02/03/2026
From a Chinese medicine perspective, the small intestine is a powerful organ of discernment. Biomedically, it’s where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs. It breaks food down, absorbing amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and deciding what gets taken into the bloodstream and what moves on to be eliminated. In Chinese Medicine, the small intestine is paired with the Heart and is said to “separate the pure from the impure,” not only on a physical level but emotionally and mentally as well. It governs clarity, decision-making, and the ability to sort what truly nourishes us from what does not. When balanced, there is ease in digestion, clear thinking, and emotional discernment; when stressed, we may see digestive upset, brain fog, anxiety, or difficulty trusting our inner truth. This makes it a beautiful bridge between gut, heart, and nervous system regulation. And so perfect for this year, when discernment is everything! ✌️❤️