Head — Head Pressure/Tension
BL 10 Bladder 10 (BL10) – Tianzhu, Celestial Pillar
BL10 can help release tension in the neck, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system.
Bladder 10 (BL10), also known as Tianzhu or Celestial Pillar, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's neck. It is often used to support the neck and promote overall well-being.
BL10 is located on both sides of the spine, about 1.5 cun lateral to the first cervical vertebra (atlas), just below the occipital bone.
BL10 can help release tension in the neck, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system.
This point should be used with caution, as it is located near sensitive structures. If in doubt, always consult an experienced professional.
Location BL10 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal-most point of the atlas wing, in a depression between the trapezius and brachiocephalicus muscles, caudal to the occipital bone.
Functions BL10 is used to treat neck stiffness, headaches, wind invasion, neurological disorders, and to harmonize Qi in the head region.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as BL10 is in close proximity to nerves, vessels, and the spinal cord. Aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge are essential.
BL 2 Bladder 2 (BL2) – Zanzhu, Gathered Bamboo
Bl2 can help relieve eye disorders, treat headaches, and promote local circulation.
Bladder 2 (Bl2) – Zanzhu is an important acupuncture point on the horse's head, often used for eye problems and headaches.
Bl2 is located at the inner corner of the eye, right in the depression at the edge of the frontal bone.
Bl2 can help relieve eye disorders, treat headaches, and promote local circulation.
Bl2 is located close to the eye, so it should be treated with great care and preferably by experienced individuals.
Location Bl2 is located in the depression at the medial canthus of the eye, at the junction of the frontal and nasal bones, at the level of the supraorbital rim.
Functions Bl2 is used for the treatment of ocular disorders (e.g., conjunctivitis, lacrimation), headaches, frontal sinus issues, as well as for sedation and local Qi and blood regulation.
Safety Due to the proximity to the eyeball and sensitive periocular structures, precise and atraumatic needling is essential. Treatment should be avoided in restless horses or if proper restraint cannot be ensured.
GB 14 Gallbladder 14 (GB14) – Yangbai, Yang White
GB14 is used to relieve eye problems, headaches, and tension in the forehead area.
GB14, also known as Yangbai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's head, often used for eye and forehead issues.
GB14 is located above the eye, about one finger's width above the middle edge of the eye, on the forehead.
GB14 is used to relieve eye problems, headaches, and tension in the forehead area.
Treatment of GB14 should be done carefully, as the point is close to the eye. Improper handling can stress or injure the horse.
Location GB14 is located on the line connecting the lateral canthus of the eye to the base of the ear, about one finger's width above the supraorbital rim.
Functions GB14 is used for treating eye disorders, frontal headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and for calming the mind.
Safety Due to its proximity to the eye, special caution is required when needling GB14. Use fine needles and handle the horse calmly.
GB 20 Gallbladder 20 (GB20) – Fengchi, Wind Pool
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20, also known as Fengchi or Wind Pond, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's head. It is commonly used to treat headaches, neck stiffness, and some neurological issues.
GB20 is located bilaterally at the back of the head, in a depression between the occipital bone and the first cervical vertebra, just below the base of the ear.
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20 should be used with caution, as it is close to sensitive structures. Only trained personnel should treat this point.
Location GB20 is located in the depression between the mastoid process and the wing of the atlas, at the level of the ear base, lateral to the midline.
Functions GB20 is used to treat external and internal wind, headaches, ataxia, neck stiffness, and neurological disorders. It influences the circulation of Qi and blood in the head region.
Safety When treating GB20, be aware of the proximity to nerves and blood vessels. Too deep or improper needling can lead to complications.
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 20 (LI20) – Yingxiang, Welcome Fragrance
LI20 is used to improve nasal breathing, support in cases of nasal discharge or allergies, and promote local circulation.
Large Intestine 20 (LI20), also known as Yingxiang, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s head, often used for respiratory or nasal issues.
LI20 is located on both sides of the nostrils, in the depression between the nostril and the nasal bone. It is easy to find when the horse is calm.
LI20 is used to improve nasal breathing, support in cases of nasal discharge or allergies, and promote local circulation.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures like the nostrils. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location LI20 is located lateral to the nostrils, in the depression at the junction of the nasolabial groove and the nasal bone, typically at the lower end of the nasal bone.
Functions LI20 is used to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal discharge, itching, and to support allergic reactions. It also promotes local Qi and blood circulation.
Safety Caution with irritated or injured skin around the nostrils. In cases of acute infection or bleeding, LI20 should not be needled.
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.
SI 19 Small Intestine 19 (SI19) – Tinggong, Palace of Hearing
It is used to relieve issues related to the ears, jaw, or chewing difficulties.
SI19, also known as Tinggong, is an acupuncture point on the horse's head, commonly used for issues related to the ears or jaw.
SI19 is located just in front of the ear, in the depression between the jaw joint and the ear canal.
It is used to relieve issues related to the ears, jaw, or chewing difficulties.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures such as the ear. Only use on a calm horse and after thorough cleaning.
Location SI19 is located in the depression immediately rostral to the tragus, at the anterior border of the ear canal, level with the temporomandibular joint.
Functions SI19 is used to treat otalgia, otitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences the Small Intestine meridian and can support treatment of facial paralysis.
Safety Caution is required during needling, as the point is close to the stylomastoid foramen and sensitive nerve structures. Avoid deep insertion to prevent 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.
ST 8 Stomach 8 (ST8) – Touwei, Head’s Binding
ST8 may help relieve headaches, eye problems, and tension in the head region.
Stomach 8 (ST8), also called Touwei, is an acupuncture point on the horse’s head, often used for issues affecting the head region.
ST8 is located on the lateral forehead, approximately at the level of the outer canthus of the eye, slightly upward and backward.
ST8 may help relieve headaches, eye problems, and tension in the head region.
This point should be used with care, as the area is sensitive and close to important structures.
Location ST8 is located on the line connecting the outer canthus of the eye to the base of the ear, approximately 0.5 cun posterior to the hairline.
Functions ST8 is used for headaches, dizziness, eye disorders, and to calm agitation in the head region.
Safety Caution is advised when needling, as ST8 is close to the temporal artery and sensitive nerves. Avoid deep needling to prevent injury.