Last Updated on March 11, 2022 by Allison Price
Acupressure is an ancient healing method that is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Although it is often confused with acupuncture (or acupressure), acupressure does not involve needles. This makes it an effective and simple tool for everyday life with horses.
TCM sees the body as an integrated whole. Mind, body and spirit are all connected. One of TCM’s foundational beliefs is that chi flows through the body via internal paths called meridians. Like us, horses have twelve major meridians. Along these pathways we find specific anatomical locations that can be influenced by chi.
Accessing acupoints by using finger pressure (acupressure), or needles (acupuncture) can resolve chi imbalances, allowing the body to return its natural state of health.
Acupressure can have the following effects:
- Reduce pain
- Relieving muscle spasms
- You can speed up the resolution of injuries by eliminating toxins and increasing your blood supply.
- Mental clarity enhancement
- Natural cortisone is released to reduce swelling
- Immune system strengthening
Use acupressure to massage your horse. For ten to twenty seconds, use light pressure on either your thumb or forefinger until your horse experiences a release. This could include licking and chewing or head-lowering.
Here are five simple acupressure points you can learn and apply to your horse:
Governing vessel 14: Located in the dip at the base of your mane (directly on the top of your neck), this Acu-Point is great for strengthening your immune system and can help horses suffering from allergies.
Bladder 11 – This point is excellent for arthritis. It’s located just above the front portion of the shoulder bone.
Pericardium9: This acupoint is located between the front heel bulbs and can be used to treat hoof problems, forelimb disorders and fever.
Bai Hui Located in the “spongy” depression, where the lumbar and sacral vertebrae meet. This point helps with lameness and strengthens the hindquarters.
Bladder 60 This point, located in the middle of the dip on your outer hock is called the “Aspirin Point” and can be used to alleviate pain from any part of the body. It strengthens and relaxes the back.