Back — Stiff back
BL 23 Bladder 23 (BL23) – Shenshu, Kidney Shu
Bl23 is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, address back problems, and support the musculoskeletal system.
Bladder 23 (Bl23), also known as Shenshu, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support kidney function.
Bl23 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra, about one hand's width from the midline.
Bl23 is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, address back problems, and support the musculoskeletal system.
This point should be used with care, especially in weakened or older horses. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl23 is located bilaterally, 1.5 Cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2).
Functions Bl23 tonifies kidney Qi, supports essence (Jing), and is used for lumbago, hindquarter weakness, fertility disorders, and chronic exhaustion.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with acute back pain or local lesions. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
BL 25 Bladder 25 (BL25) – Dachangshu, Large Intestine Shu
BL25 is used to support bowel function, in cases of constipation, diarrhea, and lower back pain.
Bladder 25 (BL25), also known as Dachangshu, is the Shu point of the large intestine and is often used in acupuncture for digestive issues.
BL25 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the second sacral foramen.
BL25 is used to support bowel function, in cases of constipation, diarrhea, and lower back pain.
This point should only be treated by trained individuals, as it is located near sensitive structures.
Location BL25 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal midline, at the level of the second sacral foramen.
Functions BL25 regulates the large intestine, promotes transformation of dampness, and is used for lumbosacral disorders.
Safety Caution with deep needling to avoid injury to the sacral nerves and adjacent structures.
BL 26 Bladder 26 (BL26) – L4 paraspinal
BL26 can help relieve back pain and improve mobility. It is also used to support kidney function.
Bladder 26 (BL26) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
BL26 is located on both sides of the spine at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), about one hand's width from the midline.
BL26 can help relieve back pain and improve mobility. It is also used to support kidney function.
This point should be treated carefully to avoid startling or injuring the horse. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL26 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), in the area of the paraspinal muscles.
Functions BL26 is used to treat lumbago, hindlimb weakness, lower back disorders, and to support kidney and bladder function.
Safety When needling BL26, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid injury to the paraspinal muscles and deeper structures.
BL 40 Bladder 40 (BL40) – Weizhong, Middle of the Crook
Bl40 is traditionally used to relieve back pain, hind limb problems, and to promote blood circulation.
Bladder 40 (Bl40), also called Weizhong, is an important acupuncture point located in the middle of the horse's stifle crease. It is often used to support back and hind limb issues.
Bl40 is located exactly in the middle of the stifle crease, between the tendons, when the hind limb is slightly flexed.
Bl40 is traditionally used to relieve back pain, hind limb problems, and to promote blood circulation.
Bl40 is located in the stifle crease, where important blood vessels and nerves run. Therefore, this point should be treated carefully and with proper knowledge.
Location Bl40 is located on the bladder meridian, exactly in the center of the popliteal fossa, between the biceps femoris muscle (lateral) and the semitendinosus muscle (medial).
Functions Bl40 is used to treat lumbago, sciatica, hind limb lameness, myopathies, and to promote Qi and blood flow along the bladder meridian.
Safety Due to the proximity of the popliteal artery and vein as well as the tibial nerve, special caution is required when needling. Aseptic technique and a calm horse are essential.
BL 60 Bladder 60 (BL60) – Kunlun, Kunlun Mountains
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bladder 60, also known as Kunlun, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support mobility and relieve pain.
Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral fetlock bone and the calcaneus, just above the fetlock joint on the hind limb.
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bl60 should be treated with care, as it is close to tendons and joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral malleolus of the tibia and the tuber calcanei, at the level of the lateral suspensory ligament.
Functions Bl60 is used to treat lumbago, sciatica, hindlimb stiffness, lameness, and to support parturition. It affects the bladder, kidney, and back meridians.
Safety Bl60 is a powerful point with systemic effects and should be used cautiously in cases of pregnancy or weakness. Be mindful of its proximity to tendons and the fetlock joint.
GB 21 Gallbladder 21 (GB21) – Jianjing, Shoulder Well
GB21 is used to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation in the shoulder area. It can also help with stress and restlessness.
GB21, also known as Jianjing, is an important acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian, located in the shoulder area. It is often used to help relieve tension and pain in the shoulder and neck region.
GB21 is located on the line between the withers and the shoulder joint, approximately in the middle of the upper shoulder area. It is usually palpable as a small depression.
GB21 is used to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation in the shoulder area. It can also help with stress and restlessness.
GB21 should be used with caution as it is close to sensitive structures. Only trained individuals should apply it to avoid injury.
Location GB21 is located at the highest point of the trapezius muscle, midway between the spinous process of the last cervical vertebra and the acromion of the scapula.
Functions GB21 is used to treat shoulder and neck tension, local pain, forelimb paralysis, and to support in cases of parturition difficulties.
Safety Caution with deep needling, as the point is near important neurovascular structures. Do not use in pregnant mares, as GB21 may induce contractions.
GB 29 Gallbladder 29 (GB29) – Hip region
This point can help release tension in the hip area and improve mobility.
GB29 is an important acupuncture point located at the horse’s hip, often used to support mobility.
GB29 is located at the junction of the pelvis and hip, in a depression in front of the hip joint.
This point can help release tension in the hip area and improve mobility.
Application should be done carefully, as the point is close to major joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location GB29 (Juliao) is located in the depression between the tuber coxae and the cranial border of the greater trochanter.
Functions GB29 is used to treat lameness, hip joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences Qi and blood circulation in the hip region.
