Forelimb & Shoulder — Forearm / Elbow Issues
HT 3 Heart 3 (HE3) – Shaohai, Lesser Sea
HE3 can help strengthen the heart, reduce stress, and promote blood circulation. It is also used for restlessness and anxiety.
Heart 3 (HE3), also known as Shaohai or Small Sea, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and address emotional imbalances.
HE3 is located on the medial side of the elbow, in the depression between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the elbow joint.
HE3 can help strengthen the heart, reduce stress, and promote blood circulation. It is also used for restlessness and anxiety.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location HE3 is located in the depression proximal and cranial to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, on the medial aspect of the elbow joint, at the level of the ulnar nerve groove.
Functions HE3 is used to clear heart heat, calm the spirit (Shen), and promote local circulation. Indications include cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, and elbow joint issues.
Safety Caution with deep needling, as the ulnar nerve and vascular structures are in close proximity. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.
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.
Large Intestine 11 (LI11) – Quchi, Pool at the Crook
This point is traditionally used to support cases of fever, skin issues, and to promote mobility.
Large Intestine 11 (LI11), also known as Quchi, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's forelimb. It is commonly used to support various conditions.
LI11 is located on the lateral forelimb, in the depression at the junction of the elbow and the front of the leg.
This point is traditionally used to support cases of fever, skin issues, and to promote mobility.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by experienced individuals or under supervision, as improper use may cause discomfort.
Location LI11 is located at the lateral elbow, in the depression at the end of the elbow crease, cranial to the extensor carpi radialis muscle.
Functions LI11 clears heat, supports immunomodulation, has anti-inflammatory effects, and is used for dermatological, musculoskeletal, and febrile conditions.
Safety Caution with debilitated or highly sensitive horses; avoid deep or aggressive stimulation. Do not use in cases of local infection or open wounds.
Large Intestine 14 (LI14) – Binao, Upper Arm
LI14 can help relieve pain and tension in the shoulder and upper arm area, and improve mobility.
Large Intestine 14 (LI14), also known as Binao, is an acupuncture point on the upper arm of the horse. It is commonly used to support mobility and address shoulder issues.
LI14 is located on the upper arm, about one hand’s width above the elbow joint, at the edge of the triceps brachii muscle.
LI14 can help relieve pain and tension in the shoulder and upper arm area, and improve mobility.
This point should be treated with care, as sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels are nearby. Always have it treated by a trained person.
Location LI14 is located at the distal third of the triceps brachii muscle, cranial and slightly lateral, about one hand’s width proximal to the olecranon.
Functions LI14 is used to treat shoulder stiffness, local myopathies, and to promote circulation in the upper arm region. It is also an important point for forelimb lameness.
Safety Caution during needling, as the radial nerve and deep brachial artery are in close proximity. Use aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge.
Large Intestine 15 (LI15) – Jianyu, Shoulder Bone
LI15 is used to relieve pain and movement restrictions in the shoulder area and to promote blood circulation.
Large Intestine 15 (LI15) – Jianyu is an important acupuncture point located at the horse’s shoulder, commonly used for shoulder issues.
LI15 is located on the outer edge of the shoulder, in a depression in front of the scapula, at the level of the shoulder joint.
LI15 is used to relieve pain and movement restrictions in the shoulder area and to promote blood circulation.
This point should be treated carefully, as the area is sensitive and close to important structures.
Location LI15 is located cranial and distal to the acromion, in the depression between the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles, at the level of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
Functions LI15 is used for treating shoulder stiffness, lameness, local inflammation, and to promote Qi and blood circulation in the shoulder region.
Safety Caution with deep needling to avoid damaging the shoulder joint, surrounding nerves, and vessels. Strict aseptic technique is essential.
Large Intestine 16 (LI16) – Jugu, Great Bone
This point can help relieve pain and tension in the shoulder area and improve mobility.
Large Intestine 16 (LI16) – Jugu is an acupuncture point in horses, often used to support shoulder issues.
LI16 is located at the junction of the scapula and humerus, just in front of the shoulder joint, in a small depression.
