Location

on the dorsum of the foot, in the hollow at the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones.

note; this point is easily located by running the finger along the space between the big toe and second toe until it falls into the depression at the junction of the bases of the first and second metatarsals.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 inch

moxa is OK

Actions

Spreads liver Qi
Subdues liver yang and extinguishes wind
Nourishes liver blood and liver yin
Clears the head and eyes
Regulates menstruation
Regulates the lower jiao

Signs and Symptoms

headace, dizziness, vertigo, insomnia, congestion, swelling/pain of the eye, depression, infantile convulsion, deviation of the mouth, pain in the hypochrondiac region, uterine bleeding, hernia, eneurisis, retention of urine, epilepsy, local foot pain.

Commentary

Taichong is arguably one of the most important Acupuncture points on the body, if not on the Liver channel because of its ability to treat any kind pain in any location.

Taichong is the 12th Heavenly Star point, being added to Ma Dan-Yang's original 11, during the Ming dynasty.

Taichong's main action is to promote the free and easy flow of Qi in the body, which is the function of the Liver itself. When Qi is flowing easily, like a mountain stream, disharmony does not arise and there is no illness.

Taichong is indicated in all cases of stagnant Qi. Qi stagnation arises in 3 ways;
i) suppression of all emotions, but especially anger
ii) if the Liver itself is not nourished
iii) the presence of a pathogen obstructing the Liver's function.

Given the Liver's function, disharmony here has consequences in every other organ and throughout the body. Qi can stagnate anywhere and prolonged Qi stagnation leads to Blood stagnation. In both cases, pain is the symptom. Qi stagnation is indicated by relatively mild, pain that tends to move around. Blood stagnation is indicated by fixed, stabbing, and severe pain. As Qi is the engine that moves blood in all cases of pain, mild or severe, Taichong is indicated.

The Liver opens into the eyes so Taichong is indicated for any eye disorder including blurry vision, spots, redness, swelling, drooping eyelids, any kind of pain in the eyes, and any kind of unusual movement of the eyelids.

The Liver channel connects with the Du extraordinary channel at Baihui (Du 20), the topmost point on the body and in this manner Taichong is indicated for headache, especially at the vertex and dizziness.

Another function of the Liver is to store blood, acting as a reservoir to maintain proper levels of blood in the vessels. In this way, the Liver is closely related to the menstrual cycle. As well, the Liver channel connects with the Ren channel at three points on the lower abdomen which reinforces this connection to the menstrual cycle. Any disharmony in the Liver, then, will give rise to menstrual disorders and pain.

Failure of Qi to flow freely may cause constipation, difficult defecation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Taichong is specifically indicated for this latter condition.

Finally, Taichong is paired with Hegu (Li4) in a combination known classically as 'The Four Gates'. The Four Gates are indicated for any painful obstruction anywhere in the body and especially useful for such modern conditions as Fibromyalgia.