Small Intestine meridian

SI-8 (Xiǎohǎi, 小海) — Small Sea

Meridian
Small Intestine (SI)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
He-sea and Earth point of the Small Intestine channel.
Depth reference
0.3–0.5 cun, avoiding direct contact with the ulnar nerve
Moxibustion
Applicable with professional caution
Reference aliases
SI8; Xiaohai; 小海; Small Sea

Anatomical location

On the posteromedial elbow, in the depression between the olecranon and medial epicondyle, within the groove for the ulnar nerve.

Traditional actions

Clears heat; reduces swelling; benefits the elbow; settles the spirit.

Recorded indications

Primary: Medial elbow pain; tingling into the little finger; neck swelling; agitation.

Secondary: Headache; hearing difficulty; seizure patterns in traditional use.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SI8, p. 91
  2. WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Acupuncture Section 4.2.3 and Annex 2.7 Nerve injury
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SI-8: Command Functions, Actions, Indications, Needling and ulnar-nerve caution

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI-8 located?

On the posteromedial elbow, in the depression between the olecranon and medial epicondyle, within the groove for the ulnar nerve.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-8?

Clears heat; reduces swelling; benefits the elbow; settles the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Medial elbow pain; tingling into the little finger; neck swelling; agitation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Headache; hearing difficulty; seizure patterns in traditional use.

Is SI-8 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SI-8 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.