation
  • Governs detoxification and metabolism
  • Controls tendons, ligaments, and nails
  • Regulates menstruation and reproductive cycles
  • Manages bile production and fat digestion
  • Controls the eyes and vision
  • Governs muscle flexibility and coordination

Emotional & Mental Functions

  • Houses the ethereal soul (Hun), which supports vision, dreams, and inspiration
  • Governs planning, strategy, and future vision
  • Controls emotional flexibility and adaptation
  • Manages frustration, anger, and irritability
  • Supports creativity, inspiration, and dreams
  • Facilitates decision-making and problem-solving
  • Maintains emotional equilibrium and stress resilience
  • Supports our capacity for hope, direction, and optimism

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Digestive & Metabolic Issues

  • Liver disease and hepatitis
  • Poor digestion and fat intolerance
  • Abdominal bloating and distention
  • Nausea and digestive upset
  • Alcohol-related liver problems
  • Metabolic disorders and weight issues

Reproductive & Hormonal Issues

  • Menstrual irregularities and PMS
  • Painful or heavy menstruation
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Fertility issues and reproductive disorders
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Breast tenderness and fibrocystic changes

Emotional & Mental Patterns

  • Persistent anger, irritability, or frustration
  • Depression and mood swings
  • Stress and feeling overwhelmed
  • Difficulty with planning and decision-making
  • Lack of creativity and inspiration
  • Feeling stuck or unable to move forward
  • Tendencies toward over-control or rigidity

Musculoskeletal & Movement Issues

  • Tendon and ligament problems
  • Muscle stiffness and inflexibility
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Hip and groin tightness
  • Coordination and balance problems

Vision & Head Issues

  • Eye strain and vision problems
  • Dry eyes and eye irritation
  • Headaches, especially vertex headaches
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Temporal lobe issues

Sleep & Energy Issues

  • Waking between 1-3 AM
  • Dream-disturbed sleep
  • Chronic fatigue from Qi stagnation
  • Energy fluctuations throughout the day

LR Protocols

Liver Qi Circulation Routine (10-15 minutes)

  1. Begin at 1-3 AM (peak liver time) or when feeling stagnant
  2. Start with LR-1 (Dadun) for grounding and initiation
  3. Work LR-2 (Xingjian) for clearing liver heat and irritability
  4. Apply sustained pressure to LR-3 (Taichong) for overall liver regulation
  5. Focus on LR-8 (Ququan) for nourishing liver blood
  6. End with LR-14 (Qimen) for completing the liver circuit

Anger and Stress Relief (8-10 minutes)

  1. For irritability, frustration, or feeling overwhelmed
  2. Focus on LR-2 (Xingjian) with firm pressure to drain liver heat
  3. Work LR-3 (Taichong) for smoothing liver Qi flow
  4. Apply pressure to LR-14 for releasing chest and rib tension
  5. Coordinate with deep, slow exhaling to release stagnation

Menstrual and Reproductive Support (10-12 minutes)

  1. For PMS, irregular cycles, or reproductive issues
  2. Begin with LR-3 (Taichong) for regulating liver blood
  3. Work LR-8 (Ququan) for nourishing blood and yin
  4. Apply pressure to LR-5 (Ligou) for reproductive regulation
  5. Focus on lower abdomen while holding liver points
  6. Best practiced during the follicular phase for optimal support

Detox and Liver Cleanse Support (12-15 minutes)

  1. For liver sluggishness, poor detox, or after alcohol/toxin exposure
  2. Start with LR-2 for clearing heat and inflammation
  3. Work LR-3 systematically for promoting liver function
  4. Apply pressure to LR-13 (Zhangmen) for liver and spleen coordination
  5. Include gentle liver area massage and hydration
  6. Best practiced in spring for natural detox support

Vision and Eye Support (8-10 minutes)

  1. For eye strain, dry eyes, or vision problems
  2. Focus on LR-3 (Taichong) for nourishing liver blood to eyes
  3. Work LR-8 for strengthening liver yin and eye moisture
  4. Apply gentle pressure around eyes while holding liver points
  5. Include eye exercises and blinking practice

Planning and Decision-Making Enhancement (10-12 minutes)

  1. For feeling stuck, unclear direction, or decision paralysis
  2. Begin with LR-3 for promoting smooth Qi flow and mental clarity
  3. Work LR-8 for nourishing the Hun (spiritual vision)
  4. Apply pressure to LR-14 while visualizing clear path forward
  5. End with intention-setting and future visioning

All LR Points

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Considerations

Spring Focus

  • Liver is most active in spring - emphasize practice during growth and renewal seasons
  • Natural time for planning, cleansing, and new beginnings

Dietary Support

  • Green foods (leafy vegetables, sprouts) support liver function
  • Sour flavors in moderation stimulate liver Qi
  • Reduce alcohol, processed foods, and excessive fats
  • Regular meal timing supports liver blood regulation

Sleep and Rest

  • Honor 1-3 AM peak time with deep sleep for liver restoration
  • Blood returns to liver during rest - adequate sleep crucial
  • Avoid late-night eating which burdens liver function

Emotional Health

  • Regular emotional expression and release
  • Creative activities to engage the Hun
  • Planning and goal-setting exercises
  • Stress reduction practices and healthy anger expression

Exercise and Movement

  • Regular, moderate exercise promotes Qi circulation
  • Stretching and flexibility work supports tendon health
  • Avoid excessive exercise which can deplete liver blood
  • Include activities that promote emotional expression

Environmental

  • Reduce exposure to toxins and chemicals
  • Fresh air and nature connection support liver function
  • Green environments and plants beneficial

Precautions

Pressure

  • Use moderate to firm pressure on foot points (LR-1, LR-2, LR-3)
  • Lighter pressure on chest points (LR-14)
  • LR-3 can handle sustained pressure and is commonly used

Liver Disease

  • For serious liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, work only with medical supervision
  • Avoid aggressive liver stimulation during acute liver inflammation
  • Alcohol-related liver problems require comprehensive medical evaluation and care

Emotional Release

  • Liver work may bring up anger, frustration, or emotional release
  • Create safe space for emotional expression
  • Allow space for tears, anger, or unexpected emotions to arise safely

Pregnancy Considerations

  • Most liver points safe during pregnancy with gentle pressure
  • LR-3 commonly used for pregnancy discomforts
  • Avoid excessive liver stimulation in first trimester

Menstrual Health

  • Liver points can influence menstrual timing and flow
  • Best worked during follicular phase (after menstruation)
  • Avoid strong liver stimulation during heavy bleeding

Mental Health

  • Chronic anger and depression often involve liver Qi stagnation
  • Liver work complements but doesn't replace mental health treatment
  • Monitor for increased irritability initially as Qi begins moving

Detoxification

  • Gentle, gradual detox support rather than aggressive cleansing
  • Increase water intake and support elimination pathways
  • Monitor for detox reactions like headaches or fatigue

Medications

  • Many medications processed by liver - monitor for interactions
  • Blood thinners may be affected by liver-regulating practices
  • Inform healthcare providers about liver support practices

Chronic Conditions

  • Autoimmune conditions often involve liver Qi stagnation
  • Chronic pain frequently has liver involvement
  • Work gradually and gently with chronic liver imbalances