LR-3 - Great Rushing
太冲 - Tài chōng
Point Region: Foot
LR-3 Taichong, meaning 'Great Rushing' or 'Supreme Surge,' captures the magnificent power of the Liver's Qi when it flows freely like a mighty river cascading through a mountain gorge. Located in the valley between the big toe and second toe, this point sits at the intersection of heaven and earth energy, where the body's most dynamic and transformative force gathers momentum before surging upward through the entire system.
Known as the 'Liver's Command Point,' Taichong governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the entire body, making it perhaps the most important single point for emotional regulation and stress relief. When life's pressures create internal gridlock—manifesting as irritability, frustration, headaches, or that feeling of being 'stuck'—LR-3 acts like a master traffic controller, clearing the energetic highways and restoring the natural rhythm of internal circulation.
This remarkable point embodies the Liver's essential nature: the capacity for growth, flexibility, and forward movement. Just as a healthy tree bends without breaking in strong winds, a balanced Liver Qi allows us to adapt to life's challenges while maintaining our essential integrity. LR-3 is particularly powerful for modern stress patterns, helping to release the tension that accumulates from suppressed emotions and redirecting that energy toward creative expression and personal growth.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Located in the hollow between the first and second metatarsals, just proximal to LR-2.
How to Locate:
- Find the webbing between your big toe and second toe
- Move back toward your ankle from the webbing
- Continue back about 2 finger-widths in the groove between toe bones
- The point is in the depression between the bones

Primary Functions
Liver & Gallbladder System
- Primary point for liver qi regulation
- Smooths liver qi circulation throughout body
- Treats all liver qi stagnation patterns
- Harmonizes liver and spleen relationship
- Strengthens liver blood and yin
Emotional & Mental
- Master point for emotional regulation
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
- Calms irritability and mood swings
- Promotes emotional stability and resilience
- Treats chronic frustration and anger
Nervous System
- Treats various types of headaches and migraines
- Reduces dizziness and vertigo
- Calms nervous system and reduces tension
- Treats insomnia and sleep disorders
- Alleviates stress-related neurological symptoms
Circulatory System
- Regulates blood pressure naturally
- Improves overall blood circulation
- Treats hypertension and cardiovascular stress
- Harmonizes heart and liver relationship
Reproductive System
- Regulates menstrual cycle and treats irregularities
- Relieves menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms
- Supports fertility and reproductive health
- Treats menopausal symptoms
Digestive System
- Improves appetite and digestive function
- Treats abdominal pain and distension
- Harmonizes liver-stomach relationship
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves foot and ankle pain
- Treats lower leg muscle tension
- Improves foot circulation
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Menstrual pain
- High blood pressure
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Anger
- PMS
- Emotional problems
- Insomnia
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
LR-3 Protocols
Stress Relief & Qi Regulation (4 minutes)
- Sit with foot relaxed and accessible
- Locate LR-3 (on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsals)
- Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds on each foot
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to soothe stress and regulate Liver Qi
- Repeat pressure while exhaling slowly and softening the abdomen
Important Precautions
- Pregnancy
- Recent foot surgery
- Severe hypotension