Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-8
Earth-Tu
Sea-He Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Elbow
Location
Between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Main Actions
- Opens the Channel
- Removes Damp-Heat
Indications
Commentary
Like any Sea-He points of the three Hand Yang Channels, Xiaohai SI-8 is able to remove Damp-Heat. Therefore, it can treat various acute swellings such as the neck glands, cheek, gums, parotitis or yellow eyes.
Like many of its neighbor Small Intestine Channel points, it can also open the Channel by removing Obstruction. It is especially effective in treating the Painful Obstruction Syndrome of the elbow and neck.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu - Ben Shu (Spiritual Pivot - Root Shu): "在肘内大骨之外，去端半寸陷者中也" (In the elbow, on the inner side of the large bone, half a cun from the tip in the depression.)
Lei Jing (Classified Classic): Zhang Jiebin noted that when pressing the point between the two bones at the elbow tip, there is a sensation of soreness and numbness that radiates to the fingers.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists indications including epilepsy, fever and chills without sweating, malaria, tooth decay pain, wind dizziness, and headache.
How to Locate
Flex the elbow, Xiaohai SI-8 is located on the line connecting the tip of the olecranon and the tip of the medial epicondyle, at the depression between these two bony protrusions.
Caution
The ulnar nerve lies directly beneath this point in the ulnar groove (cubital tunnel). Needling should be shallow and perpendicular to avoid nerve damage. Patients may experience a strong electric-like sensation radiating to the little finger upon needling - this indicates ulnar nerve contact and needle depth should be reduced. Avoid deep or aggressive manipulation at this location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely with or against the flow of the channel. Caution: The ulnar nerve is located in this depression.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Strong electric sensation or numbness radiating down the forearm to the little finger due to ulnar nerve proximity. Local distension and soreness at the elbow. When pressing or tapping this point, characteristic tingling or electric-like deqi sensation is felt extending toward the hand.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Earth-Tu
Transporting Type
Sea-He Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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