Behaviour — Sleep and Rest Disturbances
BL 62 Bladder 62 (BL62) – Shenmai, Extending Vessel
BL62 is traditionally used to support lameness, back tension, and to promote inner calm.
Bladder 62 (Shenmai) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support the musculoskeletal system and emotional balance.
BL62 is located below the hock joint, just beneath the outer ankle bone on the hind limb.
BL62 is traditionally used to support lameness, back tension, and to promote inner calm.
Application should only be performed by trained individuals, as improper stimulation can cause discomfort. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL62 is located distal to the lateral malleolus of the tibia, in a depression between the malleolus and the calcaneus, laterally on the hind limb.
Functions BL62 is the opening point of the Yang Qiao Mai and is used for treating hindlimb lameness, back tension, neurological disorders, and for sedation in cases of restlessness.
Safety In horses with local injuries or infections at the point, BL62 should not be needled. Use caution in very nervous or pain-sensitive animals.
GB 20 Gallbladder 20 (GB20) – Fengchi, Wind Pool
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20, also known as Fengchi or Wind Pond, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's head. It is commonly used to treat headaches, neck stiffness, and some neurological issues.
GB20 is located bilaterally at the back of the head, in a depression between the occipital bone and the first cervical vertebra, just below the base of the ear.
GB20 can help dispel wind, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation in the head and neck area.
GB20 should be used with caution, as it is close to sensitive structures. Only trained personnel should treat this point.
Location GB20 is located in the depression between the mastoid process and the wing of the atlas, at the level of the ear base, lateral to the midline.
Functions GB20 is used to treat external and internal wind, headaches, ataxia, neck stiffness, and neurological disorders. It influences the circulation of Qi and blood in the head region.
Safety When treating GB20, be aware of the proximity to nerves and blood vessels. Too deep or improper needling can lead to complications.
GV 20 Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) – Baihui, Hundred Meetings
Du20 can help reduce stress, promote awareness, and support the central nervous system.
Governing Vessel 20 (Du20), also known as Baihui or 'Hundred Meetings', is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s head. It is often used to promote overall well-being and support mental clarity.
Du20 is located on the midline of the head, at the highest point between the horse’s ears.
Du20 can help reduce stress, promote awareness, and support the central nervous system.
Stimulation of Du20 should be done carefully, as the point is located on the skull. Do not apply strong pressure and do not use needles without proper training.
Location Du20 is located on the dorsal midline of the skull, at the intersection with the line connecting the tips of the ears, at the highest point of the head.
Functions Du20 is used to calm the mind, in neurological disorders, to promote Qi flow in the head region, and to stabilize the central nervous system.
Safety When needling Du20, be aware of the minimal tissue thickness over the skull. Aseptic technique and careful needle placement are essential to avoid complications.
PC 6 Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Neiguan, Inner Pass
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Pericardium 6 (PC6), also known as Neiguan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and for calming purposes.
Pe6 is located on the inside of the forelimb, about two thumb-widths above the carpus, between the tendons.
Pe6 can help with restlessness, nausea, or heart issues. It is also used to promote relaxation.
Use Pe6 with care, especially in very nervous or sensitive horses. Always consult a professional if you are unsure.
Location Pe6 is located on the medial aspect of the forelimb, between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus muscles, approximately 2 cun proximal to the carpus.
Functions Pe6 is used for treating cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, stress, and for regulating Qi in the thoracic region.
Safety When needling Pe6, be aware of the proximity to tendons and vessels. Do not use this point in cases of local inflammation or injury.
SI 3 Small Intestine 3 (SI3) – Houxi, Back Stream
SI3 is often used to relieve musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck areas. It can also promote general well-being.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3), also known as Houxi, is an important acupuncture point in horses, often used to support the musculoskeletal system.
SI3 is located on the outside of the forelimb, just behind the fetlock joint, in a small depression above the fetlock head.
SI3 is often used to relieve musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck areas. It can also promote general well-being.
This point should be treated with care, as improper use may cause discomfort. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI3 is located distally on the lateral splint bone of the forelimb, in the depression proximal to the fetlock joint, between the lateral splint bone head and the fetlock bone.
Functions SI3 is the Shu-stream and Wood point of the Small Intestine meridian. It is used for treating lameness, neck stiffness, back pain, and to support neurological disorders.
Safety When using SI3, ensure correct needling technique and calm restraint of the horse to prevent stress and injury.
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.
Horse Acu