SI-1 - Lesser Marsh

少泽 - Shào zé

Point Region: Hand

SI

Small Intestine Meridian

手太阳小肠经 - Shǒu Tàiyáng Xiǎochángjīng

SI-1 Shaoze, meaning 'Lesser Marsh,' is the Jing-Well and Metal point of the Small Intestine channel. Located at the corner of the nail on the pinky finger, this point is a 'lesser marsh' that helps to regulate the body's internal energy and restore a sense of balance. Its name, 'Lesser Marsh,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Shaoze as a point that helps to 'drain the marsh' of your body. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a restless spirit, a feeling of 'heat' in the body, and a lack of vitality. By regulating the body's internal energy, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By regulating the body's internal energy, SI-1 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: At the junction of lines drawn along the ulnar border and base of the nail of the little finger.

How to Locate:

  1. Look at your little finger
  2. Find the outer corner of the little finger nail (away from other fingers)
  3. Locate where the nail meets the skin at this corner
  4. The point is right at this junction
Location illustration for At the junction of lines drawn along the ulnar border and base of the nail of the little finger.

Primary Functions

Digestive System

  • Promotes clear thinking and discrimination
  • Enhances absorption of nutrients
  • Regulates small intestine function
  • Aids in separating pure from impure substances

Emotional & Mental

  • Improves mental clarity and decision-making
  • Reduces mental confusion
  • Enhances ability to discern truth
  • Calms excessive thinking

Circulatory System

  • Promotes circulation in the fingers
  • Reduces fingertip numbness
  • Improves peripheral blood flow

Lactation & Reproductive

  • Promotes lactation in nursing mothers
  • Regulates breast milk production
  • Supports postpartum recovery

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Mastitis
  • Insufficient lactation
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Breast inflammation
  • Fever
  • Throat pain
  • Fainting

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

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

SI-1 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Broken skin around nail
  • Severe nail infections
  • Recent nail injury