The liver resides under the right lower ribs. Its main physiological functions are storing and regulating blood, creating unrestrained conditions for qi (vital energy) flow. The body movement, emotions and menstruation are also associated with it. The eyes and nails are important external parameters for assessing its condition. The gallbladder stores bile which aids digestion and it also rules decision and is related to bravery. The liver meridian communicates with the gallbladder meridian creating an exterior and interior relationship. The two influence each other closely and have similar symptoms.

Liver syndromes	Meridians for the major acupoints	Recommended techniques
Stagnation of liver qi	The liver, gallbladder, stomach and spleen meridians	Reducing needling techniques
Flare up of liver fire	The liver and gallbladder meridians	Reducing needling techniques, or use "pricking" needles to draw small amount of blood from the appropriate acupoints
Transformation of liver yang into wind	The liver and governor vessel meridians as well as the twelve well points	Reducing needling techniques, or use "pricking" needles to draw small amount of blood from the appropriate acupoints
Deficiency of liver yin	The liver, gallbladder and kidney meridians	Even needling techniques
Localized symptoms along the course of the liver meridian e.g. cold pain in the lower abdomen, hernia and pain or heavy sensation in the scrotum	The liver meridian	Combining use of acupuncture and moxibustion

 

Gallbladder syndromes	Meridians for the major acupoints	Recommended techniques
Damp-heat retention in gallbladder	The gallbladder meridian, and also the back transport points and alarm points of the gallbladder	Reducing needling techniques
Deficiency of gallbladder qi	The gallbladder, liver and pericardium meridians as well as the back transport points of the gallbladder	Reinforcing needling techniques as well as moxibustion
Localized symptoms along the course of the gallbladder meridians e.g. numbness and pain	The gallbladder meridian	Either acupuncture or moxibustion

The liver meridian communicates with the gallbladder meridian creating an exterior and interior relationship. The two influence each other closely and have similar symptoms.