Safety Caution in cases of acute inflammation or trauma in the hip region. Do not use in cases of fracture or severe lesions.
GB 30 Gallbladder 30 (GB30) – Huantiao, Jumping Circle
GB30 is used to promote hindquarter mobility, relieve hip pain, and relax the surrounding muscles.
GB30, also known as Huantiao or Ring Hip, is an important acupuncture point in horses, commonly used to support the hindquarters and address hip issues.
GB30 is located at the junction of the pelvis and hindquarters, roughly where a line runs from the sacrum to the greater trochanter of the femur.
GB30 is used to promote hindquarter mobility, relieve hip pain, and relax the surrounding muscles.
GB30 should be used with care, as it is located near important nerves and large muscles. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location GB30 is located at the intersection of a line from the tuber sacrale to the tuber coxae and a line from the tuber ischiadicum to the greater trochanter of the femur, typically within the gluteus medius muscle region.
Functions GB30 is used to treat hindlimb lameness, sciatic pain, muscle tension, and paresis. It influences the gallbladder meridian and promotes Qi and blood flow in the hip area.
Safety Caution is required when needling GB30: the point is close to the sciatic nerve and deep muscle groups. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
GB 34 Gallbladder 34 (GB34) – Yanglingquan, Yang Mound Spring
GB34 is traditionally used to support muscles, tendons, and joints. It can help improve mobility and relieve pain.
GB34, also known as Yanglingquan, is an important acupuncture point located on the hind limb of the horse. It is often used to support the muscles and in cases of movement disorders.
GB34 is located on the lateral side of the hind limb, just below and in front of the head of the fibula, in a small depression.
GB34 is traditionally used to support muscles, tendons, and joints. It can help improve mobility and relieve pain.
This point should be treated carefully, as it can be sensitive. If unsure, always consult an experienced professional.
Location GB34 is located in the depression craniodistal to the head of the fibula, between the peroneus longus and lateral digital extensor muscles.
Functions GB34 is the Hui point of tendons and muscles, influences the liver and gallbladder meridians, and is used for lameness, muscle tension, and mobility disorders.
Safety Stimulation of GB34 should be performed with care, especially in horses with local lesions or increased sensitivity. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential.
GV 14 Governing Vessel 14 (GV14) – Dazhui, Great Vertebra
Du14 is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce fever, and support in cases of infections.
Governor Vessel 14 (Du14), also known as Dazhui, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back. It is often used to support the immune system and in cases of fever.
Du14 is located at the junction of the neck and back, directly on the midline, at the spinous process of the last cervical vertebra (C7).
Du14 is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce fever, and support in cases of infections.
This point should be used with caution as it is close to the spine. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Du14 is located on the dorsal midline, caudal to the spinous process of C7, at the junction with the first thoracic vertebra (T1).
Functions Du14 acts on Yang Qi, clears heat, supports Wei Qi, and is used for fever, infections, weakness, and neck stiffness.
Safety Caution is required when needling due to proximity to the dura mater and spinal cord. Avoid deep needling, especially in young or sensitive horses.
GV 3 Governing Vessel 3 (GV3) – Yaoyangguan, Lumbar Yang Gate
Yaoyangguan is used to support the lumbar area, for back pain, and to promote mobility.
Governor Vessel 3 (Du3), also known as Yaoyangguan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
Du3 is located on the midline of the back, between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.
Yaoyangguan is used to support the lumbar area, for back pain, and to promote mobility.
This point should be treated with caution as it is located near the spine. Only trained personnel should use this point.
Location Du3 is located on the dorsal midline, in the depression between the spinous processes of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4-L5).
Functions Du3 regulates the Yang Qi of the lumbar region, strengthens the hindquarters, alleviates lumbago, and is used in neurological disorders of the hind limbs.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with spinal issues or local lesions. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
GV 4 Governing Vessel 4 (GV4) – Mingmen, Gate of Life
Mingmen is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, support vitality (Qi), and assist the back.
Governor Vessel 4 (Du4), also known as Mingmen or Gate of Life, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back. It is often used to support vitality and energy balance.
Du4 is located on the midline of the back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae. It lies directly on the spinous process line.
Mingmen is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, support vitality (Qi), and assist the back.
This point should be used with caution, especially in weakened or older horses. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location Du4 is located precisely on the dorsal midline, in the interspace between L2 and L3, at the level of the spinous process. Palpation of the lumbar vertebrae is essential for accurate localization.
Functions Du4 tonifies kidney yang, strengthens essence (Jing), and is used in cases of weakness, back pain, and reproductive disorders. It influences Mingmen fire and vital energy.
Safety For Du4, special caution is required in horses with back problems or systemic diseases. Avoid deep stimulation to prevent irritation of the spinal cord.
YQ 1 Yang Heel 1 – Shenmai, BL62
Shenmai is used to promote hind limb mobility, reduce restlessness, and support balance.
The Shenmai (BL62) point is located at the outer ankle of the horse and belongs to the Bladder meridian. It is often used to support mobility and calm the horse.
Shenmai (BL62) is located just below the outer ankle, in a small depression between the ankle and the calcaneus.
Shenmai is used to promote hind limb mobility, reduce restlessness, and support balance.
This point should be treated carefully as the area is sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL62 is located distal and slightly caudal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, in the depression between the lateral malleolus and the tuber calcanei.
Functions BL62 is used for treating hind limb lameness, neurological disorders, insomnia, and for harmonizing the Yang Qiao Mai.
Safety When needling BL62, be aware of the proximity to tendons and ligaments. Excessive or improper stimulation may cause local irritation.