Distal Limb — Knee Problems
BL 40 Bladder 40 (BL40) – Weizhong, Middle of the Crook
Bl40 is traditionally used to relieve back pain, hind limb problems, and to promote blood circulation.
Bladder 40 (Bl40), also called Weizhong, is an important acupuncture point located in the middle of the horse's stifle crease. It is often used to support back and hind limb issues.
Bl40 is located exactly in the middle of the stifle crease, between the tendons, when the hind limb is slightly flexed.
Bl40 is traditionally used to relieve back pain, hind limb problems, and to promote blood circulation.
Bl40 is located in the stifle crease, where important blood vessels and nerves run. Therefore, this point should be treated carefully and with proper knowledge.
Location Bl40 is located on the bladder meridian, exactly in the center of the popliteal fossa, between the biceps femoris muscle (lateral) and the semitendinosus muscle (medial).
Functions Bl40 is used to treat lumbago, sciatica, hind limb lameness, myopathies, and to promote Qi and blood flow along the bladder meridian.
Safety Due to the proximity of the popliteal artery and vein as well as the tibial nerve, special caution is required when needling. Aseptic technique and a calm horse are essential.
GB 33 Gallbladder 33 (GB33) – Above lateral knee
GB33 can help relieve pain and stiffness in the knee and improve mobility.
GB33 is an acupuncture point located on the outside of the horse's knee. It belongs to the gallbladder meridian and is often used for issues in the knee area.
GB33 is located on the outside of the knee, slightly above the joint space, in a small depression.
GB33 can help relieve pain and stiffness in the knee and improve mobility.
If unsure or if there is significant pain, always consult a professional. The point is close to the joint, so treat it with care.
Location GB33 (Xiyangguan) is located cranial and proximal to the lateral femoral condyle, in the depression between the femur and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle.
Functions Used for stifle joint issues, lameness, local inflammation, and to promote Qi flow along the gallbladder meridian.
Safety Caution with intra-articular pathologies; avoid deep needling to prevent irritation of joint structures. Aseptic technique is recommended.
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.
HT 3 Heart 3 (HE3) – Shaohai, Lesser Sea
HE3 can help strengthen the heart, reduce stress, and promote blood circulation. It is also used for restlessness and anxiety.
Heart 3 (HE3), also known as Shaohai or Small Sea, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and address emotional imbalances.
HE3 is located on the medial side of the elbow, in the depression between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the elbow joint.
HE3 can help strengthen the heart, reduce stress, and promote blood circulation. It is also used for restlessness and anxiety.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location HE3 is located in the depression proximal and cranial to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, on the medial aspect of the elbow joint, at the level of the ulnar nerve groove.
Functions HE3 is used to clear heart heat, calm the spirit (Shen), and promote local circulation. Indications include cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, and elbow joint issues.
Safety Caution with deep needling, as the ulnar nerve and vascular structures are in close proximity. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.
KI 10 Kidney 10 (KI10) – Yingu, Yin Valley
KI10 is used to strengthen kidney energy, eliminate dampness, and support issues in the hind limbs.
Kidney 10 (KI10) – Yingu, also known as Yin Valley, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support kidney function.
KI10 is located on the inside of the hind limb, in the popliteal fossa, between tendon and muscle.
KI10 is used to strengthen kidney energy, eliminate dampness, and support issues in the hind limbs.
This point should only be treated by experienced individuals, as it is located near sensitive structures.
Location KI10 is located medially in the popliteal fossa, between the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles, at the level of the medial femoral condyle.
Functions KI10 tonifies kidney yin, clears heat, and eliminates dampness. Indicated for lower jiao disorders, lameness, and urogenital issues.
Safety Caution with deep needling, as KI10 is close to the popliteal artery and vein. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.
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.
SP 9 Spleen 9 (SP9) – Yinlingquan, Yin Mound Spring
SP9 is used to regulate fluid retention, strengthen the spleen, and support cases of lameness or swelling in the hind limb.
SP9, also known as Yinlingquan, is an important acupuncture point on the horse's hind limb, often used to support fluid balance and spleen function.
SP9 is located on the inside of the hind limb, just below the medial condyle of the tibia, in a small depression.
SP9 is used to regulate fluid retention, strengthen the spleen, and support cases of lameness or swelling in the hind limb.
This point should be treated with care, as it is located near important vessels. Only use under supervision or by an experienced professional.
Location SP9 is located in the depression distal and posterior to the medial tibial condyle, on the line connecting the medial femoral condyle and the medial malleolus.
Functions SP9 resolves dampness, promotes diuresis, strengthens the spleen, and is used for edema, lameness, fluid metabolism disorders, and spleen Qi deficiency.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as SP9 is close to the medial saphenous vein and other vessels. Aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge are essential.
ST 34 Stomach 34 (ST34) – Distal thigh
ST34 can help relieve pain and tension around the knee and promote mobility.
Stomach 34 (ST34) is an important acupuncture point on the horse's thigh, near the knee joint. It is often used to support issues related to the knee area.
ST34 is located on the front of the thigh, about one hand's width above the patella, slightly towards the outside.
ST34 can help relieve pain and tension around the knee and promote mobility.
Use this point with caution, especially in cases of acute injuries or swelling around the knee. When in doubt, always consult a professional.
Location ST34 is located on the line between the center of the patella and the tuber coxae, approximately 2 cun proximal to the patella, in the vastus lateralis muscle.
Functions ST34 is used to treat acute stifle joint issues, lameness, local pain, and muscle tension in the thigh region.
Safety In horses with local trauma, infection, or significant swelling around the knee, ST34 should not be used or only with particular caution.
ST 35 Stomach 35 (ST35) – Knee lateral
ST35 is used to relieve pain and swelling in the knee area and to promote mobility.
Stomach 35 (ST35), also known as the lateral knee hollow, is an important acupuncture point located at the horse's knee. It is often used to support joint health.
ST35 is located lateral to the patella, in the depression between the patella and the lateral ligament of the knee.
ST35 is used to relieve pain and swelling in the knee area and to promote mobility.
This point should be treated carefully, as the knee joint is sensitive. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location ST35 is located in the lateral fossa of the knee, just lateral to the patella, between the lateral patellar ligament and the lateral femoral condyle.
Functions ST35 is used for treating gonitis, chronic lameness, and local inflammation; it promotes Qi and blood circulation in the knee region.
Safety Caution with intra-articular pathologies and significant swelling; aseptic technique and precise palpation are essential.
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.