The Small Intestine Meridian functions as the Heart's most trusted advisor, earning the title "Minister of Reception." While the Heart rules as Emperor, the Small Intestine performs the crucial task of separation and discernment—sorting what nourishes from what must be eliminated. This applies not only to physical digestion but to our mental and emotional processing of information, relationships, and life experiences.

This meridian governs our capacity for clear judgment and decision-making. It helps us distinguish between what serves our highest good and what drains our energy. The Small Intestine also controls our ability to absorb life's lessons and wisdom while releasing what no longer serves us, making it essential for personal growth and emotional maturity.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

The Small Intestine meridian flows from the hand to the head along the Yang aspect of the body

Pathway

Origin: Begins at SI-1 (Shaoze) on the ulnar corner of the pinky fingernail
Hand Path: Travels along the ulnar edge of the hand to the wrist
Forearm Path: Ascends along the posterior-ulnar aspect of the forearm
Upper Arm Path: Continues up the posterior aspect of the upper arm
Shoulder Path: Zigzags across the shoulder blade (scapula) region
Neck and Face Path: Travels up the neck to the cheek and ear region
End Point: Terminates at SI-19 (Tinggong) in front of the ear canal
Connection: Links to the Bladder meridian at BL-1 (Jingming) at the inner corner of the eye
Internal Pathway: Branches internally to connect with the Heart, Stomach, and Small Intestine organs

Active Time

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Peak energy circulation)

Primary Functions

Physical Functions

Governs nutrient absorption and waste separation
Manages small intestine digestive activity
Regulates fluid metabolism and distribution
Supports neck, shoulder, and upper back mobility
Influences hearing and ear health
Affects arm and hand dexterity

Emotional & Mental Functions

Governs discernment and clear judgment
Supports decision-making capacity
Maintains mental clarity and focus
Helps establish emotional boundaries
Facilitates processing of life experiences
Assists in separating truth from falsehood
Supports reception and integration of information

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Digestive Conditions

Poor separation of clear and turbid (TCM pattern)
Malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies
Digestive weakness or discomfort after meals
Food sensitivities and intolerances
Abdominal pain or cramping
Irregular bowel movements

Musculoskeletal Issues

Neck pain and stiffness
Shoulder tension and frozen shoulder
Upper back pain between shoulder blades
Arm pain and numbness
Wrist and hand problems
Cervical spine disorders

Sensory & Neurological Issues

Hearing problems and tinnitus
Ear infections and pain
Dizziness and vertigo
Headaches, especially occipital
Mental fog and confusion
Poor concentration

Mental & Emotional Patterns

Difficulty making decisions
Poor judgment and discernment
Information overload and mental clutter
Inability to set boundaries
Confusion about life direction
Difficulty processing emotions
Feeling overwhelmed by choices

SI Protocols

Digestive Support Routine (5-10 minutes)

Begin at 1-3 PM (peak small intestine time) or after meals
Start with SI-1 (Shaoze) with gentle stimulation for digestive activation
Work SI-3 (Houxi) for overall digestive harmony
Apply pressure to SI-8 (Xiaohai) for nutrient absorption
End with gentle massage around the navel area while holding SI points

Neck and Shoulder Relief (7-10 minutes)

For neck pain, shoulder tension, or upper back discomfort
Focus on SI-11 (Tianzong) with sustained pressure for shoulder blade tension
Work SI-14 (Jianwaishu) for shoulder mobility
Apply pressure to SI-15 (Jianzhongshu) for upper back release
Combine with gentle neck stretches and shoulder rolls

Mental Clarity and Decision-Making (5-8 minutes)

For confusion, indecision, or mental fog
Begin with SI-3 (Houxi) for mental clarity and spinal alignment
Work SI-8 for easing mental tension
Apply pressure to SI-19 (Tinggong) for clear hearing and perception
End with SI-1 for refreshed focus

Hearing and Ear Support (5 minutes)

For hearing issues, tinnitus, or ear problems
Focus on SI-19 (Tinggong) with very gentle pressure
Work SI-17 (Tianrong) for ear circulation
Apply light massage around the ear while holding points
Avoid excessive pressure near ear canal

All SI Points

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Considerations

Summer Focus

Small intestine meridian is most active in summer, particularly during hot afternoons
Be mindful of dehydration which can affect small intestine function

Dietary Support

Eat main meal during 1-3 PM peak time for optimal absorption
Warm, easily digestible foods support small intestine function
Avoid cold drinks and raw foods which can impair absorption

Mental Hygiene

Practice discernment with information consumption
Limit news and social media overload
Take time for reflection and decision-making

Posture

Maintain good posture to support meridian flow through neck and shoulders
Take breaks from desk work and computer use
Practice neck and shoulder stretches regularly

Boundaries

Practice saying no to overwhelming commitments
Create clear personal and professional boundaries
Regular time for solitude and processing

Precautions

Pressure

Use moderate pressure on body points, very gentle pressure around ears
SI-19 requires extremely light touch due to proximity to ear canal
Shoulder blade points (SI-11, SI-12) can handle firmer pressure

Ear Safety

Never insert anything into ear canal
Stop if experiencing dizziness or increased tinnitus
Consult healthcare provider for persistent ear problems

Digestive Issues

For chronic digestive weakness, work with a qualified practitioner
Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention
Monitor food sensitivities when working with absorption

Neck and Spine

Be cautious with neck points if history of cervical spine injury
Avoid excessive pressure on neck vessels
Stop if experiencing numbness or tingling in arms

Mental Health

Decision-making difficulties may indicate underlying anxiety or depression
Seek professional help for persistent confusion or cognitive issues

Pregnancy

Most SI points are safe during pregnancy
Use lighter pressure and shorter sessions
Avoid deep work on shoulder blade area in late pregnancy

Chronic Conditions

Autoimmune conditions affecting digestion require medical supervision
Chronic neck problems may need physical therapy support
Work gradually with persistent shoulder issues

SI - Small Intestine Meridian