The liver is responsible for dredging and excreting, and it has physiological functions such as smoothness, expansion, regulation, dispersion, and circulation. When the liver functions normally, the liver qi is mild and smooth, and a person's emotions and mental state can reach a state of tranquility and balance. At the same time, the liver has a regulating effect on the overall qi movement of the body, effectively balancing and coordinating the ascending and descending movements of various organs and tissues in the body. There are many ways to maintain liver health, let's take a look at where to massage to nourish and protect the liver.
Massage Liver Shu Point to Nourish the Liver and Blood
The liver shu point is located on the back, below the ninth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side.
Massage method: Sit or stand upright, place both hands on the back, place the thumbs on the acupoints, and use the fingertip to vertically knead the acupoints. The strength should be moderate, causing a slight soreness. Massage once in the morning and evening, for 1-3 minutes each time.
Massage benefits: The liver is responsible for dredging and excreting. Massaging the liver shu point can promote digestion and the transformation of food and nutrients in the body. Furthermore, the liver shu point is the reflection point of the liver on the back. Massaging the liver shu point can soften the liver and nourish the liver blood. When the liver blood is abundant, it can ensure the normal functioning of liver qi.
Massage Zhangmen Point to Regulate Liver Qi
Lie on your back or lie on your side. The acupoint is on the midline of the armpit, when the arm is flexed at the armpit, the elbow tip is the location of the acupoint.
Massage method: Stand upright, place the thumbs on both sides of the acupoints, and bend the other four fingers. Use the fingertip of the thumbs to vertically knead the acupoints. The strength should cause a slight distending pain. Massage for 1-3 minutes.
Massage benefits: Promote qi circulation, regulate liver and spleen, and dispel qi stagnation. "Zhangmen" refers to the strong wind qi of the liver meridian stopping here. It is an acupoint on the foot jueyin liver meridian and is the meeting point of the zang organs. Massaging Zhangmen can help the liver to dredge qi movement and maintain normal liver excretion.
Massage Qimen Point to Regulate Liver and Activate Blood Circulation
Qimen is located on the chest, directly below the nipple, 4 inches to the side of the midline.
Massage method: Press down with the fingertip or knuckle and perform circular massage for 2 minutes.
Massage benefits: Qimen acupoint belongs to the foot jueyin liver meridian, which is the "recruitment" point of the liver meridian. The liver is an important detoxification organ in the body. If the liver fails to dredge and excrete, toxins in the body cannot be eliminated properly, leading to symptoms such as constipation and bad breath. Stimulating this acupoint can enhance liver detoxification function.
Massage Taichong Point to Reduce Liver Heat
Taichong is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression behind the first metatarsal bone gap.
Massage method: Sit with both legs together and flexed. Place the thumbs on the acupoints and use the fingertip of the thumbs to knead the acupoints. The strength should cause a slight soreness. Massage for 3-5 minutes, then repeat the same method on the other side.
Massage benefits: Pacify liver and reduce heat, nourish liver and blood, clear and regulate the lower burner. "Taichong" refers to the water damp wind qi of the liver meridian rushing upwards here. Taichong is an acupoint on the foot jueyin liver meridian. Massaging Taichong can relieve liver meridian damp-heat and soften and nourish the liver.
Massage Dadun Point to Nourish the Liver and Benefit the Blood
Dadun is located on the foot, on the outside of the distal end of the big toe, 0.1 cun (inch) behind the corner of the toenail.
Massage method: Use the fingertip of the thumb to knead Dadun for 3-5 minutes, pressing vertically on the surface of the acupoint. The pressure should cause a local sore and distending sensation.
Massage benefits: Dadun acupoint is on the liver meridian, and the liver is responsible for storing blood. If emotions are depressed and fire accumulates for a long time, improper blood circulation can lead to various bleeding disorders. Combining with Yinbai acupoint can treat bleeding disorders. Since the liver meridian runs around the reproductive organs, stimulating Dadun acupoint can also be more effective in treating male and female reproductive organ diseases and itching.
Massage Gallbladder Meridian to Dredge Liver Qi
The course of the Gallbladder Meridian: The main trunk of the meridian (direct pathway) descends from the cheekbone to the armpit, passes through the sides of the chest and the lower part of the ribs, converges at the hip, descends along the outer side of the thigh, passes the knee and the fibula, goes down in front of the ankle, branches out on the dorsum of the foot, and disperses into the gap between the fourth toe and the fifth toe. It exits between the first and second metatarsal bones, turns around the nail and exits at the hair follicles on the dorsum of the toe, connecting with the Jueyin Liver Meridian.
Massage method: The Gallbladder Meridian does not require effort to find. Just tap gently along the outer side of the lower limb from the sole of the foot to the root of the thigh, using appropriate strength, until there is a slight soreness. Repeat 10-20 times each time.
Massage benefits: The liver and gallbladder are mutually related. Massaging the Gallbladder Meridian is also a good method to dredge liver qi.
