Today, we are starting a new chapter to learn about the Small Intestine meridian. Although its name might suggest a primary focus on digestion, the Small Intestine meridian has broader implications for our health and well-being in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The small intestine is considered the “outer meridian,“ which pairs with the heart, known as the ”inner meridian.” It runs from the little finger up to the head along the outer side of the body. This unique relationship highlights the small intestine’s vital role in physical digestion and the emotional regulation associated with the heart. Its first point is on the little finger—Lesser Marsh (Shao Ze, SI1).
A Point With Ancient Roots and Practical Power
Shao Ze is first mentioned in the “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” one of the foundational texts of acupuncture that delves into its technical and therapeutic aspects. As a Jing Well point, Shao Ze serves as the entry point for vital energy from the surrounding environment to flow into the meridian. It provides an opening to help clear pathogenic heat from the meridian, particularly its opposite end. That’s why it’s used in conditions like a sore throat or high fever with no sweating.
Moreen Liao
R.Ph. of TCM (Taiwan)
Moreen was born into a family with a lineage of four generations of traditional Chinese medicine doctors and professors.
She was Dean of the Natural Therapies Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Drawing on her family heritage, she created a certified organic wellness brand, and co-founded the largest Chinese medical image encyclopedia online.
