Located in the middle of the abdomen, connected to the Stomach and the upper portion of the Large Intestine, sits the Small Intestine. In TICM organs are paired with a partner organ. The Brain and Uterus are also considered organs in their own right, and are further categorised as either male and female organs. The Small Intestine is paired with the Heart.
The health of the Small Intestines plays a great role in the health of the Heart, which is referred to as our King organ in TICM. It is the organ all others would sacrifice their energy for.
The Small Intestine receives food and fluids from the Stomach after the Spleen has extracted their valuable essences. It controls the way we receive and absorb both food and information. The Small Intestine system separates the "pure" from the "impure" by working with the Bladder and Large Intestine. The Bladder removes the impure fluids, which release as urine, and the Large Intestine removes the impure solid waste which release as stool. Just as it does for foods and liquids, the Small Intestine plays a mental role, separating clear thoughts from the murky ones.
In accordance of the body clock or circadian rhythm, the Small Intestine is at peak activity, when its Qi (energy) is strongest between the hours 1pm – 3pm. This organ system is connected to the tissues, the tongue, throat and governed by a pair of meridians known as “the absolute fire meridians”. If you regularly feel discomfort at this time, it may be because your Small Intestines could use some attention. If you are tired between 1pm 3pm, you have a Small Intestines dysfunction.
An imbalance in the Small Intestine may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, digestion issues, overeating, poor appetite, excessive urination, or scanty urination. If there are Small Intestine imbalances, problems may also arise in the mind.
The Small Intestine organ system is really miraculous in the way it separates the "turbid" from the "pure" in regards to food, liquids, and even our thoughts. As the Yin (female) organ to the Heart (Yang/Male organ), the health of the Small Intestine is important to support Heart, digestion, and mental health.
An imbalance in the Small Intestine may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, digestion issues, overeating, poor appetite, excessive or scanty urination. Imbalances can manifest as dysfunction in the mind, making it hard to decide right vs. wrong and have clear judgement.
If there is the pathogen "heat" in the Heart, it often moves downwards to the Small Intestines and creates symptoms like mental restlessness, ulcers on the tongue, throat pain, abdominal pain, thirst, scanty and dark urine, and painful urination.
The organ system of the Small Intestine is particularly sensitive to cold, similar to the Stomach and Spleen. Continuous consumption of cold drinks and raw foods can lead to diarrhea, loose stools, frequent clear urination, loud gurgling sounds in the abdomen, and pain around the navel.
Acupuncture helps digestion, circulation, and mental function.
Probiotics help good bacteria flourish in the gut and bone broth helps to repair intestinal lining. Make your own using my simple recipe.
Nourishing and warming foods help the Small Intestines do its job. Ginger Power tea helps remove toxicity and promote circulation to help digestion, Blood and Qi flow.
The berry, Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), an adaptogen, strengthens every organ and meridian, especially helping the Heart.
Hawthorn berry acts as prebiotic, which feeds healthy gut bacteria in order to maintain healthy digestion. It is also known as an herb that greatly helps the Heart, Blood, and circulation, so it furthers helps the Small Intestine in this way, too.
Acupressure on SI5 point to help with mental clarity, when feeling stressed or pressured, rushed resulting in an inability to think calmly and clearly. It's located on the wrist, in the depression. Swipe for image. Apply steady, stationary pressure to the point for 1-2 minutes.
Ask your doctor for a herbal formula prescription for your own individual diagnosis.
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