Equine Acupuncture Points – The Bladder Meridian of the Horse

Learn the most important pressure points used for acupuncture and acupressure in horses. Here’s the trajectory of the Bladder Meridian, including the location and clinical application of the most powerful points. This meridian is very special as it is the longest channel, and it accommodates the Shu Points.

Acupressure Points on the Equine Bladder Meridian

The Bladder meridian is the Yang meridian of the Water element. The meridian basically runs along the dorsal side of the body and terminates on the lateral side of both hind feet. It splits into two branches in the whithers area.

The Bladder Merdian in Horses

Clinical Application of Pressure Points

• BL 10 – local problems in the neck and poll region, back pain.
• BL 11 – Influential point for the bones, for all bony problems.
• BL 26 – Pain in the caudal back, strengthens the back.
• BL 27 – Shu-Point of the Small Intestine. Benefits the sacral and lumbar areas.
• BL 28 – Shu-Point of the Bladder, neck, and back problems, in particular those along the meridian.
• BL 40 – Master point for the caudal back, stifle problems, and back pain.
• BL 54 – Pain in the lumbar and hip area.
• BL 60 – Local point for hock issues, pain in general, but in particular those along the meridian.

Find more information on Shu points here.

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

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

Equine Acupuncture Charts PDF

Download your Equine Acupuncture Charts PDF now. Ideal for studying and treatment planning.