Xiaohai Point (SI-8 / Small Sea)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xiaohai (SI-8 / Small Sea). Learn its benefits for gingivitis, elbow-arm pain, epilepsy, and headache – the Small Intestine He-Sea point for clearing heat and calming the spirit – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Gingivitis (swollen and painful gums), lower abdominal pain, epilepsy, elbow and arm pain, headache, dizziness, deafness, and cheek swelling.
Precise Location
Located on the Small Intestine Meridian, on the medial side of the elbow, in the depression between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Location Method
Extend and flex the arm toward the head, at approximately 90° between the upper and forearm. Lightly hold the elbow tip with the other hand – the point is in the gap between the two bones where the thumb pad rests.
Massage Method
With the back of the hand facing up and palm facing down, lightly hold the hand with the other hand, bend the thumb, and press vertically with the thumbnail – a strong stinging sensation will occur. Apply for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind, relaxes the sinews and benefits the joints.
Compatibility
Gingivitis: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Jiache (ST-6). Disease overview: Gingivitis is caused by bacterial invasion, characterized by bleeding, redness, swelling, and pain of the gums – if untreated, it may progress to periodontal disease. Massage sequence: First press Jiache (in the depression on the mandibular angle, about 1 cm in the direction of the nose) for 3 minutes, press Hegu 30 times, then press and knead Xiaohai with the thumb pad. Epilepsy: Combine with Zutonggu (BL-66), Taichong (LR-3), and Xiaohai (SI-8). Headache: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Meichong (BL-3), and Xiaohai (SI-8).
Efficacy & Actions
Ancient Chinese medical texts contain many descriptions of Xiaohai. The Jiayi Jing states: "Wind vertigo and headache – Xiaohai is the primary point. It also treats malaria with chills along the spine." The Bronze Figure Manual states: "It treats alternating chills and fever with swollen gums." For those with poor complexion, anemia, or feeling dizzy and dark spots before the eyes when standing after squatting, long-term pressure on this point can promote qi and blood circulation with significant improvement. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and is the He-Sea point where the meridian qi enters (corresponding to the Earth element in the five-element theory). It clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind, relaxes the sinews and benefits the joints. It is a commonly used point for treating elbow-arm and mental disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. “Xiao” refers to the Small Intestine Meridian; “Hai” means sea where rivers converge. As the He-Sea point of the Small Intestine Meridian, qi converges here like a sea – hence the name Xiaohai (Small Sea).
