SI 1 — Shào Zé (少泽) — Lesser Marsh

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

SI 1 — Shào Zé (少泽) — is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine meridian. Its English name, Lesser Marsh, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

On the ulnar side of the little finger, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

3. Actions

1. Well point of the Small Intestine — clears Heat and opens the orifices
2. Promotes lactation — the primary acupuncture point for insufficient lactation
3. Benefits the breast and throat
4. Revives consciousness

4. Indications

1. Insufficient lactation — the most important point for promoting milk production
2. Mastitis — clears Heat and moves stagnation in the breast
3. Sore throat and tonsillitis from Heat
4. Coma and loss of consciousness
5. Headache and fever from exterior Heat

5. Needling

Shallow insertion 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

SI 1 is the Well (Jing) and Metal point of the Small Intestine. Its role in promoting lactation is one of the most well-established classical functions in acupuncture. The classical prescription for insufficient lactation is SI 1 + CV 17 + ST 18 (Rugen). SI 1 combined with SI 11 is also used for mastitis. Moxibustion at SI 1 is traditionally used to promote milk flow.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use SI 1 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Shoulder pain. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.