What element is associated with the Small Intestine meridian?

The Small Intestine meridian is associated with the Fire element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, each organ system corresponds with one of the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The Small Intestine, involved in digestion and the separation of clear from turbid substances, is linked to the Fire element, which embodies qualities such as warmth, transformation, and energy.

Fire also represents the heart and pericardium in TCM, indicating the emotional and physiological connections between these organs. The elemental association highlights the importance of Fire in promoting digestive health, overall vitality, and the transformative processes within the body that are essential for nutrient absorption.

The other elements do not correspond with the Small Intestine; for example, Earth is associated with the Spleen and Stomach, which govern digestion similarly but focus on different aspects. Metal is linked to the Lungs and Large Intestine, involved in respiratory and waste elimination functions. Wood represents the Liver and Gallbladder, controlling the flow of Qi and emotions, rather than digestion specifically.