SI-8 - Small Sea

小海 - Xiǎo hǎi

Point Region: Upper arm

SI

Small Intestine Meridian

手太阳小肠经 - Shǒu Tàiyáng Xiǎochángjīng

SI-8 Xiaohai, meaning 'Small Sea,' is the He-Sea and Earth point of the Small Intestine channel. Located on the elbow, this point is a 'small sea' that helps to regulate the body's internal energy and restore a sense of balance. Its name, 'Small Sea,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Xiaohai as a point that helps to 'calm the sea' 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-8 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: Located with the elbow flexed, in the groove between the bony prominences on the medial elbow.

How to Locate:

  1. Bend your elbow to 90 degrees
  2. Find the bony points on the inner side of your elbow
  3. Feel for the groove between these bony points
  4. The point is in this natural hollow
Location illustration for Located with the elbow flexed, in the groove between the bony prominences on the medial elbow.

Primary Functions

Nervous System

  • Relieves headaches and facial pain
  • Calms the nervous system
  • Reduces anxiety and mental agitation
  • Treats epilepsy and seizures
  • Alleviates trigeminal neuralgia

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves elbow pain and stiffness
  • Treats tennis elbow
  • Reduces arm and shoulder pain
  • Improves elbow flexibility
  • Strengthens arm muscles

Emotional & Mental

  • Promotes mental clarity
  • Reduces emotional turbulence
  • Enhances focus and concentration
  • Calms excessive thinking

Digestive System

  • Regulates small intestine function
  • Promotes healthy absorption
  • Aids in separating pure from impure

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Elbow pain
  • Anxiety
  • Epilepsy
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Ulnar nerve problems
  • Elbow arthritis
  • Arm numbness

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

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

SI-8 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent elbow surgery
  • Severe elbow fracture
  • Active seizure disorders