The equine Back-Shu Points are specific acupressure points located on the inner branch of the Bladder meridian. Each of them has a special relationship with one of the meridians and its corresponding organ. Ting Points are located at either the end or start of each meridian.
Equine Shu Points
The Back-Shu points are used for diagnostic purposes. Increased tenderness or sensitivity in one of those points indicates a problem in the corresponding meridian or organ.
Location of the equine Back-Shu Points
| acupuncture point | organ | location |
| BL 13 | Lung | 8. Intercostal space |
| BL 14 | Pericardium | 9. Intercostal space |
| BL 15 | Heart | 10. Intercostal space |
| BL 16 | Governing Vessel | 11. Intercostal space |
| BL 17 | Diaphragm | 12. Intercostal space |
| BL 18 | Liver | 13. + 14. ICS |
| BL 19 | Gallbladder | 15. Intercostal space |
| Qi-Hai-Shu | Sea of Qi | 16. Intercostal space |
| BL 20 | Spleen | last intercostal space |
| BL 21 | Stomach | behind the last rib |
| BL 22 | Triple Heater | btw. 1. and 2. lumbar |
| BL 23 | Kidney | btw. 2. and 3. lumbar |
| BL 25 | Large Intestine | btw. 5. and 6. lumbar |
| BL 27 | Small Intestine | sacrum |
| BL 28 | Bladder | sacrum |
Orientation can be a bit difficult at first because the points are lined up quite closely on the Bladder meridian. A trick that makes orientation somewhat easier is to look for the last rib. Directly causal to it is BL 21. From here, you can either count forwards or backward.
What are Shu Points used for?
The examination of the Shu points is an integral part of the TCM examination procedure. Reactions at a certain point give the examiner information on the state of the associated meridian or its organ. If only the Shu point is reactive, this indicates a problem along the meridian. However, if the corresponding Mu point (alarm point) is also reactive, it must be assumed that there is an imbalance in the corresponding organ.
Like other acupuncture points, Shu points can also be needled or massaged for treatment purposes. However, many therapists prefer to choose other points so that the indicator function of the point is maintained during the treatment.
Equine Acupuncture Charts PDF
Download your Equine Acupuncture Charts PDF now. Ideal for studying and treatment planning.
The Equine Ting Points
The Ting points are the endpoints or the starting points of a meridian in the horse. They are located above the coronary band of all four hooves. On the front hooves are the Ting points of the lung meridian, large intestine meridian, heart meridian, small intestine meridian, triple heater meridian, and pericardium meridian.
Ting points have an impact on the entire meridian. They are usually treated when a horse has a problem that is localized along the meridian. In many cases, this is pain or tension in muscles that are located under the corresponding meridian.