As mentioned in our recent blog on How to Balance your Liver Energy During the Spring (Part 1), the Liver is the dominant channel during the Spring season. Besides herbal medicine, proper diet, and exercise, acupuncture and/or acupressure along the Liver and Gallbladder channels on a regular basis can help keep Liver energy balanced and prevent health problems associated with Liver and Gallbladder function from a TCM perspective. This includes issues such as headaches, musculoskeletal tension, chest or abdominal discomfort, an overactive sympathetic nervous system, hormonal imbalances, and PMS symptoms, to name a few. Three essential acupuncture points to help keep you balanced energetically this season are Liver 3, Liver 14, and Gallbladder 20.
How can I keep my Liver energy balanced remotely?
We understand that some patients are still weary of coming in for acupuncture treatments. While acupressure can never replace the benefits of getting a full acupuncture treatment, you can still gain benefits from incorporating a daily acupressure practice on yourself as part of your Spring self-care routine. By massaging these 3 points daily, it can help with diminishing Spring fatigue or unrest and get energy moving again by unblocking stagnation in the meridians.
Below are Liver and Gallbladder points, which together belong to the element of Wood:
#1 Liver 3 “Great Rushing” - This point is used to diminish all kinds of pain including headaches. This is a good spot for those who experience tension on the chest, abdomen, or bloating. Massaging on this point helps with expressing anger, frustrations, and letting go of certain emotions in a calm, grounded away.
Location: In the hollow depression located distal to the metatarsals of the first and second toe (refer to black dots in the image on the left).
Application: Use your thumb to apply pressure in a circular motion for 30 seconds - 1 minute
Contra Indication: do not use this point if you are pregnant
#2 Liver 14 “Gate of Hope” - This point creates breathing room in the chest, allowing “space” for a sense of peace for the body and mind. To help with any emotional stagnation, Liver 14 relaxes any frustration or any feeling of being stuck.
Location: Perpendicular under the nipple, at the level of the lowest part of the sternum (refer to black dots in the image on the right)
Application: Press firmly in the area with your fingertips (refer to black dots). Massage the two points for 30 seconds - 1 minute
#3 Gallbladder 20 “Wind Pool” - This point can help those with headaches, migraines, neck muscle tension, eye blurriness or fatigue, and cold/fly symptoms. Massaging this point reduces tension when it is caused by frustration or unrest.
Location: In the hollow edge of the skull between the ear and the spine (refer to black dots in the image on the left)
Application: Use your thumbs or fingertips to apply pressure and massage in circular motion for 30 seconds - 1 minute.
More Springtime Resources
Don't forget to read Part 1 of How to Balance your Livery Energy During the Springtime where we talk more about the dietary and lifestyle guidelines for optimal health during the Spring season here!
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