DIY ACUPRESSURE SPOTLIGHT ON LIVER 3 OR TAI CHONG
Acupressure is a great alternative for people who would like to explore traditional Chinese medicine but have a fear of needles. In this modality an educated acupuncturist will be able to diagnose according to traditional Chinese theory, and using their finger pressure, stimulate points along pathways of energy to help heal the body.
For a quick fix, there are also a few overall tonifying points on the body that you or a friend can stimulate in order to help alleviate common aches and ailments. In this series I will give you a common acupressure point, and a brief overview, so that you or a partner can give yourself a little DIY at-home acupressure when needed!
Liver 3 or Tai Chong
Tai Chong, a very popular acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine, translates to Great Surge. This point is on the liver channel, and in Chinese medicine the liver has a strong influence on the flow of all the energy or qi in the body. Many factors outside the body may affect the natural smooth flow of energy, including inclement weather, life/work stressors and emotional disturbances. This point helps to keep you in balance physically and emotionally by encouraging and maintaining the body’s naturally smooth flow of qi.
In a more every-day explanation, Liver 3 can help with stress reduction, headache, anger or depression, dizziness, red/dry/itchy eyes, gynecological issues or sexual dysfunction in both men and women, fatigue and digestive issues…the list could go on!
This pair of points is located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, near where the first and second metatarsal bones join. Rub around this area with your thumb or pointer finger to find the sore/sensitive point.
Once you find the point, you can stimulate it lightly with pressure from your finger. Some people believe it is best to use your middle finger, or pointer finger. Pressure does not have to be hard to stimulate the point. This can be done as a constant pressure or a pulsating pressure for a few minutes throughout the day. Personally, I like to stimulate this point during forward folds in yoga!