LIV3 Tai Chong (太冲) Dog Acupuncture Point
In dogs, LIV3 (Tai Chong, 太冲) is a point on the Liver meridian. Location: On the hind paw between the second and third toes, slightly underneath half the length of the metatarsal bones on the widest place between the bones. Traditional indications in this chart include liver and gallbladder problems, muscle spasms, muscle pain due to deposits of toxic substances.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- LIV3
- Pinyin
- Tai Chong
- Chinese name
- 太冲
- Meridian
- Liver
- Element or system
- Wood
- Point category and notes
- Yuan-Source; Key liver regulation point (Four Gates)
Where is LIV3 Tai Chong on a dog?
On the hind paw between the second and third toes, slightly underneath half the length of the metatarsal bones on the widest place between the bones.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Want LIV3 Tai Chong on a chart you can keep? Our editable dog acupuncture points map and cards are an instant download you can print or edit for study notes and clinic handouts.
Traditional indications
- Liver and gallbladder problems
- muscle spasms
- muscle pain due to deposits of toxic substances
- headache
- epilepsy
- eye problems
- tendency to anxiety and insecurity
- impatience
- vertigo
- coxarthrosis and hip joint dysplasia
- urogenital disorders
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in dogs.
Dog conditions that mention LIV3 Tai Chong
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside LIV3 Tai Chong
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
See these points together on a printable dog acupuncture point chart with English and Chinese names, available as a digital download from PetAcu.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point, the size of the dog and its condition. Cautions in the source atlas: Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about LIV3 Tai Chong
Where is LIV3 Tai Chong on a dog?
On the hind paw between the second and third toes, slightly underneath half the length of the metatarsal bones on the widest place between the bones. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is LIV3 Tai Chong used for in veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists liver and gallbladder problems, muscle spasms, muscle pain due to deposits of toxic substances, headache, epilepsy, eye problems, tendency to anxiety and insecurity, impatience and others as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use LIV3 Tai Chong at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Is there a printable or downloadable dog acupuncture point chart?
Yes. PetAcu offers a printable dog acupuncture point chart and illustrated point cards as an instant digital download, with English and Chinese names, so points such as LIV3 Tai Chong are easy to find again. Editable files are available for study notes and clinic handouts. See the printable dog acupuncture point cards or browse PetAcu digital products. A chart is a learning and reference aid, not a treatment plan.
Learn more and next steps
Printable dog acupuncture point cards
Illustrated cards showing common dog points, with English and Chinese names and Five Element colour coding. Instant download on Gumroad.
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Original PetAcu charts and reference materials for students, veterinary professionals and curious owners, with more species and clinic materials in preparation.
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Other Liver points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats: A Pocket Atlas (Eul-Matern, Thieme, 2nd edition, 2022). Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas. Looking for a downloadable version? Get the dog acupuncture chart and point cards or other PetAcu digital charts.