Location, Functions and Clinical Applications

Introduction

LV3, also written as LR3 and known as Taichong, is one of the most important acupuncture points on the Liver channel. It is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine because of its strong ability to move Liver Qi, regulate the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, calm emotional tension and support a wide range of clinical presentations linked with stagnation, constraint and imbalance.

For many practitioners, LV3 is one of the essential points studied early in training. It is a Yuan-Source point of the Liver channel and is frequently used for stress-related patterns, headaches, menstrual irregularities, irritability, digestive tension and general Qi stagnation.

LV3 is also one half of the well-known point combination known as the Four Gates, where it is paired with LI4. Together, these two points are traditionally used to strongly move Qi and support the free circulation of Qi and Blood throughout the body.

Point Details

Point name: LV3 / LR3 Taichong
Chinese name: 太冲
Meridian: Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin
Point category: Yuan-Source point
Element classification: Earth point of the Liver channel

Location

LR3 / LV3 Taichong is the Liver 3 point on the dorsum/top of the foot between the big toe and second toe, in the depression between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

Traditional location:

• On the top of the foot

• Between the first and second metatarsal bones

• In the depression proximal to the web margin between the big toe and second toe

A practical method of locating LV3 is to palpate from the web between the big toe and second toe, moving proximally along the space between the first and second metatarsal bones until a clear depression is felt. This is usually a naturally tender or sensitive area in many patients.

Correct location is important, as the point lies in the interosseous space between the metatarsal bones rather than directly over the bone itself.

Channel and Point Category

LV3 belongs to the Liver channel of Foot Jueyin. The Liver channel begins at the lateral side of the big toe, travels across the dorsum of the foot, ascends the medial aspect of the leg and continues through the lower abdomen and chest.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver is closely associated with the smooth flow of Qi, emotional regulation, Blood storage, menstrual function, tendon health and the free movement of energy throughout the body.

As the Yuan-Source point of the Liver channel, LV3 has a strong regulatory effect on the channel and is commonly used when Liver Qi is constrained, stagnant or failing to move smoothly.

Traditional Functions of LV3

LV3 is traditionally understood to have several important functions:

• Spreads Liver Qi

• Moves Qi and Blood

• Subdues Liver Yang

• Calms the Shen

• Clears the head and eyes

• Regulates menstruation

• Benefits the lower abdomen

• Relaxes tension related to Liver Qi stagnation

• Supports the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body

Because of these functions, LV3 is used in a wide range of treatments, particularly where emotional stress, muscular tension, headaches, menstrual discomfort or digestive disturbance are part of the clinical picture.

Common Indications

LV3 is frequently selected for the following traditional indications:

Stress and Emotional Constraint

LV3 is one of the most commonly used points for Liver Qi stagnation. In clinical practice, this may present as irritability, frustration, emotional tension, mood swings, sighing, tightness in the chest or a sense of internal pressure.

The point is often used where stress appears to affect digestion, sleep, menstrual rhythm or muscular tension.

Headaches and Dizziness

Because the Liver channel has a strong relationship with the head and eyes, LV3 may be used in treatments for headaches, dizziness, eye strain and tension-related symptoms.

It is particularly associated with patterns involving Liver Yang rising, Liver Fire or constrained Liver Qi.

Menstrual and Gynaecological Presentations

LV3 is frequently used in treatments involving menstrual irregularity, premenstrual tension, painful periods and patterns associated with Qi stagnation affecting the lower abdomen.

It is often combined with points such as SP6, Ren 4, Ren 6 or LI4 depending on the practitioner’s diagnosis and treatment principle.

Digestive Tension

Liver Qi stagnation may affect the Spleen and Stomach, leading to digestive discomfort, bloating, abdominal tension or symptoms that worsen with stress.

In these cases, LV3 may be used alongside points such as ST36, SP6, Ren 12 or PC6 to help regulate Qi and support digestive function.

Muscular and Tendon Tension

The Liver is traditionally said to govern the tendons. LV3 may therefore be included in treatments for muscular tightness, tendon discomfort, cramps or general tension patterns, especially where these are linked with stress or Qi stagnation.

