LIV3 (LR3) Taichong Dog Acupuncture Point
Tài Chōng 太冲Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of LIV3 (LR3) Taichong in dogs, including anatomical location, liver regulation and emotional balance applications, Four Gates pairing, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 太冲 |
| Pinyin | Tài Chōng |
| Alternative Name | LR3 = LIV3 = LV3 = Liver 3 (same point, different notation) |
| Meridian | Liver Meridian (LIV / LR) |
| Anatomical Location | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals, proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint, in the webbed space on the hind leg below the hock joint. On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, approximately 1.5 cun from the web margin, along the extension of the interdigit line. |
| Main Indications | Headache, dizziness, insomnia, liver disease, LIV Qi stagnation, irritability, depression, anxiety, hind limb paralysis, eye disorders, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, migraines, digestive issues (slow digestion, bloating, constipation), hypertension, cognitive decline. |
| Classical Function | ⭐ Yuan-Source; Key liver regulation point (Four Gates). |
| Meridian Color | Liver Meridian | Wood | Green |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, LIV3 is the most important tonification and regulation point for dogs with Liver Qi stagnation, emotional imbalances, and post-castration hormone balance.
TCVM practitioners often include LIV3 in protocols aimed at regulating Liver Qi, relieving stagnation, tonifying Blood, harmonizing the meridians, calming the Shen, and balancing emotions.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This educational content is not intended to replace professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary acupuncturist.
Four Gates Point
LIV3 is one of the Four Gates, paired with LI4 (Hegu). This classic combination is used to regulate Qi and blood throughout the body, reduce pain, and calm the mind. It is especially powerful for stress, irritability, depression, and cognitive decline.
LIV3 Canine Acupuncture Point — Dorsal Hind Paw
Webbed space between 2nd & 3rd metatarsals, proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint. Use area for TCVM diagram reference.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
This point lies on your dog's hind leg, below the hock joint, in the webbed space lying between the two metatarsal bones that lie closest to the mid-line of your dog's body (2nd and 3rd metatarsals). Find the metatarsal bones of the hind leg, right above the metatarsophalangeal joint (the paw joint) and slip over the most inside (medial) bone into the tiny web between the bones. On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, approximately 1.5 cun from the web margin.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Headache & Dizziness: A classic point for Liver Yang rising causing headaches, migraines, and dizziness.
- Insomnia: Frequently referenced for sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mental imbalance due to Liver Qi stagnation.
- Liver disease: The primary point for liver Qi stagnation, supporting liver function and digestive issues (bloating, constipation).
- Emotional balance: Key point for irritability, depression, anxiety, and stress-related tension. Helps reduce irritability and anger through improved energy flow.
- Hind limb paralysis: Used for paralysis of hind limbs and LIV Qi stagnation in veterinary acupuncture.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, LIV3 is often paired with other liver, emotional balance, and Four Gates points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with LI4 (Hegu) as the classic Four Gates combination to regulate Qi and blood throughout the body, reduce pain, and calm the mind.
Often combined with LIV2, LIV14, and ST36 for liver Qi stagnation, digestive issues, and hypochondriac bloating.
Highly effective for helping dogs after castration. Harmonizes chi flow, assists with post-castration hormone balance, improves post-surgical healing, and helps with post-operative pain.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, LIV3 is positioned on the dorsum of the hind foot and is a key point for emotional processing and stress response, positively influencing brain regions tied to these functions.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader liver, emotional balance, pain, and cognitive decline-support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and medical management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because LIV3 lies in a small space between metatarsal bones, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Recommended technique: needle perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun (or 1.5 cun towards KI1 in human acupuncture).
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure can use gentle, firm pressure on this point for 3–5 minutes daily on both hind legs. Dogs that will benefit most sometimes react strongly when you first apply gentle pressure, but this response usually passes quickly and turns to relaxation.
Editorial & Veterinary Review
This educational resource was prepared by the PetAcu editorial team using veterinary acupuncture references, TCVM educational materials, canine rehabilitation resources, and integrative veterinary literature.
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