Patterns / Disharmonies — Edema
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.
BL 39 Bladder 39 (BL39) – Popliteal crease center (Weizhong)
Bl39 is traditionally used to support bladder and kidney function and to relieve hindquarter issues.
Bladder 39 (Bl39), also known as Weizhong, is located in the center of the horse’s popliteal fossa and is an important acupuncture point for the health of the hindquarters.
Bl39 is located in the center of the popliteal fossa, between the tendons of the hind limb.
Bl39 is traditionally used to support bladder and kidney function and to relieve hindquarter issues.
Bl39 should be used with care, as the area is sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl39 is located in the center of the popliteal fossa, between the biceps femoris (lateral) and semitendinosus (medial) muscles, at the level of the popliteal fossa.
Functions Bl39 is used for treating urinary disorders, lumbar and hindquarter issues, and to promote urination. It affects the Bladder’s divergent channel.
Safety When treating Bl39, be aware of the proximity to important nerves and vessels. Excessive needle depth may cause injury.
KI 7 Kidney 7 (KI7) – Fuliu, Returning Current
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Kidney 7 (KI7), also known as Fuliu or Returning Current, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support kidney function and regulate water balance.
KI7 is located on the hind limb, about two thumb-widths above KI3, just behind the tibia. Look for a small depression on the inside of the leg.
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by experienced individuals, as improper use may cause discomfort. Ensure the horse is calm during the procedure.
Location KI7 is located on the medial aspect of the hind limb, cranial to the Achilles tendon insertion, 2 cun proximal to KI3, in a distinct depression between the tibia and the tendon.
Functions KI7 tonifies kidney Qi, regulates urination, treats edema and sweating disorders, and is used for hind limb weakness.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with sensitive hind limbs or acute lameness. Aseptic technique and calm restraint are essential to avoid stress and complications.
Large Intestine 6 (LI6) – Pianli, Divergent Passage
LI6 is traditionally used to relieve acute pain along the large intestine meridian, reduce swelling, and promote elimination.
Large Intestine 6 (LI6) – Pianli is an acupuncture point on the horse's forelimb, commonly used to support large intestine function and promote blood circulation.
LI6 is located on the forelimb, about 3 cun proximal to LI5, on the line connecting LI5 and LI11, on the lateral side of the limb.
LI6 is traditionally used to relieve acute pain along the large intestine meridian, reduce swelling, and promote elimination.
This point should be treated carefully to avoid stressing or injuring the horse. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location LI6 is located 3 cun proximal to LI5, on the line connecting LI5 and LI11, on the lateral aspect of the forearm, typically in a depression between the tendons.
Functions LI6 is used to treat acute pain and edema along the large intestine meridian, especially in cases of stagnation or blockage. It also assists in regulating body fluids.
Safety When needling LI6, ensure correct depth and direction to avoid local tissue damage and stress reactions.
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.