Needling Technique

LV3 is commonly needled obliquely or perpendicularly, depending on the practitioner’s technique, the patient’s anatomy and the treatment intention.

Typical needling:

• Oblique or perpendicular insertion

• Common depth: approximately 0.5–1 cun

• Needle carefully between the first and second metatarsal bones

A Deqi sensation may be felt as aching, heaviness, distension or a spreading sensation along the foot or channel pathway.

Practitioners should always use appropriate anatomical knowledge and clinical judgement when needling this area.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion may be used on LV3 in selected cases, although it is more commonly needled than treated with moxa.

Moxa may be considered where there is cold, deficiency or poor circulation, but it should be used carefully and according to the individual pattern presentation.

Clinical Applications

Liver Qi Stagnation

LV3 is one of the key points for moving Liver Qi. It is frequently used when the treatment principle is to soothe the Liver, move Qi and restore smoother internal circulation.

This makes it especially useful in stress-related patterns where emotional tension is accompanied by physical symptoms.

The Four Gates

LV3 is commonly paired with LI4 in the combination known as the Four Gates.

LI4 is located on the hand and LV3 is located on the foot. Together, they are traditionally used to strongly move Qi throughout the body. This combination is often selected where there is widespread Qi stagnation, pain, emotional constraint or tension.

Because this is a strong moving combination, it should be used with care and according to the patient’s constitution and clinical presentation.

Head and Eye Disorders

LV3 may be used as a distal point for symptoms affecting the head, eyes and face, especially where Liver Yang rising, Liver Fire or Liver Qi stagnation are involved.

It may be combined with local or distal points depending on the condition being treated.

Menstrual Regulation

LV3 is commonly used in menstrual treatments where Qi stagnation is part of the diagnosis. It may help support the movement of Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen and is frequently combined with SP6, LI4 or Ren channel points.

Stress-Related Digestive Complaints

When emotional stress affects digestion, LV3 may be used to help regulate Liver Qi and reduce its impact on the Spleen and Stomach. It is often combined with ST36, SP6, Ren 12 or PC6 in these presentations.

Common Point Combinations

LV3 + LI4

Known as the Four Gates. Used to strongly move Qi and Blood and address stagnation, pain and emotional constraint.

LV3 + SP6

Frequently used for Liver Qi stagnation with menstrual, emotional or lower abdominal presentations.

LV3 + ST36

Used where Liver Qi stagnation affects digestion or where stress contributes to digestive weakness or discomfort.

LV3 + GB20

Often used in patterns involving headaches, neck tension, dizziness or Liver Yang rising.

LV3 + PC6

A useful combination when emotional tension affects the chest, diaphragm or digestion.

LV3 + Ren 12

Used when Liver Qi affects the Stomach, especially with bloating, epigastric tension, nausea or stress-related digestive symptoms.

Contraindications and Cautions

LV3 is a strong moving point and should be used with appropriate clinical judgement.

Practitioners should take care in patients who are very weak, depleted or sensitive to strong stimulation. Caution is also advised during pregnancy, especially when LV3 is combined with other strong moving points such as LI4.

As always, treatment should be based on a full assessment, appropriate consent and recognised acupuncture safety standards.

Conclusion

LV3 / LR3 Taichong remains one of the most important and widely used acupuncture points in clinical practice. As the Yuan-Source point of the Liver channel, it has a strong role in moving Liver Qi, regulating stagnation, calming tension and supporting the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.

Its broad clinical value makes it especially useful in treatments involving stress, headaches, menstrual discomfort, digestive tension, emotional constraint and general Qi stagnation.

Whether used alone or as part of a classic combination such as the Four Gates, LV3 continues to be a central point for both students and experienced acupuncture practitioners.

Practitioner Disclaimer

This guide is intended for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners. It is provided for educational and professional reference only and should not be used as a substitute for appropriate clinical training, medical diagnosis or individualised treatment planning.

Acupuncture points should only be needled by suitably trained practitioners using sterile, single-use acupuncture needles and safe clinical technique. Point selection, needling depth, angle and stimulation should always be adapted to the individual patient, their constitution, medical history and presenting condition.

Patients with serious, persistent or worsening symptoms should be referred for appropriate medical assessment. Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for urgent or emergency medical care.

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