In this article, we are exploring the most important pressure points on the equine Kidney Meridian. We’re diving into their functions and where they are located on the horse’s body. Let’s get started!
Acupressure Points on the Equine Kidney Meridian
The Bladder meridian is the Yin meridian of the Water element. Points of the Kidney meridian are very frequently used for the treatment of caudal back issues, cough, lameness, and urogenital problems.
The Kidney Merdian in Horses
Clinical Application of Pressure Points
- KI 01 – Local point for foot issues, anxiety, and fever.
- KI 03 – Pain and weakness of the caudal back, local point for the hock.
- KI 07 – Pain in the caudal back, weakness and lameness in the hind legs, and urogenital problems.
- KI 27 – Cough and recurrent airway obstructrion, pain in the iliosacral area.
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 legs.
- 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 horse’s body surface. This technique works very well in the back area.
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 horse 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 horse’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 horse.
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 horse’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 horse gradually relax and show you release signs such as:
- Yawning
- Stretching
- Chewing
- Playing with their tongue
- Blinking with their eyes
- Releasing tension by shifting weight from one leg to the other