Neurological — Tremors
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.
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.
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.
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.
GV 16 Governing Vessel 16 (GV16) – Below external occipital protuberance
Du16 can help release tension in the neck area and support the central nervous system. It is also used for stress, restlessness, and certain neurological issues.
Governing Vessel 16 (Du16) is located on the nuchal line, just below the occiput. This point is often used to support well-being and promote relaxation in horses.
Du16 is located on the midline of the horse's neck, just below the occipital bone, in a small depression between the attachments of the nuchal muscles.
Du16 can help release tension in the neck area and support the central nervous system. It is also used for stress, restlessness, and certain neurological issues.
Du16 is a sensitive point located near important nerves and blood vessels. Application should always be cautious and preferably performed by an experienced person.
Location Du16 is located on the dorsal midline, in the depression just caudal to the occipital bone, between the origins of the rectus capitis dorsalis major and minor muscles.
Functions Du16 is used for treating central nervous system disorders, headaches, neck stiffness, wind syndromes, and calming the mind. It influences the central nervous system and can support treatment of neurological diseases.
Safety Caution is required due to proximity to the medulla oblongata and major blood vessels. No deep or aggressive needling; contraindicated in cases of neurological symptoms or trauma.
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.
HT 7 Heart 7 (HE7) – Shenmen, Spirit Gate
Shenmen is traditionally used for calming, in cases of stress, restlessness, and to support the heart.
Heart 7, also known as Shenmen, is an important acupuncture point on the horse’s forelimb, often used to calm and support emotional balance.
Heart 7 is located on the inside of the forelimb, just behind the fetlock joint, in a small depression between two tendons.
Shenmen is traditionally used for calming, in cases of stress, restlessness, and to support the heart.
This point should be treated with care as it is close to sensitive structures. If unsure, always consult an experienced professional.
Location HE7 is located distal and palmaromedial to the fetlock joint, in the depression between the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles.
Functions HE7 is used for sedation, in cases of heart Qi and blood deficiency, sleep disorders, anxiety, restlessness, and to harmonize the Shen.
Safety Caution with deep injections, as the point is close to the medial fetlock artery and tendons. Aseptic technique is essential.
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.
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.
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.