Acupressure, Animal Health and Longevity

Habits of a lifetime make the difference in health and longevity. What we do consistently to support our horses is what impacts them the most. It is the consistency of care and our ability to provide as natural environment as possible for our domesticated horses that makes a difference.

Horses need and like routine. It helps them feel grounded and secure. Being fed at a particular time lets them not worry when their next meal will occur. Knowing when they will be turned out to graze and socialize with other horses is important them. Since our horses are not in charge of their time to forage, exercise, or rest, without a routine they don’t know what to expect and that can be stressful.

Providing a consistent regimen gives you and your horse the opportunity to be sure you are a team in fitting all the good things you want to be doing together whether it is training for competition or pleasure riding. To support your horse’s health and emotional well-being year- round, acupressure can be an important part of your after-riding grooming. The intention behind offering an acupressure session after riding is many fold: first, to enhance the horse’s ability to build and retain muscle and tendon strength and flexibility; second, to maintain support the horse’s immune system so that he is able to readily adapt to seasonal changes; and third, to reinforce the emotional connection between you and your horse.

Acupressure as Habit

As in all Chinese medicine, acupressure is seen best utilized as a health support tool. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we seek to prevent illness and injury by maintaining the body’s energetic and physical internal balance. When all the horse’s internal organ systems are functioning harmoniously, the horse will not fall prey to pathogens that manifest in disease and the animal is less likely to become injured since his bodily tissues are receiving proper nourishment. Horses know when humans truly care for them and consistent acupressure session gives you with a means of expressing your care.

Acupressure Session

An acupressure session after riding, or any type of exercise, will sustain your horse’s enjoyment and performance.  Exercise creates tension in the muscles and other soft tissues and the more strenuous the exercise the tighter the tension becomes. This is why we focus first on relaxing the muscles and reducing any resulting build-up of toxins in the tissues. Then we turn to enhancing the horse’s ability to balance his own internal metabolism to clear toxins and process nutrients and restore his bodily fluids and other nourishment. The emotional state of the horse is a major key to his good health, thus we must include an acupressure point that will open his spirit. And, in TCM, supporting the immune system is essential.

Liver 3 (Liv 3), Great Thoroughfare – Because this acupressure point is known to stimulate the flow of blood it used to remove toxins from the soft tissues while also helping to replenish nutrients.  The muscles, tendons and ligaments can be healthfully restored and relaxed.

Spleen 6 (Sp 6), Three Yin Meeting – Spleen 6 promotes the body’s ability to breakdown and absorb nutrients, which, in turn, nourishes the horse’s muscles. This point helps to enrich blood and benefits the general immune system.

Stomach 36 (St 36), Leg Three Miles – Commonly used to enhance the gastro-intestinal system, Stomach 36 supports the horse’s natural metabolic processes of circulating and absorbing fluids and nutrients. St 36 is a powerful point which can enhance the horse’s entire energetic balance and supports the immune system.

Heart 7 (Ht 7), Spirit’s Gate – Heart 7 is known to calm and clear the spirit (shen) of the animal while increasing heart function. In TCM, the mental state of the animal contributes to the strength of his immune system, his ability to adapt to changes and his overall longevity.

By folding this acupressure session in to your after-riding grooming regime every three to seven days gives you the assurance that you are doing your best to help your horse prevent discomfort after riding as well ward off disease and possible injury. Horse’s come to expect acupressure and some begin to show you where they want you to hold their points since they are very energetically attuned to their bodies’. They know that these sessions reduce their stress and help them feel well. Best of all, the habit of acupressure leads to health and builds a strong bond between the two of you.

All of the acupressure points are bilateral and need to be palpated on both sides of the horse’s body. Rest one hand comfortably on the horse and use the soft tip of your thumb on your other hand at a 45-90 degree angle from the horse’s body to perform point work. Apply about one pound of pressure to each of the acupressure points. Stay on the point and count to 30 slowly before moving to the next point. If the horse indicates any distress, discontinue the session immediately and try again at another time. Most horses express releases such as: yawning, head shaking, stretching, passing gas, and even falling asleep!

About the Author

Nancy Zidonis, founder of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, is one of the pioneers in the field of animal acupressure. Over 19 years ago, she worked with a veterinarian and an acupressure practitioner to develop the system of transpositional acupressure meridians and points for horses and, a few years later, for dogs. After thorough study and careful documentation, Nancy wrote her first handbooks entitled, Equine Acupressure, A Treatment Work Book and Canine Acupressure, A Treatment Work Book. Nancy went on to develop training clinics for people interested in caring for their horses and dogs using acupressure. She has continued to expand and refine the training programs both online and hands-on and teaches worldwide.

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