"The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" on Health Preservation: "The small intestine is the receiving and transforming organ, where substances are processed and excreted."
The hour of the small intestine refers to 1-3 PM. At this time, the small intestine meridian is highly active. In "Plain Questions · Linglan Miji", it is stated: "The small intestine is the receiving and transforming organ, where substances are processed and excreted." According to "Shuowen", "Wei" means taste. In June, it means nourishment. In simple terms, the main function of the small intestine is to absorb essence. The small intestine separates the clear and turbid substances, sending the waste to the large intestine, the water to the bladder, and the nutrient essence to the spleen.
The work of the small intestine is to categorize and classify nutrients, like an archivist who organizes "files" and determines which ones to "destroy" and which ones to "collect". This function of the small intestine in traditional Chinese medicine is called "separating clear and turbid". If the small intestine cannot distinguish between "right and wrong", it will excrete the essence and waste together, leading to diarrhea (there are many causes of diarrhea, here we are only referring to diarrhea caused by small intestine problems). The body will lack nutrition supply, leading to significant health impacts.
The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients. Sometimes, we come across babies with good appetite but fail to gain weight no matter how much they eat, which confuses many parents. This may be due to a problem with the small intestine, which cannot absorb nutrients well, resulting in a failure to gain weight.
When nutrients cannot be absorbed properly, the body will experience a series of symptoms. Therefore, some people say that the small intestine meridian is the "barometer" of human health. It is important to pay attention to the health of the small intestine meridian. If there are problems with this meridian, it may cause abdominal pain, pain in the lower back and spine, testicular pain, deafness, yellowing of the eyes, swollen cheeks, sore throat, and pain in the outer edge of the shoulders and arms.
On this meridian, there is an acupoint called Shao Hai, located on the inner side of the elbow, between the radial styloid process and the upper internal condyle of the humerus. When pressed, it feels like a tendon, and the sensation extends to the little finger. This acupoint can treat arthritis. If joints are uncomfortable, massage can be used to relieve discomfort.
Another acupoint is the wrist bone acupoint, which can treat stiff neck. Use the thumb of the healthy side to press the wrist bone acupoint on the affected side (located along the ulnar side of the little finger, near the depression near the wrist transverse line). Massage lightly to heavy, repeatedly, while moving the neck. The pain will be relieved. Massage for about 3-10 minutes each time, and repeat 3-5 times a day.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a method called "massage and walk for abdominal health" to promote digestion and prevent indigestion. The specific method is to rotate and massage the abdomen with both hands for one circle with each step, alternating in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The walking speed should be maintained at 50 steps per minute, and each session should last for 5 minutes. This exercise should be done half an hour after meals.
