Patterns / Disharmonies — Heat Signs in the Head Area
BL 1 Bladder 1 (BL1) – Jingming, Bright Eyes
BL1 is traditionally used to support eye function and in cases of issues such as watery or irritated eyes.
Bladder 1 (BL1), also known as Jingming, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's head and is often used to support eye health.
BL1 is located at the inner corner of the eye, just above the tear duct.
BL1 is traditionally used to support eye function and in cases of issues such as watery or irritated eyes.
BL1 is located very close to the eye. Treatment should only be performed by experienced therapists to avoid injury.
Location BL1 is located at the medial canthus, slightly dorsal to the lacrimal punctum, in the depression between the medial eye corner and the nasal bone.
Functions BL1 is used to treat ocular diseases, visual disturbances, epiphora, and local inflammations. It influences the bladder meridian and may also be indicated for headaches and facial paralysis.
Safety Due to the proximity to the eyeball and sensitive structures, special caution is required. Needling should only be performed by experienced acupuncturists to avoid trauma or infection.
GV 14 Governing Vessel 14 (GV14) – Dazhui, Great Vertebra
Du14 is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce fever, and support in cases of infections.
Governor Vessel 14 (Du14), also known as Dazhui, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back. It is often used to support the immune system and in cases of fever.
Du14 is located at the junction of the neck and back, directly on the midline, at the spinous process of the last cervical vertebra (C7).
Du14 is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce fever, and support in cases of infections.
This point should be used with caution as it is close to the spine. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Du14 is located on the dorsal midline, caudal to the spinous process of C7, at the junction with the first thoracic vertebra (T1).
Functions Du14 acts on Yang Qi, clears heat, supports Wei Qi, and is used for fever, infections, weakness, and neck stiffness.
Safety Caution is required when needling due to proximity to the dura mater and spinal cord. Avoid deep needling, especially in young or sensitive horses.
GV 20 Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) – Baihui, Hundred Meetings
Du20 can help reduce stress, promote awareness, and support the central nervous system.
Governing Vessel 20 (Du20), also known as Baihui or 'Hundred Meetings', is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s head. It is often used to promote overall well-being and support mental clarity.
Du20 is located on the midline of the head, at the highest point between the horse’s ears.
Du20 can help reduce stress, promote awareness, and support the central nervous system.
Stimulation of Du20 should be done carefully, as the point is located on the skull. Do not apply strong pressure and do not use needles without proper training.
Location Du20 is located on the dorsal midline of the skull, at the intersection with the line connecting the tips of the ears, at the highest point of the head.
Functions Du20 is used to calm the mind, in neurological disorders, to promote Qi flow in the head region, and to stabilize the central nervous system.
Safety When needling Du20, be aware of the minimal tissue thickness over the skull. Aseptic technique and careful needle placement are essential to avoid complications.
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.
SI 1 Small Intestine 1 (SI1) – Shaoze, Lesser Marsh
SI1 is traditionally used to support cases of fever, colic, urinary issues, and to promote milk flow.
Small Intestine 1 (SI1), also known as Shaoze or Lesser Marsh, is an important acupuncture point at the start of the small intestine meridian in horses.
SI1 is located on the outside of the front hoof, right at the coronary band, at the very end of the small toe.
SI1 is traditionally used to support cases of fever, colic, urinary issues, and to promote milk flow.
Stimulation of this point should be done carefully, as it can be sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI1 is located laterally at the coronary band of the lateral digit of the forelimb, immediately distal to the hoof wall.
Functions SI1 is used for treating fever, anuria, mastitis, colic, and to promote lactation. It can also be used in emergencies for acute stagnation.
Safety SI1 is safe when used correctly, but stimulation should be avoided in cases of local inflammation or hoof injury.
ST 44 Stomach 44 (ST44) – 2nd toe corner
ST44 is used to calm the stomach, clear heat, and relieve pain in the mouth area.
Stomach 44 (ST44) is located at the nail corner of the second toe and is commonly used in acupuncture to support digestion.
ST44 is located at the lateral nail corner of the second toe of the forelimb.
ST44 is used to calm the stomach, clear heat, and relieve pain in the mouth area.
Treatment of this point should be performed carefully to avoid pain or injury to the sensitive toe area.
Location ST44 is located at the lateral nail corner of the second toe, approximately 0.1 cun lateral and proximal to the nail margin.
Functions ST44 clears stomach heat, harmonizes the gastrointestinal tract, treats dental pain, mouth ulcers, and assists in acute inflammatory conditions of the head.
Safety Needling ST44 requires precise technique to avoid local tissue damage and excessive stimulation.