Urogenital — Reproductive Support (adjunctive)
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 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.
CV 3 Conception Vessel 3 (CV3) – Zhongji, Middle Pole
Ren3 is used to support bladder function, address urinary issues, and promote reproductive health.
The acupuncture point Ren3, also known as Zhongji, is located on the Conception Vessel and is commonly used to support the bladder and reproductive organs in horses.
Ren3 is located on the midline of the abdomen, about four finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) below the umbilicus.
Ren3 is used to support bladder function, address urinary issues, and promote reproductive health.
Ren3 should be used with caution as it is close to sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location Ren3 is located on the linea alba, approximately 1.5 cun caudal to the umbilicus, between the insertions of the abdominal muscles.
Functions Ren3 regulates the Conception Vessel, strengthens the bladder, promotes diuresis, and is used for dysuria, incontinence, and disorders of the genital organs.
Safety Ren3 is close to the abdominal cavity and bladder structures; deep or improper needling may cause injury. Aseptic technique and careful palpation are essential.
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.
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 6 Kidney 6 (KI6) – Zhaohai, Shining Sea
KI6 can help strengthen the immune system, promote mobility, and support emotional balance. It is often used for issues in the hindquarters.
Kidney 6 (KI6), also known as Zhaohai, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support well-being and promote energy flow.
KI6 is located just below the medial hock, in a small depression between two tendons. Accurate location is essential for effective treatment.
KI6 can help strengthen the immune system, promote mobility, and support emotional balance. It is often used for issues in the hindquarters.
This point should only be treated by trained individuals, as improper use may cause discomfort. Carefully observe the horse during and after treatment.
Location KI6 is located distal to the medial malleolus, in the depression between the tibialis cranialis and flexor digitorum longus muscles. Palpation is easiest with the hock slightly flexed.
Functions KI6 is used to treat Yin deficiency, lower jiao disorders, hindlimb lameness, and reproductive or urogenital issues. It also influences the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel).
Safety For KI6, be mindful of the proximity to sensitive structures such as tendons and vessels. Aseptic technique and careful needling are essential to avoid 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.
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.