Feeling Stuck This Spring? Seven Reasons To Press Between Your Toes!

Say "Hi" to Taichong, or Liver 3.  This is the acupuncture point that gets things moving!  Known as "Great Pouring," this point circulates blood which bathes and calms all organ systems.

It's found on the top of the foot in a tender depression between the first and second toes.  Press on the point, or rub the line between the point and the web between the toes until it's not tender.  Repeat on the other foot.

What does this have to do with spring?  In traditional Chinese medicine, humans are viewed as microcosms of the environment that surrounds them.  Seasons, especially transitional times when we move from one season to the next, factor significantly how we feel physically and emotionally.  

Each season is linked to an organ system, and springtime energy matches the Liver's energy.  It's outward moving.  It's expansive.  It's regenerating.  But as the Liver adjusts to the transition from winter to spring, the functions that the Liver is responsible for can become out of whack.

Certain symptoms commonly show up as the Liver is finding its strength in the spring.  Some symptoms:

• You feel extra tense
• You have headaches and other aches and pains
• Your muscles are really stiff
• Your menstrual cramps are worse
• Your fuse is shorter than normal
• Your digestion is messed up
• Your eyes are bothering you

In traditional Chinese medicine,  the Liver system is in charge of keeping everything flowing smoothly in the body.  If the Liver is not functioning well, you will notice emotional stress, rigid posture, shallow breathing, or jaw clenching.  Your pain might feel like a tightness, pressure, or restriction.  You can also feel emotionally stuck by being more easily annoyed, extra irritable, or quicker to anger.  Applying pressure to Liver 3 will get things moving like no other acupressure point.  If you're still feeling out of balance, see your acupuncturist!
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​If you only remember one acupuncture point this spring, make it Liver 3!