In Chinese medicine the Small Intestine takes that which has not been completely digested by the Stomach and continues the process of separation and consignment of the pure to the Spleen. Impure solids and liquids are moved downward into the Large Intestine and Kidney. Disharmonies of the Small Intestine manifest as abdominal pain, intestinal rumblings, diarrhoea or constipation.
The Triple Warmer is also an Organ of Fire Yang. The Small Intestine is paired with its Yin Organ, the Heart, and the Triple Warmer with the Pericardium.