Urogenital — Problems in the Kidney Region
BL 23 Bladder 23 (BL23) – Shenshu, Kidney Shu
Bl23 is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, address back problems, and support the musculoskeletal system.
Bladder 23 (Bl23), also known as Shenshu, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's back, often used to support kidney function.
Bl23 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra, about one hand's width from the midline.
Bl23 is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, address back problems, and support the musculoskeletal system.
This point should be used with care, especially in weakened or older horses. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl23 is located bilaterally, 1.5 Cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2).
Functions Bl23 tonifies kidney Qi, supports essence (Jing), and is used for lumbago, hindquarter weakness, fertility disorders, and chronic exhaustion.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with acute back pain or local lesions. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
BL 28 Bladder 28 (BL28) – Pangguangshu, Bladder Shu
BL28 is used to strengthen bladder function, support urinary issues, and relax the lower back area.
Bladder 28 (BL28) – Pangguangshu is an important acupuncture point on the bladder meridian, traditionally used to support bladder function in horses.
BL28 is located bilaterally to the spine, in the depression between the second and third sacral foramina, about 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
BL28 is used to strengthen bladder function, support urinary issues, and relax the lower back area.
This point should be used with caution, especially in weakened or very sensitive horses. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location BL28 is located at the level of the second sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal midline, usually palpable as a small depression.
Functions BL28 tonifies and regulates the bladder, supports in cases of dysuria, urinary retention, lumbago, and can be used for treating sciatica.
Safety In horses with acute infections or severe lumbar syndromes, BL28 should only be needled after thorough assessment and under sterile conditions.
BL 52 Bladder 52 (BL52) – Popliteal fossa lateral
Bl52 is used to strengthen the kidneys, relieve back pain, and promote overall well-being.
Bladder 52 (Bl52) is an acupuncture point located laterally to the horse’s stifle and is often used to support kidney energy.
Bl52 is located lateral to the stifle, about a thumb’s width from the bladder meridian, at the mid-thigh level.
Bl52 is used to strengthen the kidneys, relieve back pain, and promote overall well-being.
This point should be treated with care, as the area is sensitive and close to important structures.
Location Bl52 is located lateral to the stifle, approximately 3 cun lateral to Bl40, at the level of the popliteal fossa, between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles.
Functions Bl52 tonifies the kidneys, supports essence (Jing), and is used for lumbago, hindquarter weakness, and reproductive disorders.
Safety When needling Bl52, be aware of the proximity to tendon structures and the risk of local irritation. Avoid deep needling.
GV 4 Governing Vessel 4 (GV4) – Mingmen, Gate of Life
Mingmen is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, support vitality (Qi), and assist the back.
Governor Vessel 4 (Du4), also known as Mingmen or Gate of Life, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back. It is often used to support vitality and energy balance.
Du4 is located on the midline of the back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae. It lies directly on the spinous process line.
Mingmen is traditionally used to strengthen kidney energy, support vitality (Qi), and assist the back.
This point should be used with caution, especially in weakened or older horses. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location Du4 is located precisely on the dorsal midline, in the interspace between L2 and L3, at the level of the spinous process. Palpation of the lumbar vertebrae is essential for accurate localization.
Functions Du4 tonifies kidney yang, strengthens essence (Jing), and is used in cases of weakness, back pain, and reproductive disorders. It influences Mingmen fire and vital energy.
Safety For Du4, special caution is required in horses with back problems or systemic diseases. Avoid deep stimulation to prevent irritation of the spinal cord.
KI 3 Kidney 3 (KI3) – Taixi, Great Stream
Taixi is used to strengthen kidney energy, in cases of weakness, back problems, or to support the musculoskeletal system.
Kidney 3 (KI3), also known as Taixi, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, frequently used to support kidney function.
KI3 is located on the medial side of the hind limb, in the depression between the fetlock and the calcaneus, just behind the splint bone.
Taixi is used to strengthen kidney energy, in cases of weakness, back problems, or to support the musculoskeletal system.
This point is located near sensitive structures, so caution is required. Only use on a calm horse and with proper technique.
Location KI3 is located in the depression between the medial malleolus of the tibia and the tuber calcanei, at the level of the fetlock joint.
Functions KI3 tonifies kidney Yin and Yang, strengthens the lumbar region, supports the hind limbs, and is used for lameness, back pain, and reproductive disorders.
Safety KI3 is close to vessels and tendons. Needling should be performed with anatomical precision to avoid injury.
KI 7 Kidney 7 (KI7) – Fuliu, Returning Current
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Kidney 7 (KI7), also known as Fuliu or Returning Current, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support kidney function and regulate water balance.
KI7 is located on the hind limb, about two thumb-widths above KI3, just behind the tibia. Look for a small depression on the inside of the leg.
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by experienced individuals, as improper use may cause discomfort. Ensure the horse is calm during the procedure.
Location KI7 is located on the medial aspect of the hind limb, cranial to the Achilles tendon insertion, 2 cun proximal to KI3, in a distinct depression between the tibia and the tendon.
Functions KI7 tonifies kidney Qi, regulates urination, treats edema and sweating disorders, and is used for hind limb weakness.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with sensitive hind limbs or acute lameness. Aseptic technique and calm restraint are essential to avoid stress and complications.
SP 6 Spleen 6 (SP6) – Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Crossing
SP6 is traditionally used to support digestion, address urogenital issues, and promote overall energy flow.
The Spleen-Pancreas 6 (SP6), also known as Sanyinjiao, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support health and well-being.
SP6 is located on the inside of the hind limb, about four finger-widths above the medial hock (ankle) bone, behind the tibia.
SP6 is traditionally used to support digestion, address urogenital issues, and promote overall energy flow.
Use SP6 with caution, especially in pregnant mares, as this point can induce contractions. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location SP6 is located on the medial aspect of the hind limb, at the intersection of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians, approximately 3 cun proximal to the tip of the medial malleolus of the tibia.
Functions SP6 harmonizes the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, promotes blood circulation, regulates the uterus, and is used for urogenital disorders, colic, and lameness.
Safety SP6 is contraindicated in pregnant mares due to its oxytocic effect. Adjust stimulation in cases of weakness or exhaustion.