Ear — Ear Problems
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.
GB 2 Gallbladder 2 (GB2) – Tinghui, Listening Assembly
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
GB2, also known as Tinghui, is an acupuncture point on the horse's head, traditionally used to support the ears and hearing.
GB2 is located just in front of the base of the ear, in the depression between the jaw joint and the external ear canal.
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to the ear and the horse may react sensitively.
Location GB2 is located in the depression anterior to the tragus, just ventral to the condylar process of the mandible, at the level of the external ear canal.
Functions GB2 is used to treat otalgia, otitis externa, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences the Gallbladder and Triple Heater meridians.
Safety When treating GB2, be aware of the proximity to sensitive structures such as the external ear canal and the facial nerve. Avoid deep needling.
GB 20 Gallbladder 20 (GB20) – Fengchi, Wind Pool
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20, also known as Fengchi or Wind Pond, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's head. It is commonly used to treat headaches, neck stiffness, and some neurological issues.
GB20 is located bilaterally at the back of the head, in a depression between the occipital bone and the first cervical vertebra, just below the base of the ear.
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20 should be used with caution, as it is close to sensitive structures. Only trained personnel should treat this point.
Location GB20 is located in the depression between the mastoid process and the wing of the atlas, at the level of the ear base, lateral to the midline.
Functions GB20 is used to treat external and internal wind, headaches, ataxia, neck stiffness, and neurological disorders. It influences the circulation of Qi and blood in the head region.
Safety When treating GB20, be aware of the proximity to nerves and blood vessels. Too deep or improper needling can lead to complications.
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.
SI 19 Small Intestine 19 (SI19) – Tinggong, Palace of Hearing
It is used to relieve issues related to the ears, jaw, or chewing difficulties.
SI19, also known as Tinggong, is an acupuncture point on the horse's head, commonly used for issues related to the ears or jaw.
SI19 is located just in front of the ear, in the depression between the jaw joint and the ear canal.
It is used to relieve issues related to the ears, jaw, or chewing difficulties.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures such as the ear. Only use on a calm horse and after thorough cleaning.
Location SI19 is located in the depression immediately rostral to the tragus, at the anterior border of the ear canal, level with the temporomandibular joint.
Functions SI19 is used to treat otalgia, otitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences the Small Intestine meridian and can support treatment of facial paralysis.
Safety Caution is required during needling, as the point is close to the stylomastoid foramen and sensitive nerve structures. Avoid deep insertion to prevent injury.
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.
SJ 17 San Jiao 17 (SJ17) – Yi Feng, Wind Screen
This point is traditionally used to dispel wind, relieve ear pain, and support jaw and neck function.
The Triple Heater 17 (TH17), also known as Yi Feng or Wind Screen, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s head, often used for ear and jaw issues.
TH17 is located just behind the angle of the lower jaw, in a depression in front of the wing of the atlas, close to the base of the ear.
This point is traditionally used to dispel wind, relieve ear pain, and support jaw and neck function.
Care must be taken when treating this point, as it is close to sensitive structures such as the parotid gland and important nerves. Improper use may cause pain or injury.
Location The point is located in the depression between the ramus of the mandible and the wing of the atlas, ventral to the base of the ear, usually palpable as a small hollow.
Functions TH17 is used to treat otitis, facial paralysis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and to expel external wind. It influences local meridians and promotes Qi flow in the head region.
Safety TH17 is in close proximity to the facial nerve, auriculopalpebral nerve, and the parotid gland. Needling should be performed with fine needles and controlled depth to avoid nerve injury and hematoma.
SJ 3 San Jiao 3 (SJ3) – Zhongzhu, Central Islet
Zhongzhu can help relieve pain and stiffness in the limbs and is often used for lameness or tension.
The acupuncture point Triple Heater 3 (TH3), also known as Zhongzhu, is located on the horse's forelimb and is commonly used to support the musculoskeletal system.
TH3 is located on the forelimb, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in a depression above the fetlock joint.
Zhongzhu can help relieve pain and stiffness in the limbs and is often used for lameness or tension.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully to avoid stressing or injuring the horse. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location TH3 is located laterally on the forelimb, distal to the splint bone, in the depression between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, at the level of the proximal end of the 4th metacarpal.
Functions TH3 is used to treat lameness, local pain, tension, and to support Qi circulation along the Triple Heater meridian.
Safety When needling TH3, ensure correct depth and angle to avoid periosteal irritation or injury to surrounding structures.