Dim Mak Pressure Point Liver 3 Tai Chong - An Example of Point Groups and Functions

In this dim mak pressure points article, we'll use Liver 3 Tai Chong as an example to help you understand the various groups and functions of pressure points used for self defence in the martial arts.

There are over a thousand pressure points on the human body, but only a selection of these are used in dim mak or pressure point fighting. All of these selected points can be placed in at least one of ten categories.

Over the last few articles we have covered some of these pressure point categories. You can find a fuller explanation of all ten categories in the reference manual, “Dim Mak The Art & Science of Deadly Pressure Point Fighting”, which is only available through Dim Mak World.

Keep in mind that having an understanding of the various groups of points and their functions is a key step in knowing how pressure points work on the human body.

While all points used in pressure point fighting fall into at least one of these categories, some points fall into more than one, as they perform more than one specific function. These are some of the most significant points in pressure point fighting. The more groups a point falls into, the more adverse the effects will be to an assailant when these points are struck.

Memorise that last paragraph because it is important.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the unique attributes of each individual point, and their categories. Knowing that all pressure points used in self-defence fall into one of ten categories, and that each category is specific by function, is a great aid in learning and memorising your points.

In addition, most of these categories give you extra information to help you remember the points included in them. For example, some categories specify location as well as function, and some tell you how many points are in the group.

If we look at Source Points (points that store the corresponding organ’s original Chi) as an example; there are 12 organs (called the Zhang Fu organs) in pressure point fighting; twelve organs, therefore twelve source points.

Source Points are located at the extremities of the body, below the elbows and knees. Even if you are unsure of, or cannot remember what the 12 points are, you already know that any points you use that are located on the head, face or trunk won’t be source points and therefore won’t directly affect an organ’s original Chi. There are, of course, other ways to affect an organ's orginal Chi.

Pressure Point Liver 3 Tai Chong - Supreme Assault

An example of a source point is Liver 3 Tai Chong, which is one of the main Top 36 Shaolin Deadly Pressure Points. Tai Chong is commonly translated as Supreme Assault. Put simply, it means "big rush or big dash" indicating a great thoroughfare, a strategic and important pathway for the flow of Chi. It is located on the foot, between the first and second metatarsals (the big toe and the second toe).

Liver 3 is usually struck with a heel stomp in self defence causing temporary paralysis of the foot and possibly multiple fractures of the bones of the foot. It also causes flaccidity and weakness of the leg with an inability to walk.

Apart from this point beign very painful, it also affects the regulation of blood flow through the body. hence blood pressure can rise or fall to dangerous levels. In Chinese medicine, it is the Liver that is responsible for the smooth flow of blood throughout the mind and body.

This is an excellent point for small or short people to use in defence. It is best used as a pressure point to weaken your opponent and then a follow up with a strike to another major point is necessary to complete the defence.

In summary, the more you understand the links between the location of points, the specific group they belong to; and therefore the functions they perform, the better you’ll be at selecting points appropriately in a self-defence situation.

You’ll also begin to see why some points work well in certain combinations, and other combinations produce less effective results. Your aim in combining points is to increase your effectiveness, but to do this you need to understand the functions of each point so that you can choose points that will increase, or compliment, the effect of your initial strike.

In dim mak, combining pressure points can be a little like combining ingredients. Get it right and it’s a taste sensation, get it wrong and you’ve ruined the lot! The more you understand your ingredients, the better you’re chance of success.

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