In Chinese Medicine, the Heart and Small Intestine are paired.
When looking at organs through the lens of Chinese Medicine, it’s important to remember that it’s concerned with relationships, interactions, and functions more than with physical location. So whenever the organs are discussed in Chinese Medicine, what’s usually being referred to is an array of functional relationships.
Each primary organ has a corresponding meridian, or energetic channel. The meridians are where Qi is said to flow. This Qi nourishes the body and helps maintain its relative balance.
Physically, the Heart is a little left of center in the chest. The heart supplies the body with oxygenated blood.
The Small Intestine is just below the stomach. It receives food from the stomach and continues the digestive process.
Energetically, the Heart is referred to as the emperor. It regulates the mind, controls the flow of blood, and stores the shen. The shen is usually translated as “spirit” and is responsible for feelings of contentment and connection. It facilitates healthy relationships and joy. When the heart is disturbed, a person can experience anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations.
Watch the video to learn about the location of the Heart and Small Intestine meridians and some acupressure points you can use in your yin yoga or active yoga practice:
Location of the Heart Meridian:
- Begins with two internal pathways starting at the Heart. One runs down to the diaphragm and the Small Intestine. The other runs up to the throat and eye. A third final internal pathway runs from the Heart to the Lung.
- The primary pathway starts at the armpit and travels down the midline of the upper arm
- Then it runs down the ulnar aspect of the forearm (on the palmar side)
- Crosses over the palm and ends at the radial aspect of the little finger.
Find a yin yoga sequence for the Lung and Heart meridians here.
Location of the Small Intestine Meridian:
- Begins on the ulnar side of the pinkie nail
- Crosses the palm and ascends the ulnar aspect of the arm
- Zigzags across the upper back
- An internal pathway travels inward to the Heart, diaphragm, Stomach, and Small Intestine
- The primary channels ascend the lateral aspect of the neck
- Crosses over the cheek and ends in front of the ear
Acupressure Points for Yoga
During your yoga practice, some poses may compress these points, and others will release the compression. You can also place gentle pressure on these points before, during, or after practice.
Heart 7 (Shen Men):
This point calms the mind and nourishes the Heart. The heart is related to the spirit and is oftentimes connected to excess heat and blood disorders, so this point can also help with insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety.
LOCATION: Located on the inner side of the pinkie side of the wrist crease. The point is located on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris.
Small Intestine 9 (JianZhen):
This point is helpful for shoulder or upper arm pain.
LOCATION: Located on the posterior side of the shoulder. One thumb width above the axillary crease (armpit crease).
