Cardiovascular — Circulatory Stasis
BL 17 Bladder 17 (BL17) – T7 paraspinal
Bl17 is traditionally used to support blood formation, in cases of blood stagnation, and for general strengthening.
Bladder 17 (Bl17) is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back, often used to support blood and energy circulation.
Bl17 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), about one thumb’s width lateral to the dorsal spinous process.
Bl17 is traditionally used to support blood formation, in cases of blood stagnation, and for general strengthening.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to the spine. Please use only under supervision or by an experienced professional.
Location Bl17 is located 3 cun lateral to the caudal end of the spinous process of T7, on the Bladder meridian, at the level of the intercostal space between T7 and T8.
Functions Bl17 is the influential point for blood, regulates blood movement, cools blood-heat, resolves blood stasis, and supports chronic conditions involving the blood.
Safety When needling Bl17, special care must be taken to avoid injury to paraspinal structures and the pleura.
CV 17 Conception Vessel 17 (CV17) – Shanzhong, Chest Center
This point is used to support breathing, relieve stress, and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Conception Vessel 17 (Ren17), also known as Shanzhong, is located in the middle of the chest and is an important acupuncture point for breathing and emotional balance in horses.
Ren17 is located on the midline of the chest, approximately at the level of the fourth intercostal space, between the two forelimbs.
This point is used to support breathing, relieve stress, and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
This point should be used with care as it is located near the sternum. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Ren17 is located on the ventral midline, at the level of the fourth intercostal space, directly above the sternum, between the insertions of the pectoral muscles.
Functions Ren17 regulates thoracic Qi, supports lung function, calms the heart, and is used for dyspnea, cough, anxiety, and thoracic tension.
Safety Caution in horses with thoracic injuries or cardiac issues. Avoid deep stimulation to prevent thoracic injury.
CV 6 Conception Vessel 6 (CV6) – Qihai, Sea of Qi
Ren6 is used to strengthen vital energy (Qi), support the immune system, and assist in cases of weakness.
Ren6, also known as Qihai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s lower abdomen, referred to as the 'Sea of Qi'. It plays a central role in the horse’s overall well-being and energy.
Ren6 is located on the midline of the abdomen, about 1.5 hand widths below the horse’s umbilicus.
Ren6 is used to strengthen vital energy (Qi), support the immune system, and assist in cases of weakness.
This point should be treated carefully as the area is sensitive. If unsure, always consult a professional.
Location Ren6 is located on the ventral midline, approximately 1.5 cun caudal to the umbilicus. Exact location may vary slightly depending on conformation.
Functions Ren6 tonifies Qi and Yang, strengthens Yuan Qi, and is commonly used in cases of chronic weakness, immune deficiency, and to support reproductive function.
Safety Deep palpation should be performed cautiously to avoid irritating intra-abdominal structures. Do not use in pregnant mares or with abdominal trauma.
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.
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.
PC 6 Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Neiguan, Inner Pass
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Pericardium 6 (PC6), also known as Neiguan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and for calming purposes.
Pe6 is located on the inside of the forelimb, about two thumb-widths above the carpus, between the tendons.
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Use Pe6 with care, especially in very nervous or sensitive horses. Always consult a professional if you are unsure.
Location Pe6 is located on the medial aspect of the forelimb, between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the carpus.
Functions Pe6 is used for treating cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, stress, and for regulating Qi in the thoracic region.
Safety When needling Pe6, be aware of the proximity to tendons and vessels. Do not use this point in cases of local inflammation or injury.
SP 10 Spleen 10 (SP10) – Xuehai, Sea of Blood
SP10 is traditionally used to regulate blood, promote circulation, and assist with skin issues or blood stagnation.
SP10, also called Xuehai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's thigh, known as the 'Sea of Blood'.
SP10 is located on the inside of the thigh, about one hand's width above the knee, in a depression near the muscle.
SP10 is traditionally used to regulate blood, promote circulation, and assist with skin issues or blood stagnation.
Use this point with care, as it is located near major blood vessels. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SP10 is located on the Spleen meridian, medial thigh, in the depression between the sartorius and vastus medialis muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the medial border of the patella.
Functions SP10 tonifies and moves blood, cools blood in cases of heat, and supports treatment of eczema, urticaria, and gynecological bleeding disorders.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as SP10 is close to the femoral vein. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid hematoma or vascular injury.
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.
ST 36 Stomach 36 (ST36) – Shin (anterior)
ST36 is used to promote digestion, strengthen the immune system, and generally vitalize the body.
Stomach 36 (ST36), also known as 'Third Mile', is a key acupuncture point on the horse's lower foreleg. It is commonly used to support digestion and strengthen the body.
ST36 is located on the outer, front lower leg, about one hand's width below the patella and slightly lateral to the shinbone.
ST36 is used to promote digestion, strengthen the immune system, and generally vitalize the body.
This point should be treated carefully as it is near sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST36 is located lateral to the tibial tuberosity, approximately 3 cun distal to the patella, between the cranial tibial muscle and the long digital extensor muscle.
Functions ST36 tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens immunity, regulates the gastrointestinal tract, and is used for weakness, colic, and loss of appetite.
Safety Caution with deep needling to avoid injury to tendons and nerves. Do not needle ST36 in case of local swelling or injury.