LR3 Tài Chōng

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LR3 (Tài Chōng, “Tài Chōng”) is the Shu-Stream point of the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun proximal to the margin of the web between the first and second toes. The point is located over the pulsation of the dorsal pedal artery. It spreads Liver Qi, subdues internal Wind, clears heat from the blood, regulates the lower jiao, and calms the spirit.

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun proximal to the margin of the web between the first and second toes. The point is located over the pulsation of the dorsal pedal artery.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Avoid the dorsal pedal artery.

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TCM functions

Spreads Liver Qi, subdues internal Wind, clears heat from the blood, regulates the lower jiao, and calms the spirit..

Indications

Jaundice, epidemic jaundice (ma huang), epidemic disease, axillary swelling, scrofula (ma dao), sores, breast abscess (ru yong), women's leakage of blood, women's hernia, swelling of the lower abdomen, difficult urination (long), bedwetting, genital pain, dark and dusty complexion, pain below the eye, heart pain with a wiry pulse, shoulder swelling, lip injury, lassitude with swelling, lower back pain extending to the small abdomen, retraction of both testicles, watery diarrhea, difficult bowel movements, bloody stools, urinary dripping, small intestine hernia pain, hernia, vomiting blood, vomiting, cold sensation, dry throat, thirst, elbow swelling, pain in the front of the inner ankle, numbness and weakness of the limbs, sourness in the limbs, swollen lips, sudden hernia in children, heart pain with a death-like pale green complexion, inability to catch one's breath all day, difficult labor, retained placenta, postpartum bleeding, blood stasis in the lower abdomen..

Shu-StreamYuan-Source

Clinical notes

As the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Liver channel, Tai Chong is a principal point for regulating the Liver's function of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. It is exceptionally versatile, used for conditions of excess such as anger, headache, and hypertension, as well as for deficiency patterns involving Liver blood or yin, such as menstrual irregularities and dizziness. Its ability to treat issues in the head, chest, abdomen, and genitals demonstrates its powerful influence over the entire channel and its associated organ.

On the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin channel

LR3 is one of 14 points on the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LR3 located?

LR3 (Tài Chōng) is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun proximal to the margin of the web between the first and second toes. The point is located over the pulsation of the dorsal pedal artery.

What is LR3 used for?

LR3 spreads Liver Qi, subdues internal Wind, clears heat from the blood, regulates the lower jiao, and calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include jaundice, epidemic jaundice (ma huang), epidemic disease, axillary swelling, scrofula (ma dao), sores, breast abscess (ru yong), women's leakage of blood, women's hernia, swelling of the lower abdomen, difficult urination (long), bedwetting, genital pain, dark and dusty complexion, pain below the eye, heart pain with a wiry pulse, shoulder swelling, lip injury, lassitude with swelling, lower back pain extending to the small abdomen, retraction of both testicles, watery diarrhea, difficult bowel movements, bloody stools, urinary dripping, small intestine hernia pain, hernia, vomiting blood, vomiting, cold sensation, dry throat, thirst, elbow swelling, pain in the front of the inner ankle, numbness and weakness of the limbs, sourness in the limbs, swollen lips, sudden hernia in children, heart pain with a death-like pale green complexion, inability to catch one's breath all day, difficult labor, retained placenta, postpartum bleeding, blood stasis in the lower abdomen.

How is LR3 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Avoid the dorsal pedal artery. Caution: Avoid puncturing the dorsal pedal artery, which is often palpable at this location.

Which meridian is LR3 on?

LR3 is a point on the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian (Zú Juéyīn Gānjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.