Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin (LR)
The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin does not have a particularly long pathway, nor does it have many acupoints, but its functions are by no means insignificant. It can be regarded as a great general guarding the body. It originates from the medial corner of the nail of the great toe, ascends to the ankle, then runs upward along the medial aspect of the leg, traveling between the Kidney Meridian and the Spleen Meridian, and finally reaches the margin of the ribs (hypochondrium).
Active Hours
Chou hour, Liver Meridian
Functions
The Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot), in the chapter "Meridians" (Jing Mai), records the disorders of this meridian: "Lower back pain with inability to bend forward or backward, protrusion hernia (tui shan) in men, swelling of the lower abdomen in women. In severe cases, dryness of the throat, and a dusty, lusterless complexion."
Related Conditions
Visceral patterns (Zang-fu symptoms): insomnia, irritability, a bluish-gray complexion, sallow skin, constipation, scanty reddish urine, poor appetite, and distension and oppressive fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, etc. Meridian patterns (Jing-luo symptoms): When the Liver Meridian is diseased, there will generally be distension and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, lower abdominal pain, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, dizziness, hernia, and emotional depression or irritability.
Daily Care
This is the time for the liver to repair itself. During the Chou hour (1:00–3:00 a.m.), one must enter a state of deep sleep so that the liver can receive the most abundant energy. For daily liver nourishment, engage in moderate exercise, avoid irritability and anger, and refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating foods. During the Chou hour, make sure to lie still in bed and remain asleep. If you suffer from insomnia for several consecutive days, you may employ cupping therapy to stimulate the Qimen (LR14) acupoint on the Liver Meridian and the Riyue (GB24) acupoint on the Gallbladder Meridian, so as to maintain and care for the Liver Meridian.
Acupoints
No acupoints listed for this meridian yet.