Patterns / Disharmonies — Heat Symptoms
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.
HT 8 Heart 8 (HE8) – Shaofu, Lesser Palace
HT8 can help calm restlessness, strengthen the heart, and is used for heat symptoms.
Heart 8 (HT8), also known as Shaofu or Lesser Palace, is an important acupuncture point in horses, often used to support the cardiovascular system.
HT8 is located on the inside of the forelimb, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
HT8 can help calm restlessness, strengthen the heart, and is used for heat symptoms.
This point should be treated carefully as it can be sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location HT8 is located on the medial side of the forelimb, distal to the carpal joint, in the depression distal to the fourth metacarpal bone, between the tendons of the superficial and deep digital flexor muscles.
Functions HT8 is used to treat heart Qi and heart fire disorders, restlessness, anxiety, and heat symptoms such as oral mucosal ulcers.
Safety HT8 is safe when used correctly, but should be avoided in cases of marked sensitivity or local lesions.
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.
PC 8 Pericardium 8 (PC8) – Laogong, Labor Palace
PC8 is used to calm the heart and mind, relieve stress, and help with heat symptoms.
Pericardium 8 (PC8) is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb, often used to support emotional stress and promote overall well-being.
PC8 is located on the midline of the sole of the forefoot, approximately where the horseshoe reaches its widest point.
PC8 is used to calm the heart and mind, relieve stress, and help with heat symptoms.
This point should only be treated by experienced individuals, as it can be sensitive. Carefully observe the horse for any signs of discomfort.
Location PC8 is located on the palmar aspect of the forehoof, precisely on the midline of the sole, between the apex of the frog and the toe edge.
Functions PC8 clears Heart Fire, calms Shen, and is used in acute heat symptoms, colic with agitation, and behavioral disorders.
Safety PC8 is highly sensitive and should be treated with caution, especially in horses with hoof issues or lameness. Strict aseptic conditions are mandatory.
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.
SP 10 Spleen 10 (SP10) – Xuehai, Sea of Blood
SP10 is traditionally used to regulate blood, promote circulation, and assist with skin issues or blood stagnation.
SP10, also called Xuehai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's thigh, known as the 'Sea of Blood'.
SP10 is located on the inside of the thigh, about one hand's width above the knee, in a depression near the muscle.
SP10 is traditionally used to regulate blood, promote circulation, and assist with skin issues or blood stagnation.
Use this point with care, as it is located near major blood vessels. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SP10 is located on the Spleen meridian, medial thigh, in the depression between the sartorius and vastus medialis muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the medial border of the patella.
Functions SP10 tonifies and moves blood, cools blood in cases of heat, and supports treatment of eczema, urticaria, and gynecological bleeding disorders.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as SP10 is close to the femoral vein. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid hematoma or vascular 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.