The Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian belongs to the Small Intestine and is connected to the Heart. It connects to the Stomach at the pylorus and to the Large Intestine at the ileocecal valve. It is closely related to the Heart and its main functions include receiving, transforming, and separating clear and turbid substances. The clear substances are transported to the Heart and Lungs through the Spleen, while the turbid substances descend to the Large Intestine and the water is sent to the Bladder. Let's take a look at the diagram of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian pathway below.
Pathway of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
It starts at the ulnar side of the little finger (Shaoshang point), goes straight up along the lateral aspect of the wrist, passes the Yanggu point on the ulnar side, and continues upward along the lateral aspect of the upper limb. It passes through the elbow and exits at the Jianzhen point behind the shoulder joint. It then goes around the scapula and meets at the Dazhui point. From there, it goes forward through the Quepen point, deep into the chest cavity, descends to connect with the Heart, and then follows the esophagus, passes through the diaphragm, and reaches the Stomach. Finally, it descends and belongs to the Small Intestine.
Branches from the Quepen point: From the Quepen point, it travels upward along the neck to the cheek area, and then enters the ear.
Facial branch: It branches off from the cheek area and goes diagonally to the lower edge of the eye socket, reaching the inner canthus (Jingming point) where it intersects with the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian.
Functions of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that the Small Intestine is the "master of fluids" because it can separate clear and turbid substances and is involved in the body's fluid metabolism. This function of the Small Intestine determines the range of diseases that can be treated by the Small Intestine Meridian. Any diseases related to "fluids" can be treated by first exploring the Small Intestine Meridian. Therefore, the Small Intestine Meridian is an effective tool for treating fluid-related diseases. Additionally, the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian is closely related to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian. The Heart Meridian has some functions related to the brain and can assist in the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore, the Small Intestine Meridian can also be used to regulate all diseases related to the Heart Meridian.
Main Distribution of Acupoints on the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
Shaoshang: Located beside the lateral corner of the little finger's nail, about 0.1 cun. It has the functions of clearing heat, relieving sore throat, promoting meridian circulation, opening orifices, and promoting lactation.
Qiangu: Make a fist and it is located at the junction of the red and white skin on the ulnar side of the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint. It has the function of clearing heat and relaxing tendons.
Houx: Located on the ulnar side of the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin. It has the functions of dispelling wind and cold, calming the mind, clearing heat, and promoting diuresis.
Wangu: Located on the ulnar side of the palm, between the base of the 5th metacarpal bone and the styloid process of the ulna. It has the functions of dispelling wind, promoting meridian circulation, and eliminating damp-heat.
Yanggu: Located at the ulnar end of the wrist dorsum, in the depression in front of the ulnar styloid process. It has the function of regulating the meridian and clearing heat.
Yanglao: With the palm facing the chest, turn the hand and it is located in the radial side bone fissure of the styloid process of the radius. It has the function of relaxing tendons and improving vision.
Zhizheng: On the line connecting the Yanggu point and the Xiaohai point, 5 cun above the wrist crease. It has the functions of releasing exterior and clearing heat, and calming the mind and spirit.
Xiaohai: Bend the elbow and it is located between the ulnar styloid process and the upper end of the humeral bone on the inner side. It has the functions of dispelling wind, dissipating heat, and promoting meridian circulation.
Jianzhen: Located below the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint, 1 cun above the axillary fold. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, and reducing swelling.
Nayu: Go straight up from the axillary fold, in the depression below the lower border of the scapula. It has the function of dispersing wind and relaxing tendons.
Tianzong: Located in the depression below the scapular spine, directly below the wind pool point. It has the functions of relaxing tendons, promoting meridian circulation, expelling wind, and dissipating cold.
Bingfeng: Located in the center of the depression above the scapular spine, directly above the Tianzong point. It has the functions of relaxing tendons, dissipating wind, and expelling cold.
Quyuan: Located at the inner end of the depression above the scapular spine, approximately at the midpoint of the line connecting the Nayu point and the second thoracic vertebra spinous process. It has the functions of relaxing tendons and dissipating wind.
Jianwaiyu: Located 3 cun below the first thoracic vertebra spinous process. It has the functions of dredging meridians, dispelling wind, and dissipating cold.
Jianzhongyu: Located 2 cun lateral to the lower border of the seventh cervical vertebra spinous process. It has the functions of dispelling wind, relaxing tendons, and benefiting the lungs and stopping cough.
Tianchuang: Located behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle, on the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to the Fuliu point.
Tianrong: Located in the depression behind the angle of the mandible, on the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It has the functions of clearing and benefiting the throat, and opening the ear orifices.
Quanliu: Located below the outer canthus, in the depression below the lower edge of the zygomatic bone. It has the function of dispelling wind and promoting meridian circulation.
Tinggong: Located between the midpoint of the tragus and the temporomandibular joint, in the depression when the mouth is slightly open. It has the functions of dredging meridians, promoting meridian circulation, and relieving pain.
Main Diseases Treated by the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
Diseases of the head, face, and five sensory organs: such as deafness, otitis media, parotitis, tonsillitis, eye diseases, etc.; Diseases related to the areas along the meridian pathway: such as shoulder and back pain.
Best Time for Nurturing the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
The qi of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian is most vigorous during the Wei hour, which is from 13:00 to 15:00. During this time, the yang qi begins to descend, and the yin qi begins to rise. Therefore, this period is the best time for massaging and nurturing the Small Intestine Meridian.
