Liver 13: The Opening of a Beautiful Composition

Acupuncture points are chosen for many reasons—their location, energy, the systems they support, or even their names. In the late 1980s, a numbering system was introduced to make it easier to learn the points, and names became optional. But in doing so, we began to lose something important: the stories, memories, and messages each point carries.

I recently gave a talk at Surrey Holistic in Godalming, where I shared my reflections on the deeper meaning behind acupuncture point names. One point, in particular, has become a close friend lately—Liver 13, also known as Chapter Gate, or my favorite translation, “The Opening of a Beautiful Composition.”

For me, this point feels like a spring morning—fresh, full of possibility, and quietly optimistic. It reminds us of the gentle yet powerful transition from winter to spring. There’s a refreshing movement, a letting go of what’s old and no longer needed, and a tender reaching forward toward growth. It’s that beautiful in-between moment where life starts to reawaken.

And how can we not feel joy when everything around us is starting to bloom? After winter’s long, slow hibernation, our plans begin to sprout again as we find the energy to move towards the light. There seems to be a lot more optimism in the clinic among patients as we start to feel the energetics of Spring and the year of the wood Snake. It’s a time to begin shedding the layers that have held us back, encouraging our authentic voice to emerge, and making the changes that align us with our true path.

Yet, looking at the world around us right now, I sometimes feel uncertain whether to be hopeful or hesitant. We’re living through a time of rapid shifts—politically, technologically, environmentally, and socially. Long-held beliefs, such as the importance of globalism, are being questioned or redefined. AI is bringing speed, transforming workplaces, but becoming more and more “human”.  It often feels like the very ground beneath us is shifting.

Sometimes, we need to feel the earth beneath us to know we have stable ground as we begin to embrace change. This point has an earth energy, particularly relating to the Spleen, which provides the foundation needed to move forward. It’s the point that we need to ground ourselves in before taking the first steps toward change.

In this space of uncertainty, I’ve found myself repeatedly drawn to Chapter Gate in my clinical work. It's a point of boundaries, transitions, and new beginnings. It gently asks: What chapter are you ready to close? And what new one are you willing to begin?

Personally, I’m navigating through this. There has been the opening of the new clinic day in Godalming, a new two-year training program that delves deeper into classical acupuncture, and many more plans beginning to take shape. It’s not just in my patients but within myself where I seek answers to these questions.

On a physical level, Liver 13 is incredibly supportive. It eases digestive discomfort, helps release tension in the diaphragm, and encourages the free flow of Liver Qi—essential for emotional and physical well-being. However, it’s the emotional and symbolic layers that have deeply captivated me. This point helps us shift gears gently. It invites us to move forward not with force, but with clarity and calm.

We don’t have to have all the answers, but we can choose which chapter to open next. I hope this forms a reflection point for you to think about what chapters you can let go of in search of writing new ones.

Wishing you ease and insight in your own transitions this season.