Channel Pathways
The Small Intestine Meridian consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.
Pathway Description
The external pathway:
- The Small Intestine Channel of Hand Tai-Yang originates from Shaoze SI-1, at the ulnar corner of the nail of the little finger.
- It connects to a branch of the Heart Channel at Shaochong HE-9, at the radial corner of the little finger nail.
- From SI-1, the Primary Channel runs up along the ulnar border of the hand and reaches the wrist around Yanglao SI-6.
- It continues ascending the ulna to the medial aspect of the elbow at Xiaohai SI-8, where it passes between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
- Then it runs along the posterior aspect of the upper arm to Naoshu SI-10, at the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint. Some document says it also passes Binao LI-14 on the way.
- Zig-zagging from the inferior fossa to the superior fossa of the scapula through Tianzong SI-11 and Bingfeng SI-12, it then reaches Tianjing SI-13 at the medial aspect of the scapular spine.
- It then passes Jianwaishu SI-14, Jianzhongshu SI-15, Fufen BL-41 and Dazhu BL-11.
- It crosses Dazhui DU-14 of the Governing Vessel at the lower border of the spinous process of C7.
- Finally it goes anteriorly to the supraclavicular fossa and reaches Quepen ST-12.
The internal pathway:
- From ST-12, The internal Channel descends to the Heart, crosses Shanzhong REN-17 of the Directing Vessel and continues going downwards along the esophagus.
- It penetrates the diaphragm and reaches the Stomach, where it intersects Shangwan REN-13 and Zhongwan REN-12.
- The internal Channel continues descending and terminates by spreading in the Small Intestine area.
Branches:
- One external branch starts from Quepen ST-12 of the supraclavicular fossa, ascends along the neck and reaches Quanliao SI-18 at the cheek.
- From SI-18, an internal subbranch runs along the lateral aspect of the nose to Jingming BL-1 at the inner canthus of the eye, where it links to the Bladder Channel.
- Another internal subbranch also separates from SI-18. It ascends to the Tongzilao GB-1 at the outer canthus of the eye, then runs posteriorly towards the ear and intersects the Gall Bladder Channel at Touqiaoyin GB-11 and the Triple Burner Channel at Jiaosun TB-20 and Erheliao TB-22. It terminates at Tinggong SI-19 anterior to the ear.