Dear Patient,
As I wrote yesterday, the start of Lunar New Year is a time to honor ancestors. So in that spirit, today I want to talk about the acupuncture point Small Intestine 11. Its Chinese name, Tian Zong, is sometimes translated as Heavenly Gathering, but I like to use the alternate translation Heavenly Ancestor.
The Small Intestine channel begins on the pinky finger, travels up the arm to the shoulder, then zig zags across the shoulder blade before traveling on up to the head. The path it cuts across the scapula I find interesting. The Small Intestine is a yang channel, and its yin counterpart is the Heart—the center of the emotions. The movement of qi through the Small Intestine channel imbues the shoulder blades with defensive yang energy, shielding the emotional center of the Heart like protective wings.
Small Intestine 11 is located pretty much in the center of the shoulder blade. I never needle it anymore, since I treat patients in recliners, but I still love this point. It releases tension and calms anxiety. Its name—Heavenly Ancestor—reminds us that we are carried into this life with our ancestors standing at our backs, safeguarding the precious Heart.
Because of its location, self-acupressure Small Intestine 11 isn’t really an option (unless you’re very flexible). But stimulation of a point doesn’t always involve a needle or manual pressure. You can instead bring your awareness and intention to it. Sit comfortably and take some slow breaths. Imagine energy coursing across shoulder blades. In the center is a gathering of your heavenly ancestors. Feel their presence, offering their unending protection.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
P.S. Every Wednesday I write about a different acupuncture point. Are there any you’re curious about? Let me know!
Oh, that is so interesting! Last summer I bought a Jin Shin book and I've been sort learning the points and how they feel to me. Somewhere along the way I started doing a little flow that involved gently holding that point (with one hand, the other hand moves through a couple other points) every single morning. It made me feel better and grounded. Over the last year I've been working through the death of my mother - I had no idea there was a relationship and why that point in particular called to me. In Jin Shin that point is thought of as key to the immune system too. I know the systems are different, but I have also spent time with the small intestine and heart flows in Jin Shin and the pathways are almost outlined the same (there are way less points in Jin Shin. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!