Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng, 手太陽小腸經) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Fire phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Heart. This channel is responsible for separating clear from turbid substances, both physically in digestion and energetically in thought processes.
| Chinese | 手太陽小腸經 |
| Pinyin | Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Fire |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Small Intestine |
| Paired organ | Heart |
| Organ clock | 13:00-15:00 |
| Number of points | 19 |
The Small Intestine channel begins at the ulnar side of the little finger (SI1), ascends along the ulnar aspect of the hand and forearm, passing between the olecranon and medial epicondyle of the humerus. It continues superiorly along the posterior aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder joint, circling the scapula and meeting the Du Mai at GV14. From the shoulder, it ascends across the neck to the cheek, reaching the outer canthus of the eye (SI18) and then entering the ear (SI19). A branch separates on the cheek, descending to the zygomatic arch and entering the inner canthus, connecting with the Bladder channel.
This channel is responsible for separating clear from turbid substances, both physically in digestion and energetically in thought processes. It governs the assimilation of nutrients and the clarity of mind, influencing mental discernment and emotional processing. As a Tai Yang channel, it also plays a role in defending the body against external pathogens, particularly affecting the head and neck.
Disorders of the Small Intestine channel often manifest as pain along its pathway, including shoulder, scapular, neck, and ear pain, as well as tinnitus and deafness. Digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion can occur. Mental-emotional symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, confusion, or emotional agitation may also be present.
The Small Intestine channel begins at the ulnar side of the little finger (SI1), ascends along the ulnar aspect of the hand and forearm, passing between the olecranon and medial epicondyle of the humerus. It continues superiorly along the posterior aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder joint, circling the scapula and meeting the Du Mai at GV14. From the shoulder, it ascends across the neck to the cheek, reaching the outer canthus of the eye (SI18) and then entering the ear (SI19). A branch separates on the cheek, descending to the zygomatic arch and entering the inner canthus, connecting with the Bladder channel.
This channel is responsible for separating clear from turbid substances, both physically in digestion and energetically in thought processes. It governs the assimilation of nutrients and the clarity of mind, influencing mental discernment and emotional processing. As a Tai Yang channel, it also plays a role in defending the body against external pathogens, particularly affecting the head and neck.
The Small Intestine Channel Meridian has 19 acupuncture points, from SI1 to SI19.