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As the days get shorter and nights lengthen, there’s much to do to get ready for the coming winter. While you’re draining hoses to prevent freeze damage and tightening up the barn to keep the winter wind at bay, don’t forget to get your horse ready for the cold weather ahead.
While protection from winter winds, rain and snow is important, Acupressure can also help your horse thrive through the coming cold months. Certain acupressure points can help warm your horse from the inside out as well as boosting the immune system. When you know a cold snap is coming, spend some quality time with your horse while you prepare him for the change.
Begin your Acupressure session with your horse in a familiar and quiet location. Open the Bladder Meridian three times on each side by stroking from the inner corner of the eye or at the poll along the neck just off the crest, along the back about one hand lateral to the spine, over the hindquarters through the poverty groove and down the outside toward the back of the leg ending at Bladder 67 which is two thirds back from the midline of the hoof.
Select two or three points from the chart and gently touch your horse for about 30 seconds or until your horse gives a release such as exhalation, passing gas, moving toward or away from you or turning to look at you. Be sure to do both sides of your horse unless there is an injury at the point.
Finish your Acupressure session with the closing, which is a repetition of the opening.
Your horse will benefit from an Acupressure session if you can stimulate these points two days to a week before the cold snap, but if the weather catches you off guard, don’t hesitate to take advantage of Chinese Medicine to help your horse ward off Old Man Winter.
Acupressure Point Energetics
LI 11, Large Intestine 11 enhances the Immune System as it supports the Lung and the Wei (Protective) Chi to ward off outward pathogens.
St 36, Stomach 36 warms Chi and moves it through the body. It’s known as Leg 3 Mile and benefits endurance. This is one of the largest energy orbs on the body and is the Influential Point for the Gastro-Intestinal Tract. Use this point if your horse is cold and shivering.
Sp 6, Spleen 6 is known as 3 Yin Meeting and warms the deepest or Yin organs of the body while benefiting the Immune System.
Ht 7, Heart 7 warms Heart energy, calms the Spirit, while it strengthens and clears the brain.
Bl 17, Bladder 17 is the Influential Point for Blood and Diaphragm. It enriches the blood and enhances circulation.
Ki 3, Kidney 3 supports the Essence of the body and is particularly useful for senior animals.
Source: Tallgrass Animal Acupressure presentation, October 2011