Patterns / Disharmonies — Sweating Pattern
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.
BL 15 Bladder 15 (BL15) – Xinshu, Heart Shu
BL15 is traditionally used to support heart function, and in cases of restlessness, anxiety, or circulatory issues.
Bladder 15 (BL15), also known as Xinshu, is an important acupuncture point on the bladder meridian, traditionally associated with the heart and its functions.
BL15 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the 5th thoracic vertebra, approximately three finger-widths lateral to the spinous process.
BL15 is traditionally used to support heart function, and in cases of restlessness, anxiety, or circulatory issues.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by trained individuals, as it is located near sensitive structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location BL15 is located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, within the muscle area of the longissimus dorsi.
Functions BL15 tonifies and regulates heart Qi, calms the Shen (spirit), and is used for heart Qi deficiency, arrhythmias, and emotional disturbances.
Safety Caution with deep needling to avoid pneumothorax. Do not use in cases of local infection or skin disease.
BL 18 Bladder 18 (BL18) – Ganshu, Liver Shu
BL18 is traditionally used to support liver function, for eye issues, or muscle tension.
Bladder 18 (BL18), also known as Ganshu, is an important acupuncture point on the bladder meridian, closely related to liver function in horses.
BL18 is located on both sides of the spine, at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra, about three finger-widths lateral to the midline.
BL18 is traditionally used to support liver function, for eye issues, or muscle tension.
This point should be treated with care as it is located near the ribs. Improper use may cause discomfort.
Location BL18 is located 3 cun lateral to the caudal end of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra, within the intercostal space.
Functions BL18 tonifies Liver Qi, moves blood, clears heat, and is used for Liver Qi stagnation, eye disorders, muscle tension, and emotional imbalances.
Safety When needling BL18, be mindful of the proximity to the pleura and ribs to avoid pneumothorax or hematoma.
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.
HT 6 Heart 6 (HE6) – Yinxi, Yin Cleft
HT6 can help alleviate restlessness, anxiety, and heart issues. It is also used to support night sweating and strengthen heart Yin.
Heart 6 (HT6), also known as Yinxi, is an important acupuncture point on the heart meridian in horses. It is often used to support the cardiovascular system and address emotional imbalances.
Heart 6 is located on the horse’s forearm, on the inside, about one thumb’s width above Heart 7, in a small depression between the tendons.
HT6 can help alleviate restlessness, anxiety, and heart issues. It is also used to support night sweating and strengthen heart Yin.
This point should only be treated by experienced individuals, as it is sensitive and improper use may harm the horse.
Location HT6 is located on the medial forearm, proximal to HT7, in the groove between the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles.
Functions HT6 is used to treat heart Yin deficiency, night sweats, acute cardiac arrhythmias, and emotional instability. It has hemostatic and calming effects.
Safety Caution with deep stimulation, as the point is close to important vessels and nerves. Use aseptic technique and ensure the horse is calmly restrained.
KI 7 Kidney 7 (KI7) – Fuliu, Returning Current
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Kidney 7 (KI7), also known as Fuliu or Returning Current, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support kidney function and regulate water balance.
KI7 is located on the hind limb, about two thumb-widths above KI3, just behind the tibia. Look for a small depression on the inside of the leg.
This point is used to strengthen kidney energy, regulate water balance, and assist with swelling or sweating.
Treatment of this point should only be performed by experienced individuals, as improper use may cause discomfort. Ensure the horse is calm during the procedure.
Location KI7 is located on the medial aspect of the hind limb, cranial to the Achilles tendon insertion, 2 cun proximal to KI3, in a distinct depression between the tibia and the tendon.
Functions KI7 tonifies kidney Qi, regulates urination, treats edema and sweating disorders, and is used for hind limb weakness.
Safety Caution is advised in horses with sensitive hind limbs or acute lameness. Aseptic technique and calm restraint are essential to avoid stress and complications.
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.
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.