Taechung (LR3) vs Baihui (GV20) — Which Acupoint Is Right for You?

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Why Compare Taechung and Baihui?

When you’re stressed, your head feels like it’s about to explode and your chest feels tight, right? Taechung draws rising heat and anger downward from the feet, while Baihui unblocks stuck energy from the very top of the head. One “sends energy down” while the other “sends energy up” — completely opposite approaches. Which method suits your stress better?

Taechung (LR3) — The ‘Anger Extinguisher’ Between the Big Toe and Second Toe

Taechung is located between the big toe and second toe bones on the top of the foot. It belongs to the Liver meridian.

How to Find It

On the top of the foot, find where the big toe and second toe split apart and slide your finger about two finger-widths toward the ankle. It’s in the depression between the bones!

How to Press

Press firmly with your thumb, 1–2 minutes

Best For

• Stress
• Headaches
• Anger
• Eye fatigue

Baihui (GV20) — The ‘Crown Energy Hub’ at the Top of the Head

Baihui is located at the very center of the crown of the head. It belongs to the Governing Vessel (Du Mai).

How to Find It

Where the line connecting the tops of both ears meets the line running from the nose over the head to the back — that’s the very top of the crown! You can feel a slight depression.

How to Press

Gently tap or press steadily with your fingertip, 1 minute

Best For

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Concentration

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Acupoint Is Right for You?

• “I’m so angry my face is red and my head hurts” → Taechung first! It draws rising heat and anger downward.
• “Stress is making my head foggy and I can’t concentrate” → Baihui first! It opens up the energy flow in the head for clarity.
• “I keep getting irritated and can’t hold it in” → Taechung! It’s the specialist for calming Liver fire.
• “Stress makes me dizzy with a heavy head” → Baihui! Stimulating the crown brings clarity.
• “Chronic stress has exhausted both my body and mind” → Both! Use Taechung to lower the heat and Baihui to raise the energy.

Even Better When Pressed Together!

When stress is severe, try pressing in this order: Taechung (foot) → Baihui (head). First, release the heat from below with Taechung, then ventilate the energy from above with Baihui — like throwing open a window in a stuffy room. Your head will feel refreshingly clear. Just 5 minutes is enough!

Frequently Asked Questions