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Figure of the Liver

The Classic states: The Liver is the official of the General, from whom strategies and plans emerge. It is also stated: The Liver is the root of endurance against fatigue, and the residence of the Hun (Ethereal Soul). Its brilliance manifests in the nails, its nourishment fills the sinews, it generates blood and qi, it is the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) within the Yang, and it communicates with the Qi of Spring.

Qibo said: The East corresponds to the color Green, which internally connects to the Liver. It opens into the eyes, stores essence in the Liver, and its diseases manifest as fright and terror. Its flavor is Sour, its category is Wood and Plants, its animal is the Chicken, its grain is Wheat, and it corresponds to the four seasons. In the heavens, it corresponds to the Year Star (Jupiter), thus indicating that the Qi of Spring resides in the head. Its musical note is Jue (Ang), its number is eight, thus indicating that disease resides in the sinews. Its odor is Fishy, its voice is Shouting, its fluid is Tears, and its color is Green. The East generates Wind; Wind generates Wood; Wood generates Sour; Sour generates the Liver; the Liver generates Sinews; Sinews generate the Heart. The Liver governs the Eyes. In Heaven, it is profound (Xuan); in Humanity, it is the Dao; on Earth, it is transformation (Hua), which generates the Five Flavors. The Dao generates Knowledge; Xuan generates Spirit (Shen). Spirit in Heaven is Wind; on Earth is Wood; in the Body is Sinew; in the Zang Organs is the Liver; in Color is Cang (Green/Blue); in Sound is Jue; in Voice is Shouting; in Movement is Grasping/Clenching; in Orifice is the Eye; in Flavor is Sour; in Emotion is Anger. Anger injures the Liver; Grief overcomes Anger; Wind injures Sinews; Dryness overcomes Wind; Sour injures Sinews; Pungency overcomes Sour.

The Meridian of Foot-Jueyin-Liver originates at the pubic hair on the big toe, ascends along the medial aspect of the dorsum of the foot, one cun anterior to the medial malleolus. The area behind the nail of the big toe with three hairs is called "Sanmao" (Three Hairs); the transverse crease behind Sanmao is called "Jumao" (Gathered Hair). Ascending eight cun above the ankle, it crosses posterior to the Foot-Taiyin-Spleen meridian, follows the medial aspect of the thigh, enters the pubic region, circles the genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder. It ascends through the diaphragm, spreads in the hypochondriac region, follows the posterior aspect of the throat, enters the nasopharynx (Hangsang), connects with the optic nerve system (Muxi), ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex. A branch descends from the Muxi to the interior of the cheek, circling the inside of the lips. Another branch diverges from the Liver, pierces the diaphragm, and ascends to pour into the Lungs.

Dadun (LR1): Located at the tip of the big toe, approximately the width of a leek leaf away from the nail corner, within the Sanmao. Another view states that Yinbai (SP1) is on the medial side, while Dadun is on the lateral side. This point is the Jing-Well (Water) point of the Foot-Jueyin-Liver Meridian. Needle 2 fen, moxa 3 cones.

[Indications]: Wu Lin (Five Types of Strangury), Qi Shi (Seven Types of Hernia), frequent urination with incontinence, pain in the genitals radiating to the lower abdomen, uterine prolapse with bleeding or metrorrhagia, Shijue (Corpse-like Coma). Treatment principle: Treat the right side for left-sided disease, and the left side for right-sided disease.

Xingjian (LR2): Located in the depression between the big toe and the second toe, where the arterial pulse is palpable. This point is the Ying-Spring (Fire) point of the Foot-Jueyin-Liver Meridian. Needle 3 fen, moxa 3 cones.