When performing acupuncture for liver qi stagnation, the following points are commonly selected:
Qimen (Liver’s Alarm Point) Location: On the chest, in the 6th intercostal space, 4 inches lateral to the anterior midline. Function: This is the alarm point of the liver, where the liver qi converges in the chest and abdomen, capable of soothing the liver, regulating qi, invigorating blood, and resolving stasis, directly adjusting the liver’s qi and blood, alleviating liver qi stagnation.Taichong (Liver Source Point) Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, in the depression at the junction of the metatarsal bases, or where the pulse can be felt. Function: This is the source point of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, which can pacify the liver, subdue wind, clear heat, resolve dampness, and relieve pain, regulating the liver’s qi and function, and alleviating liver qi stagnation.Xingjian (Liver Ying Point) Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd toes, at the posterior edge of the web margin. Function: This is the ying point of the liver channel, which has the effects of clearing liver heat, cooling blood, regulating menstruation, and soothing the liver, capable of clearing liver fire and alleviating symptoms of liver qi stagnation transforming into fire.Danzhong (Chest Center Point) Location: On the chest, at the level of the 4th intercostal space, on the anterior midline. Function: This is the meeting point of qi, which can expand the chest, regulate qi, and relieve pain, capable of adjusting the overall qi mechanism, alleviating symptoms such as chest and hypochondriac fullness and pain caused by liver qi stagnation.
Neiguan (Inner Pass Point) Location: On the anterior forearm, 2 inches above the transverse wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the radial flexor of the wrist. Function: This is a commonly used point on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, which has the effects of calming the mind, regulating qi, and relieving pain, capable of adjusting heart qi and alleviating symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations caused by liver qi stagnation.Ganshu (Liver Back Shu Point) Location: In the spinal region, 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra. Function: This is the back shu point of the liver, which can soothe the liver, benefit the gallbladder, and regulate qi, capable of adjusting liver function and improving conditions of liver qi stagnation.
Yanglingquan (Yang Mound Spring Point) Location: On the lateral side of the lower leg, in the depression just below the head of the fibula. Function: This is the meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and also a meeting point of the sinews, which has the effects of soothing the liver, benefiting the gallbladder, clearing heat, resolving dampness, and relaxing the tendons, promoting bile secretion and assisting the liver in its drainage.
