Gait & Lameness — Distal lameness
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 41 Gallbladder 41 (GB41) – Zulinqi, Foot Governor of Tears
GB41 can help release tension in the musculoskeletal system and is often used for lameness or issues in the hip and pelvic area.
GB41, also known as Zulinqi, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's foot and belongs to the Gallbladder meridian. It is often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
GB41 is located on the outside of the hind limb, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, approximately at the level of the fetlock joint.
GB41 can help release tension in the musculoskeletal system and is often used for lameness or issues in the hip and pelvic area.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully, as it is close to sensitive structures. Use only under supervision or by an experienced professional.
Location GB41 is located distally on the lateral metatarsus, in the depression proximal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone, lateral to the tendon of the lateral digital extensor muscle.
Functions GB41 is used to treat Gallbladder meridian disharmonies, lateral limb issues, headaches, and to promote Qi flow in the Gallbladder meridian.
Safety Caution with local lesions or inflammation; aseptic technique is mandatory. Do not use in cases of fractures or open wounds.
HT 7 Heart 7 (HE7) – Shenmen, Spirit Gate
Shenmen is traditionally used for calming, in cases of stress, restlessness, and to support the heart.
Heart 7, also known as Shenmen, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb, often used to calm and support emotional balance.
Heart 7 is located on the inside of the forelimb, just behind the fetlock joint, in a small depression between two tendons.
Shenmen is traditionally used for calming, in cases of stress, restlessness, and to support the heart.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to sensitive structures. If unsure, always consult an experienced professional.
Location HE7 is located distal and palmaromedial to the fetlock joint, in the depression between the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles.
Functions HE7 is used for sedation, in cases of heart Qi and blood deficiency, sleep disorders, anxiety, restlessness, and to harmonize the Shen.
Safety Caution with deep injections, as the point is close to the medial fetlock artery and tendons. Aseptic technique is essential.
KI 3 Kidney 3 (KI3) – Taixi, Great Stream
Taixi is used to strengthen kidney energy, in cases of weakness, back problems, or to support the musculoskeletal system.
Kidney 3 (KI3), also known as Taixi, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, frequently used to support kidney function.
KI3 is located on the medial side of the hind limb, in the depression between the fetlock and the calcaneus, just behind the splint bone.
Taixi is used to strengthen kidney energy, in cases of weakness, back problems, or to support the musculoskeletal system.
This point is located near sensitive structures, so caution is required. Only use on a calm horse and with proper technique.
Location KI3 is located in the depression between the medial malleolus of the tibia and the tuber calcanei, at the level of the fetlock joint.
Functions KI3 tonifies kidney Yin and Yang, strengthens the lumbar region, supports the hind limbs, and is used for lameness, back pain, and reproductive disorders.
Safety KI3 is close to vessels and tendons. Needling should be performed with anatomical precision to avoid injury.
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.
Lung 9 (LU9) – Tai Yuan, Great Abyss
LU9 is used to support lung function, for cough, breathing difficulties, and to strengthen the immune system.
Lung 9 (LU9) – Tai Yuan is a key point on the lung meridian, often used to support the respiratory system and strengthen immunity in horses.
LU9 is located on the inside of the forelimb, just below the carpal joint, in a small depression next to the artery.
LU9 is used to support lung function, for cough, breathing difficulties, and to strengthen the immune system.
This point should be treated carefully as it is located near important blood vessels. Always use clean equipment and ensure the horse is calm.
Location LU9 is located medially on the forelimb, distal to the carpal joint, in the depression between the tendon and the radial artery.
Functions LU9 tonifies lung Qi and Yin, regulates the vessels, and is used for chronic cough, dyspnea, weakness, and circulatory disorders.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as LU9 is in close proximity to the radial artery. Strict aseptic technique and precise localization are essential.
PC 7 Pericardium 7 (PC7) – Daling, Great Mound
Pe7 is used for calming, in cases of heart issues, and to support the horse during stress or restlessness.
Pericardium 7, also known as Daling, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and to calm the animal.
Pe7 is located on the midline of the forelimb, in the depression between the tendons, just proximal to the fetlock joint.
Pe7 is used for calming, in cases of heart issues, and to support the horse during stress or restlessness.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to important structures. If unsure, always consult a professional.
Location Pe7 is located on the medial aspect of the forelimb, in the depression between the flexor carpi radialis and the superficial digital flexor muscles, at the proximal end of the fetlock joint.
Functions Pe7 is used for sedation, arrhythmias, emotional imbalances, and for treating thoracic and pericardial issues.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the superficial and deep flexor tendons and neurovascular structures. Aseptic technique is essential.
SI 3 Small Intestine 3 (SI3) – Houxi, Back Stream
SI3 is often used to relieve musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck areas. It can also promote general well-being.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3), also known as Houxi, is an important acupuncture point in horses, often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
SI3 is located on the outside of the forelimb, just behind the fetlock joint, in a small depression above the fetlock head.
SI3 is often used to relieve musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck areas. It can also promote general well-being.
This point should be treated with care, as improper use may cause discomfort. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI3 is located distally on the lateral splint bone of the forelimb, in the depression proximal to the fetlock joint, between the lateral splint bone head and the fetlock bone.
Functions SI3 is the Shu-stream and Wood point of the Small Intestine meridian. It is used for treating lameness, neck stiffness, back pain, and to support neurological disorders.
Safety When using SI3, ensure correct needling technique and calm restraint of the horse to prevent stress and 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 41 Stomach 41 (ST41) – Dorsum of foot
ST41 can help promote digestion, relieve musculoskeletal pain, and support the horse’s overall well-being.
Stomach 41 (ST41) is an important acupuncture point located on the dorsal aspect of the horse’s foot. It is often used to support digestion and relieve lameness.
ST41 is located at the junction between the fetlock and cannon bone, on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression between the tendons.
ST41 can help promote digestion, relieve musculoskeletal pain, and support the horse’s overall well-being.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to tendons and joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST41 is located on the long digital extensor muscle, in the depression between the tendons at the level of the fetlock joint, lateral to the tendon.
Functions ST41 is used for treating lameness, gastrointestinal disorders, local swelling, and as a distal point for neurological issues.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the saphenous vein and extensor tendons. Use aseptic technique and ensure proper restraint.