This point can help relieve pain and tension in the shoulder area and improve mobility.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location LI16 is located cranial and distal to the acromion, in the depression between the trapezius and deltoid muscles, just in front of the shoulder joint.
Functions LI16 is used to treat shoulder stiffness, local pain, forelimb paralysis, and to promote Qi flow in the scapular region.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as LI16 is close to the shoulder joint and important nerve structures. 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.
Large Intestine 5 (LI5) – Yangxi, Yang Stream
LI5 can help relieve pain and inflammation in the forelimb area and is also used for issues along the large intestine meridian.
Large Intestine 5 (LI5), also known as Yangxi, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's forelimb. It is part of the large intestine meridian and is often used to support overall health.
LI5 is located on the forelimb, in a depression on the inside of the carpus, near the tendon attachment.
LI5 can help relieve pain and inflammation in the forelimb area and is also used for issues along the large intestine meridian.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully to avoid stressing or injuring the horse. If unsure, always consult a professional.
Location LI5 is located in the depression between the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis and the common digital extensor muscles, distal and lateral to the radial bone at the carpus.
Functions LI5 is used to treat lameness, local pain, inflammation, and to influence heat and dampness patterns along the large intestine meridian.
Safety When needling LI5, be mindful of the proximity to tendons and joint structures to avoid local irritation or injury.
SI 10 Small Intestine 10 (SI10) – Naoshu, Upper Arm Shu
SI10 is used to relieve tension and pain in the shoulder area and to promote mobility.
Small Intestine 10 (SI10), also known as Naoshu or Arm Storage, is an important acupuncture point in horses, often used to support the shoulder area.
SI10 is located at the junction between the scapula and the upper arm, approximately at the level of the shoulder joint.
SI10 is used to relieve tension and pain in the shoulder area and to promote mobility.
This point should only be treated by trained individuals, as improper use may cause discomfort.
Location SI10 is located cranial and distal to the acromion, in a depression between the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles.
Functions SI10 is used to treat shoulder stiffness, local myalgia, and to support the shoulder joint; it influences local Qi and blood circulation.
Safety When needling SI10, be aware of the proximity to important nerves and vessels; aseptic technique is essential.
SI 8 Small Intestine 8 (SI8) – Xiaohai, Small Sea
SI8 is traditionally used to relieve pain and inflammation in the elbow area and may help improve mobility.
SI8, also known as 'Small Sea', is an acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, commonly used to support the musculoskeletal system.
SI8 is located at the horse's elbow, in a depression between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
SI8 is traditionally used to relieve pain and inflammation in the elbow area and may help improve mobility.
SI8 should always be used with caution to avoid injury to nerves or blood vessels. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location SI8 is located in the depression between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle of the humerus, along the line of the ulnar groove.
Functions SI8 is used for treating elbow joint disorders, local pain, lameness, and for clearing heat from the Small Intestine meridian.
Safety Caution is required when needling SI8, as the ulnar nerve runs in close proximity. Aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge are essential.
SI 9 Small Intestine 9 (SI9) – Jianzhen, True Shoulder
SI9 is used to relieve pain and tension in the shoulder area and to improve mobility.
Small Intestine 9 (SI9), also known as Jianzhen or 'Upright Shoulder', is an important acupuncture point in horses, often used for shoulder issues.
SI9 is located at the junction of the scapula and the upper arm, about one hand’s width below the scapula, slightly towards the back.
SI9 is used to relieve pain and tension in the shoulder area and to improve mobility.
Treatment of this point should be done carefully to avoid injuring surrounding tissues. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI9 is located cranial to the insertion of the deltoid muscle, at the level of the greater tubercle of the humerus, in the soft tissue between the deltoid and triceps brachii muscles.
Functions SI9 is used to treat shoulder stiffness, local pain, forelimb paralysis, and to promote Qi flow in the scapular region.
Safety When needling SI9, be aware of the proximity to nerves and vessels. Avoid deep stimulation in cases of local inflammation or trauma.