Gait & Lameness — Lameness
BL 60 Bladder 60 (BL60) – Kunlun, Kunlun Mountains
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bladder 60, also known as Kunlun, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support mobility and relieve pain.
Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral fetlock bone and the calcaneus, just above the fetlock joint on the hind limb.
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bl60 should be treated with care, as it is close to tendons and joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral malleolus of the tibia and the tuber calcanei, at the level of the lateral suspensory ligament.
Functions Bl60 is used to treat lumbago, sciatica, hindlimb stiffness, lameness, and to support parturition. It affects the bladder, kidney, and back meridians.
Safety Bl60 is a powerful point with systemic effects and should be used cautiously in cases of pregnancy or weakness. Be mindful of its proximity to tendons and the fetlock joint.
BL 62 Bladder 62 (BL62) – Shenmai, Extending Vessel
BL62 is traditionally used to support lameness, back tension, and to promote inner calm.
Bladder 62 (Shenmai) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support the musculoskeletal system and emotional balance.
BL62 is located below the hock joint, just beneath the outer ankle bone on the hind limb.
BL62 is traditionally used to support lameness, back tension, and to promote inner calm.
Application should only be performed by trained individuals, as improper stimulation can cause discomfort. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL62 is located distal to the lateral malleolus of the tibia, in a depression between the malleolus and the calcaneus, laterally on the hind limb.
Functions BL62 is the opening point of the Yang Qiao Mai and is used for treating hindlimb lameness, back tension, neurological disorders, and for sedation in cases of restlessness.
Safety In horses with local injuries or infections at the point, BL62 should not be needled. Use caution in very nervous or pain-sensitive animals.
GB 34 Gallbladder 34 (GB34) – Yanglingquan, Yang Mound Spring
GB34 is traditionally used to support muscles, tendons, and joints. It can help improve mobility and relieve pain.
GB34, also known as Yanglingquan, is an important acupuncture point located on the hind limb of the horse. It is often used to support the muscles and in cases of movement disorders.
GB34 is located on the lateral side of the hind limb, just below and in front of the head of the fibula, in a small depression.
GB34 is traditionally used to support muscles, tendons, and joints. It can help improve mobility and relieve pain.
This point should be treated carefully, as it can be sensitive. If unsure, always consult an experienced professional.
Location GB34 is located in the depression craniodistal to the head of the fibula, between the peroneus longus and lateral digital extensor muscles.
Functions GB34 is the Hui point of tendons and muscles, influences the liver and gallbladder meridians, and is used for lameness, muscle tension, and mobility disorders.
Safety Stimulation of GB34 should be performed with care, especially in horses with local lesions or increased sensitivity. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
ST 36 Stomach 36 (ST36) – Shin (anterior)
ST36 is used to promote digestion, strengthen the immune system, and generally vitalize the body.
Stomach 36 (ST36), also known as 'Third Mile', is a key acupuncture point on the horse's lower foreleg. It is commonly used to support digestion and strengthen the body.
ST36 is located on the outer, front lower leg, about one hand's width below the patella and slightly lateral to the shinbone.
ST36 is used to promote digestion, strengthen the immune system, and generally vitalize the body.
This point should be treated carefully as it is near sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST36 is located lateral to the tibial tuberosity, approximately 3 cun distal to the patella, between the cranial tibial muscle and the long digital extensor muscle.
Functions ST36 tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens immunity, regulates the gastrointestinal tract, and is used for weakness, colic, and loss of appetite.
Safety Caution with deep needling to avoid injury to tendons and nerves. Do not needle ST36 in case of local swelling or injury.