Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2016 23:11:52 GMT -7
An acupressure session for equine elders Traditional acupressure points, called “acupoints,” are known to have effects on specific body tissues and functions. By stimulating the following acupoints, you’ll help your horse continue to move freely and comfortably, keeping her body functions strong, balanced, and healthy.
Bladder 11, Great Shuttle, energetically nourishes bone with blood and life-promoting energy, helping to keep arthritis in check.
Bladder 17, Diaphragm’s Hollow, strongly influences the circulation of blood and energy, providing balance to the entire body.
Stomach 36, Leg Three Miles, is used to aid digestion and promote gastrointestinal health while regulating and tonifying blood and life-force energy. This acupoint enhances the animal’s activity level and assists with nutrient absorption.
Gall Bladder 34, Yang Mound Spring, influences the strength and flexibility of tendons, ligaments, and joints. It can reduce atrophy in an older horse’s soft tissues.
Kidney 3, Great Stream, brings forth the horse’s original essence and energy that supports her basic constitution. This acupoint is often used to add essential energy during the winter phase of life.
Acupressure point work technique
-Locate each acupoint while looking at the chart and reading the anatomical description of the point.
-Begin Point Work using the direct-thumb technique. Place the soft, fleshy tip of your thumb ball on the acupoint at a 90º angle to your horse’s body. Apply about one pound of pressure, hold your thumb on the acupoint, and count to 30 or watch the horse for evidence of an energetic release such as licking, yawning, stretching, or passing air.
-Keep both hands on your horse. One hand does the Point Work while the other feels the reactions such as muscle spasms, twitches and other releases. The hand not performing the Point Work also soothes your horse and provides an energy connection.
-After holding your thumb on an acupoint on one side of the horse, move to the opposite side and hold that point. Again, watch for any releases or count slowly to 30 before moving on to the next acupressure point shown on the chart.
Source: equinewellnessmagazine.com/acupressure-for-older-horses/ (ignore the junk about breeding, riding, and other exploitation)