SI1 Lesser Marsh

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

SI1 (Shaoxe, “Lesser Marsh”) is the Jing-Well Point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the ulnar side of the little finger, in a depression approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed. It clears heat, opens the orifices, revives consciousness, promotes lactation, and benefits the throat and eyes.

Location

On the ulnar side of the little finger, in a depression approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed.

Needling

Shallow, oblique insertion 0.1-0.2 cun, or prick to bleed.

TCM functions

Clears heat, opens the orifices, revives consciousness, promotes lactation, and benefits the throat and eyes..

Indications

Headache, chills, little finger not usable, throat impediment, tongue roll, mouth heat, dry mouth, heart pain, arm pain, cough, convulsions, epilepsy, neck stiffness, inability to turn the head, eye film covering the pupil, deafness, insufficient lactation, fever, cold and heat sensations, mouth sores, profuse saliva..

Jing-Well PointMetal Point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-Well point of the Small Intestine channel, Shaoxe is a primary point for expelling wind-heat and resuscitating consciousness, especially for acute conditions like high fever, loss of consciousness, or stroke. It is famously used to promote lactation, often by pricking to bleed. Its ability to clear heat also makes it effective for sore throat, tonsillitis, and eye redness.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI1 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI1 located?

SI1 (Shaoxe) is located on the ulnar side of the little finger, in a depression approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed.

What is SI1 used for?

SI1 clears heat, opens the orifices, revives consciousness, promotes lactation, and benefits the throat and eyes. Common clinical indications include headache, chills, little finger not usable, throat impediment, tongue roll, mouth heat, dry mouth, heart pain, arm pain, cough, convulsions, epilepsy, neck stiffness, inability to turn the head, eye film covering the pupil, deafness, insufficient lactation, fever, cold and heat sensations, mouth sores, profuse saliva.

How is SI1 needled?

Shallow, oblique insertion 0.1-0.2 cun, or prick to bleed.

Which meridian is SI1 on?

SI1 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.