Distal Limb — Lower Leg Tension
BL 57 Bladder 57 (BL57) – Chengshan, Support the Mountain
BL57 is used to relieve lameness, hindquarter tension, and tendon problems. It can also help with back pain and muscle tightness.
Bladder 57, also known as Chengshan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb. It is often used to support the hindquarters and in cases of tendon issues.
BL57 is located in the depression between the muscle bellies of the calf, about halfway between the hock and the fetlock on the back of the limb.
BL57 is used to relieve lameness, hindquarter tension, and tendon problems. It can also help with back pain and muscle tightness.
When treating BL57, the horse should stand calmly. The point is deep, so careful palpation is necessary to avoid injury.
Location BL57 is located in the depression between the gastrocnemius muscle and the superficial digital flexor muscle, halfway between the tuber calcanei and the fetlock, centered on the caudal aspect of the limb.
Functions BL57 is used for the treatment of spavin, tendon issues, hindquarter myopathies, as well as to promote local blood flow and relieve pain along the bladder meridian.
Safety In sensitive horses, stimulation of BL57 may cause defensive reactions. Use caution in cases of acute injuries or inflammation in the hind limb area.
BL 58 Bladder 58 (BL58) – Below lateral malleolus
Bl58 can help relieve leg pain and promote blood circulation.
Bladder 58 (Bl58) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
Bl58 is located below the lateral hock (outer ankle) bone, slightly towards the back.
Bl58 can help relieve leg pain and promote blood circulation.
This point should be treated carefully to avoid startling or injuring the horse.
Location Bl58 is located 7 cun proximal to Bl60, in a depression between the peroneus longus and lateral digital flexor muscles, caudal and distal to the lateral malleolus.
Functions Bl58 is traditionally used to treat lameness, pain along the bladder meridian, lumbago, and to harmonize the connection between the bladder and kidney.
Safety Special caution is required in sensitive or reactive horses, as the point is close to tendons and ligaments.
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.
GB 39 Gallbladder 39 (GB39) – Xuanzhong, Suspended Bell
GB39 is traditionally used to support tendons and bones and to promote vitality. It can help improve mobility.
GB39, also known as Xuanzhong, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support general health and mobility.
GB39 is located on the outside of the hind limb, about three finger widths above the lateral malleolus, between the tendon and the bone.
GB39 is traditionally used to support tendons and bones and to promote vitality. It can help improve mobility.
This point should be used with caution, as it is located near important structures. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location GB39 (Xuanzhong) is located 3 cun proximal to the lateral malleolus, between the head of the fibula and the tendon of the long digital extensor.
Functions GB39 tonifies marrow, strengthens tendons and bones, and is used for hindlimb weakness, neurological disorders, and to support vitality.
Safety Caution is advised when needling, as the point is close to the peroneal nerve. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
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 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.
ST 41 Stomach 41 (ST41) – Dorsum of foot
ST41 can help promote digestion, relieve musculoskeletal pain, and support the horse’s overall well-being.
Stomach 41 (ST41) is an important acupuncture point located on the dorsal aspect of the horse’s foot. It is often used to support digestion and relieve lameness.
ST41 is located at the junction between the fetlock and cannon bone, on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression between the tendons.
ST41 can help promote digestion, relieve musculoskeletal pain, and support the horse’s overall well-being.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to tendons and joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST41 is located on the long digital extensor muscle, in the depression between the tendons at the level of the fetlock joint, lateral to the tendon.
Functions ST41 is used for treating lameness, gastrointestinal disorders, local swelling, and as a distal point for neurological issues.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the saphenous vein and extensor tendons. Use aseptic technique and ensure proper restraint.