Learn the most important points used for acupuncture and acupressure in dogs. Today we’ll discuss the trajectory of the Bladder Meridian including the location and clinical application of the most powerful points.
Acupressure Points on the Bladder Meridian
The Bladder Merdian in Dogs
The Bladder meridian is the Yang meridian of the Water element. It starts near both eyes and runs along the neck and back on both sides of the midline. Most points on the Bladder meridian which a located along the thoracic and lumbar spine (BL 12-28) are called Shu Points. Each of those points has a close relationship to one of the inner organs. We will discuss Shu Points in a separate Post soon.
Clinical Application of Pressure Points
- BL 01- local problems such as issues of the eye and a generally calming point
- BL 27 – Shu Point for the Small Intestine. Gastrointestinal and urinary problems, lower back pain.
- BL 40 – Lower back pain and problems of the rear legs, local point for knee and hock issues.
- BL 60 – Pain, local point for hock issues but also head, neck and back pain.
- BL 62 – pain along the Bladder channel as well as eye problems and epilepsy.
How to Treat Pressure Points
There are multiple different ways how to work with acupuncture points. Professional practitioners use needles or acupuncture lasers to stimulate them. But you can achieve a beneficial effect by massaging them with your hand as well. This technique is called acupressure.
Massage Techniques for Acupressure
During acupressure, you will use your hands to be aware of any changes happening in the body. These could either be an existing blockage or the free flow of Qi after removing a blockage by acupressure treatment. Learning to sense what the body is communicating takes practice. You can educate your hands by focusing on the various sensations experienced during these sessions and by learning what the sensations indicate.
Massage Techniques:
- The One-Finger Technique: During this technique, you’ll use the finger pad of your thumb. Place it on the acupressure point and apply gentle pressure to it. Depending on the location, you can gently move your thumb and work a little bit deeper into the tissue. This technique is best used on fleshy, well-muscled body parts or on the limbs of larger dogs.
- The Two-Finger Technique: To perform this technique, place your middle finger over the nail on your pointer finger and apply gentle pressure on your dog’s body surface. Use this technique on smaller dogs or on the legs.
Canine Acupressure Charts – Printable PDF
We were asked many times in the past if there’s a printable eBook containing Acupressure Charts and Meridian Maps for dogs. Over the past weeks, we put together an eBook with our high-quality illustrations. The result is a handy, informative, and printable PDF containing maps of all 12 canine meridians and their most powerful Acupressure Points. This publication is a PDF document that you can either use on all of your digital devices or simply carry with you as a printout.
Download your printable Canine Acupressure Chart now!
Practise, Practise, Practise!
The meridians and acupoints that will be treated are just under the skin, so you only need to apply gentle pressure. Extreme pressure could cause additional pain. If your dog ever shows signs of discomfort at any point, stop to apply pressure and move on to a different area.
If you are unable to feel changes in your dog’s body at first, that’s ok! It takes time to learn how to feel the sensation of moving Qi and removing blockages through the hands. Simply apply gentle pressure to the acupoint for approximately 30 seconds. If you don’t manage to stay on the point for the full 30 seconds, don’t worry, that’s ok too, it will still work. While performing your acupressure session, look for signs in your dog. Your furry friend will tell you when you’re getting better at what you’re doing.
Recommended Acupressure Books & Videos
ACU-HORSE: Guide to Equine Acupressure provides you with a step-by-step guide to performing an acupressure session with your horse. Also, this full-color, 230-page equine acupressure book offers tons of charts and photos to help you learn equine acupressure.
ACU-DOG: Guide to Canine Acupressure gives a step-by-step guide to an acupressure session with color photos and charts. It explains how to apply Chinese medicine theories, plus active descriptions and photos of hands-on techniques.
How do I Know it’s Working?
Your dog’s body will give you clear signs that your massage is having a positive effect on their well-being. Releasing blockages and promoting the free flow of Qi will make your dog feel much better and show you release signs such as:
- Calming down
- Relaxing
- Yawning
- Groaning
- Becoming dozy and even falling asleep
- Stretching
After a few days of doing acupressure, you will notice that you’re not only helping your dog’s health and well-being with your daily acupressure session, but also you’ll see the bond between the two of you growing much stronger.
Canine Acupressure Workbook
I highly recommend checking out the Canine Acupressure Workbook. This comprehensive guide is filled with step-by-step instructions, point charts for various health issues, and high-quality images to help you locate the acupressure points on your dog’s body.
By using acupressure, you can help your dog alleviate pain and discomfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation. With this easy-to-use workbook, you’ll have everything you need to get started with acupressure and enhance the health and happiness of your furry friend.
