Gait & Lameness — Acute Forelimb Lameness
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.
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 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 7 (LU7) – Lie Que, Broken Sequence
LU7 is used to support the lungs, for cough, respiratory diseases, and to strengthen the immune system. It can also help with skin issues.
Lung 7 (LU7), also known as Lie Que, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the respiratory system and strengthen immunity.
LU7 is located on the forelimb, about 1.5 cun above the carpus, slightly in front of the splint bone. It is often palpable as a small depression.
LU7 is used to support the lungs, for cough, respiratory diseases, and to strengthen the immune system. It can also help with skin issues.
LU7 should only be treated by trained individuals, as improper use can cause pain or injury. Carefully observe the horse during and after treatment.
Location LU7 is located proximal and medial to the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the carpus, in the groove between the tendon of the abductor pollicis longus and the radius.
Functions LU7 opens the Ren Mai, deepens respiration, treats wind-cold, enhances defensive Qi, and is used for cough, asthma, nasal discharge, and skin disorders.
Safety Caution with local lesions or infections. Do not use in cases of fractures or acute inflammation in the area. Maintain aseptic technique.
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 6 Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Neiguan, Inner Pass
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Pericardium 6 (PC6), also known as Neiguan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and for calming purposes.
Pe6 is located on the inside of the forelimb, about two thumb-widths above the carpus, between the tendons.
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Use Pe6 with care, especially in very nervous or sensitive horses. Always consult a professional if you are unsure.
Location Pe6 is located on the medial aspect of the forelimb, between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the carpus.
Functions Pe6 is used for treating cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, stress, and for regulating Qi in the thoracic region.
Safety When needling Pe6, be aware of the proximity to tendons and vessels. Do not use this point in cases of local inflammation or 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.
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.
YQ 1 Yang Heel 1 – Shenmai, BL62
Shenmai is used to promote hind limb mobility, reduce restlessness, and support balance.
The Shenmai (BL62) point is located at the outer ankle of the horse and belongs to the Bladder meridian. It is often used to support mobility and calm the horse.
Shenmai (BL62) is located just below the outer ankle, in a small depression between the ankle and the calcaneus.
Shenmai is used to promote hind limb mobility, reduce restlessness, and support balance.
This point should be treated carefully as the area is sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL62 is located distal and slightly caudal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, in the depression between the lateral malleolus and the tuber calcanei.
Functions BL62 is used for treating hind limb lameness, neurological disorders, insomnia, and for harmonizing the Yang Qiao Mai.
Safety When needling BL62, be aware of the proximity to tendons and ligaments. Excessive or improper stimulation may cause local irritation.