Forelimb & Shoulder — Forelimb Tension
GB 21 Gallbladder 21 (GB21) – Jianjing, Shoulder Well
GB21 is used to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation in the shoulder area. It can also help with stress and restlessness.
GB21, also known as Jianjing, is an important acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian, located in the shoulder area. It is often used to help relieve tension and pain in the shoulder and neck region.
GB21 is located on the line between the withers and the shoulder joint, approximately in the middle of the upper shoulder area. It is usually palpable as a small depression.
GB21 is used to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation in the shoulder area. It can also help with stress and restlessness.
GB21 should be used with caution as it is close to sensitive structures. Only trained individuals should apply it to avoid injury.
Location GB21 is located at the highest point of the trapezius muscle, midway between the spinous process of the last cervical vertebra and the acromion of the scapula.
Functions GB21 is used to treat shoulder and neck tension, local pain, forelimb paralysis, and to support in cases of parturition difficulties.
Safety Caution with deep needling, as the point is near important neurovascular structures. Do not use in pregnant mares, as GB21 may induce contractions.
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.
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 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 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 5 (LU5) – Chi Ze, Cubit Marsh
LU5 is used to support lung function, for cough, and to relieve heat in the body.
Lung 5 (LU5), also known as Chi Ze, is an important acupuncture point located at the horse’s elbow. It is often used for respiratory issues.
LU5 is located in the elbow crease, on the inside of the forelimb, just in front of the biceps tendon.
LU5 is used to support lung function, for cough, and to relieve heat in the body.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures. Please use only under supervision or by a professional.
Location LU5 is located in the elbow crease, medially, in the depression between the distal end of the humerus and the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle.
Functions LU5 clears heat from the Lung meridian, promotes the descent of Lung Qi, relieves cough, and supports both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
Safety Caution when needling, as LU5 is close to the cephalic vein and median nerve. Use aseptic technique and precise localization.
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.
PC 7 Pericardium 7 (PC7) – Daling, Great Mound
Pe7 is used for calming, in cases of heart issues, and to support the horse during stress or restlessness.
Pericardium 7, also known as Daling, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and to calm the animal.
Pe7 is located on the midline of the forelimb, in the depression between the tendons, just proximal to the fetlock joint.
Pe7 is used for calming, in cases of heart issues, and to support the horse during stress or restlessness.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to important structures. If unsure, always consult a professional.
Location Pe7 is located on the medial aspect of the forelimb, in the depression between the flexor carpi radialis and the superficial digital flexor muscles, at the proximal end of the fetlock joint.
Functions Pe7 is used for sedation, arrhythmias, emotional imbalances, and for treating thoracic and pericardial issues.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the superficial and deep flexor tendons and neurovascular structures. Aseptic technique is essential.
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 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.