The liver stores blood and regulates blood flow. When the liver is not functioning properly, the blood circulation can be affected. Massaging the liver meridian can help to some extent in promoting blood flow. So, what is the best time to massage the liver meridian?
The Best Time to Massage the Liver Meridian
Spring is the season to nourish the liver. The liver connects to the eyes through the liver and gallbladder meridians.
The best time to massage the liver meridian is during the period of the Ox (1:00-3:00 am). During this time, the flow of Qi and blood in the liver meridian is active. The liver needs to eliminate old blood and produce fresh blood during this time. Therefore, the period of the Ox is an important time for liver repair. However, most people are asleep during this time, so it is best to massage the liver meridian before going to bed.
Benefits of Massage on the Liver Meridian
Massaging the liver meridian can enhance liver Qi and relieve hypertension. It also has certain preventive effects on the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood cholesterol) in middle-aged and elderly people. In addition, regular massage on the liver meridian can promote detoxification and weight loss, making it a commonly used meridian for female health.
Order of Massage on the Liver Meridian
Sit straight and tap from the root of the thigh to the foot, or lie flat on the bed with one leg straight and the other leg bent inward. Then, ask someone to help you tap on the liver meridian for 3-5 minutes on each leg.
Main Acupoints of the Liver Meridian
Taichong (LV3): Located on the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the big toe, about 0.1 cun from the corner of the toenail. It has the effects of rescuing Yang and reversing collapse, regulating menstruation, and promoting urination.
Xingjian (LV2): Located on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression behind the margin of the web between the first and second toes. It has the effects of clearing liver heat, cooling blood, calming the mind, and activating collaterals.
Taichong (LV3): Located on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression behind the first metatarsal bone. It is the intersection of the liver meridian and the foot jueyin meridian. It has the effects of soothing liver and clearing heat, and regulating the lower energizer.
Zhongfeng (LV4): Located on the dorsal side of the foot, between the anterior tibial tendon and the extensor hallucis longus tendon. It has the effects of clearing and purging the liver and gallbladder, relaxing tendons, and promoting the flow of lower energizer.
Ligou (LV5): Located on the inner anterior side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the inner ankle, in the groove between the gastrocnemius muscle and the inner side of the tibia. It has the effects of soothing liver, regulating Qi, and stopping abnormal uterine bleeding.
Ququan (LV8): Located on the inner side of the knee, at the medial end of the popliteal crease, behind the medial condyle of the femur, in the depression in front of the termination of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles. It has the effects of clearing and purging damp-heat, and regulating the lower energizer.
Main Diseases Treated by the Liver Meridian
The acupoints of this meridian treat diseases related to the liver, gallbladder, urinary system, reproductive system, nervous system, and the areas crossed by this meridian, such as chest and abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, enuresis, nocturnal emission, and irregular menstruation.
