Airways / Respiratory — Respiratory Problems
BL 13 Bladder 13 (BL13) – Feishu, Lung Shu
Feishu is used to support breathing, strengthen the immune system, and help with respiratory disorders.
Bladder 13 (BL13), also known as Feishu, is an important acupuncture point for supporting lung function in horses.
BL13 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the third thoracic vertebra, about a hand’s width lateral to the midline.
Feishu is used to support breathing, strengthen the immune system, and help with respiratory disorders.
Treatment of this point should be performed carefully to avoid stressing or injuring the horse.
Location BL13 is located in the intercostal space at the level of the third thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal midline.
Functions BL13 tonifies Lung Qi, disperses Wind and Heat, and is used for cough, asthma, and immune deficiency.
Safety When needling BL13, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid pneumothorax.
CV 17 Conception Vessel 17 (CV17) – Shanzhong, Chest Center
This point is used to support breathing, relieve stress, and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Conception Vessel 17 (Ren17), also known as Shanzhong, is located in the middle of the chest and is an important acupuncture point for breathing and emotional balance in horses.
Ren17 is located on the midline of the chest, approximately at the level of the fourth intercostal space, between the two forelimbs.
This point is used to support breathing, relieve stress, and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
This point should be used with care as it is located near the sternum. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Ren17 is located on the ventral midline, at the level of the fourth intercostal space, directly above the sternum, between the insertions of the pectoral muscles.
Functions Ren17 regulates thoracic Qi, supports lung function, calms the heart, and is used for dyspnea, cough, anxiety, and thoracic tension.
Safety Caution in horses with thoracic injuries or cardiac issues. Avoid deep stimulation to prevent thoracic injury.
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.
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.
Lung 1 (LU1) – Zhong Fu, Central Treasury
LU1 is used to strengthen the lungs, relieve coughing, and make breathing easier.
Lung 1 (LU1), also known as Zhong Fu, is an important point on the lung meridian and is often used to support the respiratory system in horses.
LU1 is located on the chest, just below the scapula, in the first intercostal space.
LU1 is used to strengthen the lungs, relieve coughing, and make breathing easier.
LU1 should only be treated by experienced individuals, as it is located near the chest and sensitive structures.
Location LU1 is located in the first intercostal space, medial to the shoulder, at the junction of the lateral and ventral thorax, usually palpable in a depression.
Functions LU1 is used to treat lung diseases, acute and chronic respiratory disorders, thoracic pain, and to strengthen Wei Qi.
Safety Caution is required when needling LU1 due to its proximity to the lungs and major vessels, increasing the risk of pneumothorax or hematoma.
Lung 5 (LU5) – Chi Ze, Cubit Marsh
LU5 is used to support lung function, for cough, and to relieve heat in the body.
Lung 5 (LU5), also known as Chi Ze, is an important acupuncture point located at the horse’s elbow. It is often used for respiratory issues.
LU5 is located in the elbow crease, on the inside of the forelimb, just in front of the biceps tendon.
LU5 is used to support lung function, for cough, and to relieve heat in the body.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to sensitive structures. Please use only under supervision or by a professional.
Location LU5 is located in the elbow crease, medially, in the depression between the distal end of the humerus and the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle.
Functions LU5 clears heat from the Lung meridian, promotes the descent of Lung Qi, relieves cough, and supports both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
Safety Caution when needling, as LU5 is close to the cephalic vein and median nerve. Use aseptic technique and precise localization.
Lung 7 (LU7) – Lie Que, Broken Sequence
LU7 is used to support the lungs, for cough, respiratory diseases, and to strengthen the immune system. It can also help with skin issues.
Lung 7 (LU7), also known as Lie Que, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the respiratory system and strengthen immunity.
LU7 is located on the forelimb, about 1.5 cun above the carpus, slightly in front of the splint bone. It is often palpable as a small depression.
LU7 is used to support the lungs, for cough, respiratory diseases, and to strengthen the immune system. It can also help with skin issues.
LU7 should only be treated by trained individuals, as improper use can cause pain or injury. Carefully observe the horse during and after treatment.
Location LU7 is located proximal and medial to the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the carpus, in the groove between the tendon of the abductor pollicis longus and the radius.
Functions LU7 opens the Ren Mai, deepens respiration, treats wind-cold, enhances defensive Qi, and is used for cough, asthma, nasal discharge, and skin disorders.
Safety Caution with local lesions or infections. Do not use in cases of fractures or acute inflammation in the area. Maintain aseptic technique.
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.