Acupuncture Point Chart – The Dog’s Small Intestine Meridian

Learn the most important points used for acupuncture and acupressure in dogs. Today we’ll discuss the trajectory of the Small Intestine Meridian, including the location and clinical application of the most powerful points.

Acupuncture Points on the Small Intestine Meridian

The Small Intestine Merdian in Dogs

The Small Intestine meridian is the Yang meridian of the Fire element. It starts at the nail bed of the 5th digit and terminates near the ear. Points of the Small Intestine meridian are frequently used to treat ear problems such as otitis, neck and back pain, and arthritis in the elbow or shoulder joints.

The corresponding Yin meridian of this Fire element meridian is the Heart meridian. There are two more Fire meridians, namely Triple Heater (Yang) and Pericardium (Yin).

Clinical Application of Pressure Points

• SI 03 – Pain in the head, neck, back, or forelimb.
• SI 09 – Important point for pain relief in the shoulder and entire front leg. Swelling along the Small Intestine meridian.
• SI 19 – Ear problems and pain in the temporomandibular joint.

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.

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.

Learn more

Do you want to learn more about acupuncture points and acupressure? Don’t miss my unique online resource on acupressure for dogs!

More meridians:

• How to Treat Cats with Acupressure
• Equine Acupressure Point – The Heart Meridian in the Horse
• Equine Acupuncture Charts – The Small Intestine Meridian
• Equine Acupressure Charts – The Triple Heater Meridian
• Equine Acupressure Charts – The Liver Merdian in the Horse