Head — Temporomandibular Joint Problems
BL 10 Bladder 10 (BL10) – Tianzhu, Celestial Pillar
BL10 can help release tension in the neck, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system.
Bladder 10 (BL10), also known as Tianzhu or Celestial Pillar, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse's neck. It is often used to support the neck and promote overall well-being.
BL10 is located on both sides of the spine, about 1.5 cun lateral to the first cervical vertebra (atlas), just below the occipital bone.
BL10 can help release tension in the neck, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system.
This point should be used with caution, as it is located near sensitive structures. If in doubt, always consult an experienced professional.
Location BL10 is located 1.5 cun lateral to the dorsal-most point of the atlas wing, in a depression between the trapezius and brachiocephalicus muscles, caudal to the occipital bone.
Functions BL10 is used to treat neck stiffness, headaches, wind invasion, neurological disorders, and to harmonize Qi in the head region.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as BL10 is in close proximity to nerves, vessels, and the spinal cord. Aseptic technique and precise anatomical knowledge are essential.
GB 2 Gallbladder 2 (GB2) – Tinghui, Listening Assembly
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
GB2, also known as Tinghui, is an acupuncture point on the horse's head, traditionally used to support the ears and hearing.
GB2 is located just in front of the base of the ear, in the depression between the jaw joint and the external ear canal.
GB2 is used to relieve issues in the ear area, such as inflammation or pain, and can also support jaw problems.
This point should be treated carefully as it is close to the ear and the horse may react sensitively.
Location GB2 is located in the depression anterior to the tragus, just ventral to the condylar process of the mandible, at the level of the external ear canal.
Functions GB2 is used to treat otalgia, otitis externa, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and local pain. It influences the Gallbladder and Triple Heater meridians.
Safety When treating GB2, be aware of the proximity to sensitive structures such as the external ear canal and the facial nerve. Avoid deep needling.
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.
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.
SI 18 Small Intestine 18 (SI18) – Quanliao, Cheek Bone Crevice
SI18 can help relieve pain and swelling in the facial area and is often used for issues with teeth, jaw, or sinuses.
Small Intestine 18 (SI18), also called Quanliao, is an acupuncture point located on the horse's cheek. It is often used to support issues in the head region.
SI18 is located in a depression on the zygomatic arch, about halfway between the bridge of the nose and the base of the ear, just below the zygomatic bone.
SI18 can help relieve pain and swelling in the facial area and is often used for issues with teeth, jaw, or sinuses.
This point should be used with care, as the area is sensitive and close to important structures. Always consult a professional if unsure.
Location SI18 is located in the depression caudal and ventral to the zygomatic arch, at the level of the infraorbital foramen, about halfway between the lateral canthus and the base of the ear.
Functions SI18 is used for treating facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, dental diseases, temporomandibular joint issues, and sinusitis. It can also support treatment of facial paralysis.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as the point is close to the facial artery and sensitive nerve structures. Avoid treatment in case of local inflammation or trauma.
SJ 17 San Jiao 17 (SJ17) – Yi Feng, Wind Screen
This point is traditionally used to dispel wind, relieve ear pain, and support jaw and neck function.
The Triple Heater 17 (TH17), also known as Yi Feng or Wind Screen, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s head, often used for ear and jaw issues.
TH17 is located just behind the angle of the lower jaw, in a depression in front of the wing of the atlas, close to the base of the ear.
This point is traditionally used to dispel wind, relieve ear pain, and support jaw and neck function.
Care must be taken when treating this point, as it is close to sensitive structures such as the parotid gland and important nerves. Improper use may cause pain or injury.
Location The point is located in the depression between the ramus of the mandible and the wing of the atlas, ventral to the base of the ear, usually palpable as a small hollow.
Functions TH17 is used to treat otitis, facial paralysis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and to expel external wind. It influences local meridians and promotes Qi flow in the head region.
Safety TH17 is in close proximity to the facial nerve, auriculopalpebral nerve, and the parotid gland. Needling should be performed with fine needles and controlled depth to avoid nerve injury and hematoma.
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.
ST 6 Stomach 6 (ST6) – Jiache, Jawbone
ST6 can help release jaw tension, relieve pain, and relax the chewing muscles.
Stomach 6 (ST6), also known as Jiache, is an important acupuncture point located on the horse’s jawbone. It is often used to support jaw and dental issues.
ST6 is located on the lower jaw, about halfway between the jaw joint and the corner of the mouth, on the masseter muscle.
ST6 can help release jaw tension, relieve pain, and relax the chewing muscles.
This point should be treated carefully, as the area is sensitive and the horse may react to pain.
Location ST6 is located on the masseter muscle, in a depression palpable when the jaw is clenched, midway between the temporomandibular joint and the labial commissure.
Functions ST6 is used for treating lockjaw, masseter muscle tension, dental pain, and local swelling. It can also support cases of facial nerve paralysis.
Safety Caution is required when needling, as nerves (facial nerve) and blood vessels are nearby. Avoid treatment in cases of local inflammation or trauma.
ST 7 Stomach 7 (ST7) – Xiaguan, Lower Gate
ST7 is used to relieve jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and to support dental issues. It can also help with facial nerve disorders.
Stomach 7 (ST7), also known as Xiaguan or Lower Hinge, is an acupuncture point located on the horse's head. It is commonly used for jaw-related issues.
ST7 is located at the junction of the zygomatic arch and the mandible, just in front of the base of the ear. It can be felt when the horse slightly opens its mouth.
ST7 is used to relieve jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and to support dental issues. It can also help with facial nerve disorders.
Care is needed when treating this point, as it is close to sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Always work with a calm horse and use gentle pressure.
Location ST7 is located in the depression between the zygomatic process and the condylar process of the mandible, ventral to the zygomatic arch, at the level of the masseter muscle insertion.
Functions ST7 is used to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction, trismus, dental pain, salivation disorders, and facial paralysis. It affects both local and distal meridians.
Safety ST7 is close to the facial nerve and facial artery. When needling, pay attention to depth and direction to avoid injury to these structures.