Distal Limb — Tarsus / Hock Problems
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 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.
BL 54 Bladder 54 (BL54) – Mid-calf (Chengshan region)
Bl54 is traditionally used to relieve pain and tension in the hindquarters and to support mobility.
Bladder 54 (Bl54) is an important acupuncture point located on the middle lower leg of the horse, often used to support the hindquarters.
Bl54 is located on the middle lower leg, in the Chengshan area, roughly halfway between the hock and the fetlock, on the back of the leg.
Bl54 is traditionally used to relieve pain and tension in the hindquarters and to support mobility.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to important structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl54 is located along the bladder meridian, approximately halfway between the tuber calcanei and the fetlock joint, lateral to the superficial digital flexor tendon.
Functions Bl54 is used for treating lumbosacral issues, sciatica, hindlimb lameness, and to promote local circulation.
Safety When needling Bl54, be aware of the proximity to tendons and vessels; aseptic technique and a calm horse are essential.
BL 60 Bladder 60 (BL60) – Kunlun, Kunlun Mountains
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bladder 60, also known as Kunlun, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support mobility and relieve pain.
Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral fetlock bone and the calcaneus, just above the fetlock joint on the hind limb.
Bl60 can help relieve pain in the back, hip, and leg. It is also used to promote overall mobility.
Bl60 should be treated with care, as it is close to tendons and joints. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location Bl60 is located in the depression between the lateral malleolus of the tibia and the tuber calcanei, at the level of the lateral suspensory ligament.
Functions Bl60 is used to treat lumbago, sciatica, hindlimb stiffness, lameness, and to support parturition. It affects the bladder, kidney, and back meridians.
Safety Bl60 is a powerful point with systemic effects and should be used cautiously in cases of pregnancy or weakness. Be mindful of its proximity to tendons and the fetlock joint.
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 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.
GB 39 Gallbladder 39 (GB39) – Xuanzhong, Suspended Bell
GB39 is traditionally used to support tendons and bones and to promote vitality. It can help improve mobility.
GB39, also known as Xuanzhong, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s hind limb. It is often used to support general health and mobility.
GB39 is located on the outside of the hind limb, about three finger widths above the lateral malleolus, between the tendon and the bone.
GB39 is traditionally used to support tendons and bones and to promote vitality. It can help improve mobility.
This point should be used with caution, as it is located near important structures. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
Location GB39 (Xuanzhong) is located 3 cun proximal to the lateral malleolus, between the head of the fibula and the tendon of the long digital extensor.
Functions GB39 tonifies marrow, strengthens tendons and bones, and is used for hindlimb weakness, neurological disorders, and to support vitality.
Safety Caution is advised when needling, as the point is close to the peroneal nerve. Aseptic technique and precise localization are essential to avoid complications.
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.
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.