General — Fatigue / Exhaustion
BL 18 Bladder 18 (BL18) – Ganshu, Liver Shu
BL18 is traditionally used to support liver function, for eye issues, or muscle tension.
Bladder 18 (BL18), also known as Ganshu, is an important acupuncture point on the bladder meridian, closely related to liver function in horses.
BL18 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra, about three finger-widths lateral to the midline.
BL18 is traditionally used to support liver function, for eye issues, or muscle tension.
This point should be treated with care as it is located near the ribs. Improper use may cause discomfort.
Location BL18 is located 3 cun lateral to the caudal end of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra, within the intercostal space.
Functions BL18 tonifies Liver Qi, moves blood, clears heat, and is used for Liver Qi stagnation, eye disorders, muscle tension, and emotional imbalances.
Safety When needling BL18, be mindful of the proximity to the pleura and ribs to avoid pneumothorax or hematoma.
BL 19 Bladder 19 (BL19) – T9 paraspinal
BL19 is traditionally used to support the liver, promote digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
Bladder 19 (BL19) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support liver function.
BL19 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9), about one hand's width lateral to the spinous processes.
BL19 is traditionally used to support the liver, promote digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
This point should be used with care to ensure the horse's well-being. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL19 is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T9, in the paraspinal area, at the level of the Liver Shu point.
Functions BL19 is the Liver Shu point and is used to treat Liver Qi stagnation, digestive disorders, and to support detoxification functions.
Safety When needling BL19, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid injuring underlying structures. Do not use in cases of local inflammation or trauma.
BL 20 Bladder 20 (BL20) – Pishu, Spleen Shu
BL20 is used to strengthen the spleen, promote digestion, and support the immune system. It can also help with weakness or fatigue.
Bladder 20 (BL20) – Pishu is an important acupuncture point on the bladder meridian, often used to support spleen function in horses.
BL20 is located bilaterally to the spine, at the level of the 18th thoracic vertebra, in the depression between the back and rib muscles.
BL20 is used to strengthen the spleen, promote digestion, and support the immune system. It can also help with weakness or fatigue.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully to avoid stressing or injuring the horse. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL20 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 18th thoracic vertebra, in the area of the long back muscles.
Functions BL20 is the back-Shu point of the spleen, regulates Qi and blood, strengthens the middle, promotes transformation and transportation, and is used for spleen Qi deficiency, digestive disorders, and chronic weakness.
Safety When needling BL20, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid injuring underlying structures. Avoid deep needling in very thin horses.
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.
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.
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.
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 10 (LI10) – Shousanli, Arm Three Miles
LI10 is used to support muscle function, in cases of lameness, and to promote local blood circulation.
Large Intestine 10 (LI10), also known as Shousanli, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's forelimb, commonly used to support muscle function and mobility.
LI10 is located on the forelimb, about two thumb-widths below LI11, on the lateral side of the leg, in the area of the extensor carpi radialis muscle.
LI10 is used to support muscle function, in cases of lameness, and to promote local blood circulation.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully, as improper use may cause discomfort. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location LI10 is located on the Large Intestine Yangming meridian, 2 cun distal to LI11, between the extensor carpi radialis and the common digital extensor muscles.
Functions LI10 tonifies Qi and blood, supports local musculature, and is used for paralysis, muscle weakness, and to strengthen the immune system.
Safety Special caution is required in sensitive or reactive horses. Deep stimulation may elicit local reactions; aseptic technique is mandatory.
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.