Abdomen / Belly — Edema in the Abdomen / Groin
BL 22 Bladder 22 (BL22) – T12 paraspinal
BL22 is traditionally used to support the digestive organs and promote the flow of energy throughout the body.
Bladder 22 (BL22) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support digestion and metabolism.
BL22 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12), about a thumb's width lateral to the dorsal spinous processes.
BL22 is traditionally used to support the digestive organs and promote the flow of energy throughout the body.
This point should be used with care, as it is close to sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location BL22 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the caudal end of the dorsal spinous process of T12, in the intercostal space between T12 and T13.
Functions BL22 is the Shu point of the San Jiao (Triple Heater) and is used to regulate water metabolism, Qi flow, and to treat edema, digestive disorders, and metabolic issues.
Safety When needling BL22, special care must be taken to avoid injury to underlying organs and structures. Avoid deep needling, especially in thin horses.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – Hegu, Union Valley
LI4 is traditionally used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. It can also help with issues in the head region.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4), also known as Hegu, is a key acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is commonly used to support the immune system and relieve pain.
LI4 is located on the medial forelimb, between the second and third metacarpal bones, near the fetlock joint.
LI4 is traditionally used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. It can also help with issues in the head region.
LI4 should not be used in pregnant mares as it may induce contractions. Application should always be performed by an experienced professional.
Location LI4 is located distally and medially on the forelimb, in the depression between the second and third metacarpal bones, at the level of the fetlock joint.
Functions LI4 is a Yuan-source point, used for treating pain, inflammation, fever, and for immunomodulation. It affects disorders of the head, teeth, and skin.
Safety Contraindicated in pregnancy due to its labor-inducing effect. Use caution in debilitated or very young animals.
SJ 5 San Jiao 5 (SJ5) – Waiguan, Outer Pass
Waiguan is used to strengthen the immune system, in cases of fever, limb pain, and to support mobility.
The Triple Heater 5 (TH5) – Waiguan, also known as the Outer Gate, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the immune system and in cases of lameness.
TH5 is located on the forelimb, about four finger-widths above the carpus, between the tendons on the outside of the leg.
Waiguan is used to strengthen the immune system, in cases of fever, limb pain, and to support mobility.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by experienced individuals or under supervision to avoid injury. Make sure the horse stands calmly.
Location TH5 is located on the lateral forearm, between the extensor digitorum communis and extensor carpi ulnaris muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the carpus.
Functions TH5 is used to expel external pathogens, for lameness, fever, pain along the meridian, and to harmonize the exterior and interior layers.
Safety When needling TH5, pay attention to correct depth and direction to avoid nerve or vessel injury. Do not use in cases of local infection.
SP 6 Spleen 6 (SP6) – Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Crossing
SP6 is traditionally used to support digestion, address urogenital issues, and promote overall energy flow.
The Spleen-Pancreas 6 (SP6), also known as Sanyinjiao, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support health and well-being.
SP6 is located on the inside of the hind limb, about four finger-widths above the medial hock (ankle) bone, behind the tibia.
SP6 is traditionally used to support digestion, address urogenital issues, and promote overall energy flow.
Use SP6 with caution, especially in pregnant mares, as this point can induce contractions. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location SP6 is located on the medial aspect of the hind limb, at the intersection of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians, approximately 3 cun proximal to the tip of the medial malleolus of the tibia.
Functions SP6 harmonizes the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, promotes blood circulation, regulates the uterus, and is used for urogenital disorders, colic, and lameness.
Safety SP6 is contraindicated in pregnant mares due to its oxytocic effect. Adjust stimulation in cases of weakness or exhaustion.
SP 9 Spleen 9 (SP9) – Yinlingquan, Yin Mound Spring
SP9 is used to regulate fluid retention, strengthen the spleen, and support cases of lameness or swelling in the hind limb.
SP9, also known as Yinlingquan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support fluid balance and spleen function.
SP9 is located on the inside of the hind limb, just below the medial condyle of the tibia, in a small depression.
SP9 is used to regulate fluid retention, strengthen the spleen, and support cases of lameness or swelling in the hind limb.
This point should be treated with care, as it is located near important vessels. Only use under supervision or by an experienced professional.
Location SP9 is located in the depression distal and posterior to the medial tibial condyle, on the line connecting the medial femoral condyle and the medial malleolus.
Functions SP9 resolves dampness, promotes diuresis, strengthens the spleen, and is used for edema, lameness, fluid metabolism disorders, and spleen Qi deficiency.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as SP9 is close to the medial saphenous vein and other vessels. Aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge are essential.
ST 28 Stomach 28 (ST28) – Lower abdomen deep
ST28 can help relieve congestion in the lower abdomen and is used for digestive or urinary issues.
Stomach 28 (ST28) is an acupuncture point located in the lower abdomen of the horse, often used to support digestion and address urogenital issues.
ST28 is located on both sides of the abdomen, about three finger-widths lateral and slightly below the umbilicus.
ST28 can help relieve congestion in the lower abdomen and is used for digestive or urinary issues.
This point should be used with care, as the area is sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST28 is bilaterally located, approximately 2 cun lateral and 2 cun caudal to the umbilicus, at the level of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Functions ST28 is used to treat fluid accumulation (e.g., ascites), dysuria, colic, and disorders of the urogenital tract.
Safety Use caution in pregnant mares and suspected peritonitis; avoid deep stimulation to prevent organ injury.