Dear Patient,
Small Intestine 6 is a point I’ve been using a lot lately. It helps with two issues that almost everyone experiences at one time or another: shoulder pain and eye problems.
It’s located on the wrist, and what we call a xi (“shee”) cleft point. These xi-cleft points are where the qi and blood gather and plunge into the sinews and joints and connective tissues, so they treat problems, especially pain, occurring anywhere along the channel by activating qi flow and delivering the nourishment of the blood.
I’ve talked about the pathway of the Small Intestine channel before. It traipses back and forth across the shoulder blade, which is why Small Intestine 6 is so effective for shoulder pain. It’s classically indicated for pain so severe it feels as if the shoulder is dislocated.
The Small Intestine channel also branches up to the inner and outer corners of the eye, so Small Intestine 6 helps with any eye problems, especially symptoms associated with aging, such as dimness and blurred vision. Its name, Support the Aged, hints at the point’s action to support weak and aging eyes.
But beyond shoulder pain and eye problems, I like to use this point when a person is weathering a life change, or feeling any effects of their biological age. As its name suggests, Small Intestine 6 supports us as we age and navigate life’s transitions. It helps us gather our qi and blood and all of our resources, so we can face life’s unfolding stages with clear vision.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
Location Notes:
Small Intestine 6 is located on the dorsal surface of the wrist. First, find the head of the ulna, which is the big knobby bone on the pinky finger side of the wrist. Place your index finger on the head of the ulna, then rotate your wrist so your palm faces your chest. Your index finger will naturally fall into a depression next to the head of the ulna. Small Intestine 6 is located in that depression.
Thanks, this is helpful! I can feel a tenderness at that point so I'm going to just gently hold it a bit today and see how that goes. I love learning these things, thank you!