Today’s discussion will focus on the Triple Heater Meridian – a key component in both acupuncture and acupressure for dogs. In this session, you will learn about the essential points along its trajectory, including their precise locations and clinical applications. By understanding these powerful points, you’ll be equipped with valuable knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of your dog’s acupressure and acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture Points on the Triple Heater Meridian
The Triple Heater Merdian in Dogs
The Triple meridian is one of the Yang meridians of the Fire element. It starts at the nail bad of the 5th digit and terminates near the ear. Points of the Triple Heater meridian are frequently used to treat ear problems, pain in the head and neck region but also along the entire side including both hips.
The corresponding Yin meridian of this Fire element meridian is the Pericardium meridian. There are two more Fire meridians, namely Small Intestine (Yang) and Heart (Yin).
Clinical Application of Pressure Points
- TH 03 – Pain in the head and neck region, ear infection,
- TH 05 – pain along the side, hip pain, inflammation and pain in general.
- TH 10 – swelling and inflammation in the throat area
- TH 14 – shoulder pain
- TH 17 – calming, ear problems
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.
Printable Acupressure Charts e-book
In response to frequent inquiries about a printable e-Book with Acupressure Charts and Meridian Maps for dogs, we have compiled a high-quality illustrated e-Book. Our e-Book includes maps of all 12 canine meridians and their most powerful Acupressure Points. The result is a practical, informative, and printable PDF that can be used on all digital devices or conveniently carried as a printout.
Download your printable Canine Acupressure Chart now!
Download here
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.
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.
The Five Elements
The Five Elements theory forms the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each of the five elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, and Metal include subcategories such as climate, body tissue, emotion, internal organ…
You can find more information on the five elements here.
The five-element system also applies to your dog’s personality and physical constitution. Every dog can be categorized into one of the five elements. This gives us more information on dietary preferences and disease predispositions.
The Fire Element Dog
Fire element dogs are full of energy, with a tendency to be overexcited. They are very friendly, they love to get attention and like to play all the time. Sometimes their owners find it difficult to calm them down.
Disease predispositions: separation anxiety, restlessness, cardiac diseases.
| Organ | Heart & Pericardium |
| Bowel | Small Intestine & Triple Heater |
| Sense Organ | Tongue |
| Body Tissue | Blood Vessels |
| Emotion | Joy |
| Season | Summer |
| Weather | Heat |
| Color | Red |
| Sound | Laughing |
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.
