Head — Perioral Tension / Paretic Appearance
GB 14 Gallbladder 14 (GB14) – Yangbai, Yang White
GB14 is used to relieve eye problems, headaches, and tension in the forehead area.
GB14, also known as Yangbai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's head, often used for eye and forehead issues.
GB14 is located above the eye, about one finger's width above the middle edge of the eye, on the forehead.
GB14 is used to relieve eye problems, headaches, and tension in the forehead area.
Treatment of GB14 should be done carefully, as the point is close to the eye. Improper handling can stress or injure the horse.
Location GB14 is located on the line connecting the lateral canthus of the eye to the base of the ear, about one finger's width above the supraorbital rim.
Functions GB14 is used for treating eye disorders, frontal headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and for calming the mind.
Safety Due to its proximity to the eye, special caution is required when needling GB14. Use fine needles and handle the horse calmly.
GB 2 Gallbladder 2 (GB2) – Tinghui, Listening Assembly
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
GB2, also known as Tinghui, is an acupuncture point on the horse's head, traditionally used to support the ears and hearing.
GB2 is located just in front of the base of the ear, in the depression between the jaw joint and the external ear canal.
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to the ear and the horse may react sensitively.
Location GB2 is located in the depression anterior to the tragus, just ventral to the condylar process of the mandible, at the level of the external ear canal.
Functions GB2 is used to treat otalgia, otitis externa, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences the Gallbladder and Triple Heater meridians.
Safety When treating GB2, be aware of the proximity to sensitive structures such as the external ear canal and the facial nerve. Avoid deep needling.
GV 26 Governing Vessel 26 (GV26) – Renzhong, Man’s Center
Du26 is traditionally used for resuscitation, circulatory problems, and supporting breathing. It can also be helpful in cases of shock.
Governing Vessel 26 (Du26), also known as Renzhong, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s head. It is often used in emergencies and to support breathing.
Du26 is located in the depression between the upper lip and the nostrils, exactly on the midline of the horse’s head.
Du26 is traditionally used for resuscitation, circulatory problems, and supporting breathing. It can also be helpful in cases of shock.
This point should be used with caution, especially in nervous or pain-sensitive horses. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location Du26 is located on the dorsal midline, in the depression at the junction of the philtrum and the nasal bridge, at the level of the lower edge of the nostrils.
Functions Du26 is used in emergencies for unconsciousness, collapse, respiratory arrest, and shock. It has a strong effect on the central nervous system and can stimulate respiration.
Safety When stimulating Du26, monitor the horse’s response as the area is sensitive. Exercise caution in cases of head fractures or severe trauma.
Large Intestine 20 (LI20) – Yingxiang, Welcome Fragrance
LI20 is used to improve nasal breathing, support in cases of nasal discharge or allergies, and promote local circulation.
Large Intestine 20 (LI20), also known as Yingxiang, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s head, often used for respiratory or nasal issues.
LI20 is located on both sides of the nostrils, in the depression between the nostril and the nasal bone. It is easy to find when the horse is calm.
LI20 is used to improve nasal breathing, support in cases of nasal discharge or allergies, and promote local circulation.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures like the nostrils. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location LI20 is located lateral to the nostrils, in the depression at the junction of the nasolabial groove and the nasal bone, typically at the lower end of the nasal bone.
Functions LI20 is used to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal discharge, itching, and to support allergic reactions. It also promotes local Qi and blood circulation.
Safety Caution with irritated or injured skin around the nostrils. In cases of acute infection or bleeding, LI20 should not be needled.
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.
SI 18 Small Intestine 18 (SI18) – Quanliao, Cheek Bone Crevice
SI18 can help relieve pain and swelling in the facial area and is often used for issues with teeth, jaw, or sinuses.
Small Intestine 18 (SI18), also called Quanliao, is an acupuncture point located on the horse's cheek. It is often used to support issues in the head region.
SI18 is located in a depression on the zygomatic arch, about halfway between the bridge of the nose and the base of the ear, just below the zygomatic bone.
SI18 can help relieve pain and swelling in the facial area and is often used for issues with teeth, jaw, or sinuses.
This point should be used with care, as the area is sensitive and close to important structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI18 is located in the depression caudal and ventral to the zygomatic arch, at the level of the infraorbital foramen, about halfway between the lateral canthus and the base of the ear.
Functions SI18 is used for treating facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, dental diseases, temporomandibular joint issues, and sinusitis. It can also support treatment of facial paralysis.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the facial artery and sensitive nerve structures. Avoid treatment in case of local inflammation or trauma.
ST 4 Stomach 4 (ST4) – Dicang, Earth Granary
ST4 can support issues in the mouth area, such as chewing difficulties or paralysis.
Stomach 4 (ST4), also called Dicang, is an acupuncture point on the horse’s head, commonly used to support issues in the mouth area.
ST4 is located laterally on the head, at the level of the corner of the mouth, slightly in front of the masseter muscle attachment.
ST4 can support issues in the mouth area, such as chewing difficulties or paralysis.
This point should be treated carefully, as it is located near sensitive structures in the head region.
Location ST4 is located at the junction of the labial commissure and nasolabial groove, about 0.5 cun lateral and slightly cranial to the mouth corner, anterior to the masseter muscle.
Functions ST4 is used to treat facial paralysis, chewing disorders, hypersalivation, and local pain. It influences the stomach and large intestine meridians.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to nerves (facial nerve) and blood vessels. Aseptic technique is essential.
ST 6 Stomach 6 (ST6) – Jiache, Jawbone
ST6 can help release jaw tension, relieve pain, and relax the chewing muscles.
Stomach 6 (ST6), also known as Jiache, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s jawbone. It is often used to support jaw and dental issues.
ST6 is located on the lower jaw, about halfway between the jaw joint and the corner of the mouth, on the masseter muscle.
ST6 can help release jaw tension, relieve pain, and relax the chewing muscles.
This point should be treated carefully, as the area is sensitive and the horse may react to pain.
Location ST6 is located on the masseter muscle, in a depression palpable when the jaw is clenched, midway between the temporomandibular joint and the labial commissure.
Functions ST6 is used for treating lockjaw, masseter muscle tension, dental pain, and local swelling. It can also support cases of facial nerve paralysis.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as nerves (facial nerve) and blood vessels are nearby. Avoid treatment in cases of local inflammation or trauma.
ST 7 Stomach 7 (ST7) – Xiaguan, Lower Gate
ST7 is used to relieve jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and to support dental issues. It can also help with facial nerve disorders.
Stomach 7 (ST7), also known as Xiaguan or Lower Hinge, is an acupuncture point located on the horse's head. It is commonly used for jaw-related issues.
ST7 is located at the junction of the zygomatic arch and the mandible, just in front of the base of the ear. It can be felt when the horse slightly opens its mouth.
ST7 is used to relieve jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and to support dental issues. It can also help with facial nerve disorders.
Care is needed when treating this point, as it is close to sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Always work with a calm horse and use gentle pressure.
Location ST7 is located in the depression between the zygomatic process and the condylar process of the mandible, ventral to the zygomatic arch, at the level of the masseter muscle insertion.
Functions ST7 is used to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction, trismus, dental pain, salivation disorders, and facial paralysis. It affects both local and distal meridians.
Safety ST7 is close to the facial nerve and facial artery. When needling, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid injury to these structures.
Horse Acu