Abdomen / Belly — Lower abdominal tension
BL 27 Bladder 27 (BL27) – L5 paraspinal
Bl27 is traditionally used to support bladder and intestinal function and may help with issues in the lower back region.
Bladder 27 (Bl27) is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s back, often used to support bladder and intestinal function.
Bl27 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), about a thumb’s width from the spinous process.
Bl27 is traditionally used to support bladder and intestinal function and may help with issues in the lower back region.
This point should be used with care to avoid stressing or injuring the horse. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location Bl27 is located 2 Cun lateral to the dorsal midline at the level of the interspace between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum.
Functions Bl27 is the Shu point of the Small Intestine, influences transformation and transportation of fluids, and is used for lumbago, dysuria, and diarrhea.
Safety When treating Bl27, be aware of the proximity to deeper structures; aseptic technique and calm handling are essential.
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.
CV 4 Conception Vessel 4 (CV4) – Guanyuan, Gate of Origin
Ren4 is used to strengthen vital energy, support the reproductive organs, and promote general well-being.
Ren4, also known as Guanyuan, is an important acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel, often used to strengthen vital energy and support the reproductive organs.
Ren4 is located on the midline of the abdomen, approximately three thumb-widths (cun) below the navel.
Ren4 is used to strengthen vital energy, support the reproductive organs, and promote general well-being.
Treatment of this point should be performed carefully, as it is located near sensitive structures in the abdominal area.
Location Ren4 is located on the ventral midline, 3 cun caudal to the umbilicus, between the rectus abdominis muscles.
Functions Ren4 tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens Yuan Qi, regulates the urogenital system, and is used for weakness, fertility disorders, and chronic diseases.
Safety When needling Ren4, special care must be taken to avoid perforation of abdominal organs. The depth and direction of needling should be individually adjusted.
CV 6 Conception Vessel 6 (CV6) – Qihai, Sea of Qi
Ren6 is used to strengthen vital energy (Qi), support the immune system, and assist in cases of weakness.
Ren6, also known as Qihai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s lower abdomen, referred to as the 'Sea of Qi'. It plays a central role in the horse’s overall well-being and energy.
Ren6 is located on the midline of the abdomen, about 1.5 hand widths below the horse’s umbilicus.
Ren6 is used to strengthen vital energy (Qi), support the immune system, and assist in cases of weakness.
This point should be treated carefully as the area is sensitive. If unsure, always consult a professional.
Location Ren6 is located on the ventral midline, approximately 1.5 cun caudal to the umbilicus. Exact location may vary slightly depending on conformation.
Functions Ren6 tonifies Qi and Yang, strengthens Yuan Qi, and is commonly used in cases of chronic weakness, immune deficiency, and to support reproductive function.
Safety Deep palpation should be performed cautiously to avoid irritating intra-abdominal structures. Do not use in pregnant mares or with abdominal trauma.
GB 26 Gallbladder 26 (GB26) – Lower lateral abdomen
GB26 can help release tension in the pelvic area and is often used for issues in the lumbar and hip regions.
GB26 is an acupuncture point on the horse's lateral abdomen, often used to support the musculoskeletal system and address issues in the pelvic area.
GB26 is located on the lateral abdomen, at the level of the last rib arch, between the end of the last rib and the tuber coxae.
GB26 can help release tension in the pelvic area and is often used for issues in the lumbar and hip regions.
This point should be treated carefully, as the area may be sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location GB26 (Daimai) is located on the midline between the end of the 13th rib and the tuber coxae, at the level of the ventral end of the last rib.
Functions GB26 regulates the Daimai, supports Qi circulation in the pelvic region, and is used for lumbago, hip issues, and reproductive organ disorders.
Safety Use caution in pregnant mares and horses with abdominal disorders. Avoid deep palpation to prevent discomfort or injury.
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.
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.