The Liver Meridian (LR) is one of the twelve main meridians. Its functions include regulating and storing blood, and governing diseases of the liver, gallbladder, reproductive system, and eyes. This meridian begins at the big toe, runs along the inner side of the leg, through the reproductive area, up the abdomen and ribs, and ends at the Qimen acupoint (chest).

The Liver Meridian has a main path and side branches:

Main Pathway:

  1. Starting point: From the outer corner of the big toe nail (Da Dun point).
  2. Upward path: Along the dorsum of the foot, to one cun in front of the inner ankle.
  3. Conjunction: Meets the Tai Yin Spleen Meridian at the lower leg, then crosses behind the Tai Yin Spleen Meridian at a position eight cun above the inner ankle.
  4. Continuing path: Upward path along the inner side of the knee, along the inner thigh.
  5. Genital area: Enters the pubic hair area, circling around the external genitalia.
  6. Abdominal area: Upward to the lower abdomen, parallel to the Stomach Meridian (about 2 cun from the midline of the abdomen). The Liver has a superficial-internal relationship with the Gallbladder.
  7. Transverse diaphragm: Passes through the diaphragm, distributed in the rib area.
  8. Throat area: Along the back of the trachea and larynx, up to the soft palate.
  9. Facial area: Connects with the blood vessel system around the eyes (eye system), to the forehead.
  10. Top of the head: Converges with the Governing Vessel at the Bai Hui point.

Branches:

  • Branch 1: From the vascular system around the eyes (vein system) down to the cheek, circling inward towards the lip.
  • Branch 2: From the Liver, passing through the diaphragm, entering the Lungs, connecting with the Tai Yin Lung Meridian. This is the end point of a cycle of vital energy, beginning with the Lung Meridian.