Along with controlling the filtering, detoxifying, replenishing, and storing of blood, the liver meridian is believed to govern the free flow of qi (vital energy) in the body. The liver is related to the emotions of anger, irritability, and frustration. Its positive attributes are kindness, compassion, and generosity. Suppressing emotions may cause this meridian to become imbalanced, which can result in fatigue and physical weakness.
The liver meridian has 14 points. Beginning by the inside of the big toenail, the meridian crosses the top of the foot, passes in front of the inside ankle and up the inner aspect of the leg through SP-6, close behind the edge of the bone. It continues past the knee along the inner thigh to the groin and pubic region, where it circulates the external genitals. It connects with the conception vessel in the lower abdomen and continues up around the stomach to enter both the liver and gallbladder.
Connecting with two surface points on the ribs, the channel then dips into the ribcage, runs up through the throat, opening to the eye, and ends at the crown of the head where it connects with the governing vessel. A branch circles the mouth. And from within the liver, another internal branch reaches the lungs, and this restarts the cycle of qi.