In Chinese thought, the lung and large intestine organ systems are the first line of defense, working in concert with all of the other internal organ systems to provide air nutrients (oxygen), Protec- tive Chi, and an ongoing process of cleansing the body so that it does not become toxic.
A specific acupressure point (LI 11) sup- ports the lung and large intestine which, in turn, improve the horse’s immune system.
AIDING DIGESTION T
he next line of defense is to support the horse’s stomach and spleen for the
ingestion of food substances and water. As any horse guardian knows, a horse’s diges- tive system is very vulnerable to disturbance due to a number of factors.
Horses spend much of their lives con- suming environmental toxins by way of forage and water – a frightening thought, but true. Most horse guard- ians do their best to find the best quality forage they can, but again, the reality is environmental toxins are everywhere.
Using acupressure points that maintain the balance of stomach and spleen Chi
By placing the pad of your thumb directly on the acupressure points shown, you affect the energetic balance of your horse. When your horse’s immune system is strong, he will be less likely to become compromised and be able to cope with what the environment presents. LI 11 – located on the outside of the elbow St 36 – located about one finger width below the joint of the tibia and fibula in the stifle area Sp 3 – located inside the lower hind leg, just below the splint bone Liv 3 – Located on the cannon bone toward the front at the level of the head of the medial splint bone
(Sp 3 and St 36), the digestive process will be able to function more efficiently, thus enhancing the breaking down of food into usable nutrients and the ab- sorption of the nutrients.
SUPPORTING DETOX I
n TCM, the liver organ system is responsible for cleaning and replen-
ishing the blood as well as providing a harmonious flow of Chi to all parts of the body. To contend directly with the environmental toxins, we need to sup- port the liver function (Liv 3). When the liver is over-burdened with toxins, the horse’s blood suffers and his blood and Chi are not able to circulate prop-
Lt 11 Liv 3
Sp 3 St 36
erly. Te horse may not be able resist infection, hoof problems can arise, and many possible illnesses can occur. Opti- mal liver function is essential to having a healthy horse.
Incorporating acupressure sessions into your horse’s care will go a long way toward helping him flourish and thrive, rather than simply survive.
Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the authors of Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual, Te Well-Connected Dog: A Guide To Canine Acupressure, and,Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. Tey own Tallgrass Publishers, offering Meridian Charts for horses, dogs, and cats, and pro- viding hands-on and online training courses world- wide. 888-841-7211,
www.animalacupressure.com
Holistic Horse™ • August/September 2010
• Vol.16, Issue 68
www.holistichorse.com | 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32