Emergency Acupressure for Horses E-book

Diana with King, a quarter horse gelding.

Emergency Acupressure for Horses E-book

This e-book shows you how to use three acupressure points to help a horse who’s experiencing medical distress while

you wait for your veterinarian to arrive. Most of the information explains the benefits of the point known as Governing

Vessel 26 (GV 26). It’s been shown to restart the horse’s heart and breathing in cases of shock and cardiac arrest,

relieve pain, and calm the spirit. I also explain the uses and locations of two other points that are used in emergencies,

Governing Vessel 20 (GV 20) and Er Jian (tip of ear).

I chose these points because they’re powerful and they’re found on the horse’s head. This location makes them easy

to work on whether the horse is lying down, standing still, or moving around.

I have a personal reason for sharing this information. In the early days of my career, more than thirty years ago, I

owned a horse boarding and training stable in Oregon. It was in a beautiful remote location near the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, when I had a horse emergency it could take hours for the one equine veterinarian in the county to reach

my farm. I would wait with the suffering horse, trying to soothe him, desperately wishing I could relieve his pain.

Frustrated at my inability to help, I asked my veterinarian to teach me about emergency care and medications for pain

and colic. I also learned how to use acupressure and massage to support a horse with health problems.

Fortunately, during the equine emergencies I experienced at the Oregon farm, I was able to use acupressure and

massage to calm and stabilize the horses while the veterinarian was on his way. To my surprise, I was even able to

use the methods to help a couple horses resolve their situations before the veterinarian arrived. Since that time, I’ve

learned even more about how to use acupressure to help the distressed horse. I’m looking forward to sharing this

information with you so you can help your horse should the need arise.

If your horse shows signs of trouble, the first thing to do

is call your veterinarian. This is extremely important. I

call my veterinarian any time a horse is sick, injured, or

just “not right.” We discuss the situation and decide on a

course of action. Then, if safety permits, I use acupressure

to try and calm the horse while my veterinarian travels to

the farm.

It’s my hope that you never experience a true medical

emergency with your horse. If you do, however, I hope the

information in this e-book helps you support your horse

with these safe, time-tested methods while medical help is

on the way.

All the very best,

Diana Thompson

About Diana

Diana Thompson is a professional horse trainer, college instructor, and

an award-winning journalist. She’s used acupressure, massage, Bach

flower essences, and gentle training methods in her work with horses for

more than 35 years. Her approach calms the horse, relaxes tight muscles,

and increases range of motion. This process supports the soundness

and coordination of each horse, and deepens the connection between

horse and handler. Most horses enjoy her methods and respond with an

improvement in their ability to learn and perform.

Teaching Career

One of Diana’s passions is teaching students hands-on methods they can

use to create well-being in their horses. She is a popular instructor in the

Equine Science Department at the Santa Rosa Junior College where she

teaches a course in equine acupressure and massage. Diana designed

the class and has been teaching it since 2003.

Diana also works with students at her farm near Santa Rosa, California.

The facility includes an indoor classroom and a covered riding arena.

Horse owners have attended her programs held in other areas of the

United States, Canada, and England.

Featured Presenter

Diana has demonstrated acupressure and massage at a number of

equine events including: the Equine Affaire, the California State Fair, and

year-end conventions of the American Morgan Horse Association and the

American Endurance Ride Conference.

Published Author

A well-trained journalist, Diana writes educational articles and other

materials for horse owners. Her experience in this field includes:

� Staff writer, EQUUS Magazine

� Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Whole Horse Journal, A Guide

to Natural Horse Care and Training. During the Journal’s first three

years, Diana led the publication to eight national media awards.

� Author of articles on horse handling, acupressure, and massage for

Horse and Rider Magazine, Equine Wellness Magazine, the

American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Endurance News,

RIDE! Magazine, and California Riding Magazine.

� Author of several publications including the 272-page book

Acupressure Point Charts for Horses, An Illustrated Guide to 128

Point Locations and Uses.

Copyright © Diana Thompson 2017. All Rights Reserved. This document is licensed for personal use. No part of this document may be

digitally transferred, copied, or otherwise shared or published without Diana Thompson’s written permission.

Emergency Acupressure for Horses

E-book

By Diana Thompson

www.dianathompson.com

www.acupressureforhorses.com

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this e-book is not a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed

veterinarian. If your horse shows signs of poor health, illness, or injury, call your veterinarian and follow his

or her advice. Once medical help is on the way, use acupressure only as time and safety allows. Acupressure

is carried out using gentle pressure of the fingers or palm of your hand to stimulate the qi of an acupressure

point. It does not involve the insertion of needles, the use of magnets, or the use of machines such as lasers or

light-emitting devices.

Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this e-book, the

publisher/author makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and is not

legally responsible for any errors or omissions. Furthermore, the information and opinions stated herein are

not guaranteed to produce any particular results.

1 | Copyright © Diana Thompson 2017. All Rights Reserved. This document is licensed for personal use. No part of this document

may be digitally transferred, copied, or otherwise shared or published without Diana Thompson’s written permission.

Table of Contents

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupressure .......................................................................................................................... 3

How to Do Acupressure ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) .......................................................................................................................................................5-7

� Emergency Uses, Point Location, and Caution .................................................................................................................... 5

� TCM Theory of the Shen (Spirit) ............................................................................................................................................ 6

� Anxiety and Mouthy Behavior ............................................................................................................................................... 6

� Veterinarians Comment on Governing Vessel 26 ................................................................................................................. 7

yy Dr. Are Thoreson ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

yy Dr. Meredith Snader ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

yy Dr. Kerry Ridgway............................................................................................................................................................ 7

yy Dr. Peggy Fleming ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

yy Dr. Allen M. Schoen ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Two Additional Points with Emergency Uses .............................................................................................................................. 8

� Governing Vessel 20 (GV 20) ...................................................................................................................................................8

� Er Jian (Tip of Ear) ................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Real-Horse Acupressure Success Stories ..... ..........................................................................................................................9-14

� Colic Surgery ..........................................................................................................................................................................9

� Trailer Accident .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

� Mountain Trail Emergency ..............................................................................................................................................11-13

� Anxiety and a Busy Mouth ................................................................................................................................................... 14

Resources .................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

� Veterinary References, Books and Other Resources from Diana Thompson, and Classes .............................................. 15

Point Location Charts ............................................................................................................................................................16-21

� Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) ............................................................................................................................................16-17

� Governing Vessel 20 (GV 20) ............................................................................................................................................18-19

� Er Jian (Tip of the Ear) ....................................................................................................................................................20-21

Emergency Acupressure for Horses E-book



Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used acupressure and other methods

to support health and cure disease for over 3,000 years. One concept that’s

fundamental to TCM and acupressure is the belief that within all living beings

there’s a life force energy called qi (pronounced “chee”).

Qi expresses itself in the functions of the body such as the heartbeat, breathing,

digestion, and muscle development. It also fuels the ability to warm and cool

the body, think clearly, and move with strength and grace. The idea of an energy

within us that activates our bodily functions is not unique to TCM. In India, the

Ayurvedic medical system uses the Sanskrit word “prana” to describe this energy.

Chiropractic physicians working in many countries use the phrase “life force.”

According to TCM theory, there are many types or qualities of qi energy at work

within our bodies. For instance, the qi known as channel qi flows beneath the

surface of the body in fairly set pathways similar to water moving in a stream or

river. These invisible flows are called meridians, channels, or vessels.

Acupressure points are small areas on the skin where the qi comes

up to the surface of the body and concentrates.

Acupressure is the art of placing your fingers or palm on a point

to connect with the unique qi concentrated at its location. This

connection, of the energy of your body to the qi energy of the

acupressure point, improves the correct flow of qi within the horse.

This strengthens the physical and emotional functions energized by

that type or quality of qi. Instructions on how to apply acupressure

to the three points in this e-book are on page 4.

Acupressure is a safe method. While it often creates a noticeable,

beneficial change in a horse’s emotional and/or physical health,

it may not bring relief to the horse who is severely ill or injured. As

long as you apply acupressure gently and with full acceptance by

the horse, however, it will not harm him.

Note: When an organ’s name is capitalized, such as Heart, it’s

being referred to in a TCM context. This includes the physical

organ, its functions within the body, energetic influence, emotional

connections, and other relationships. If the organ’s name is printed

in lower case, such as heart, it’s being referred to in the Western

medical context of the physical organ and its functions in the body.

Traditional

Chinese

Medicine and

Acupressure

Diana applies acupressure to Governing

Vessel 26 on Angie’s upper lip.



On this page I explain how to do a simple, effective acupressure method.

Additional tips for finding and working on the three points in this e-book are on

pages 16-21, the full-page point charts. Gentle, focused touch and respectful

communication between you and your horse are important keys to success.

Once you locate a point, put the flat pads of the ends of your middle

three fingers (not the finger tips) on the area of the point and press

lightly. I’m using this hand position in the photo at left. I’ve placed the

flat pads of the ends of my fingers gently on the area where Governing

Vessel 20 (GV 20) is located on the top of Midas’s head.

The qi of the acupressure point flows just below the surface of the body

at the location of the point. This means it takes very little downward

pressure from the flat pads of your fingers, approximately two to three

ounces, to stimulate the qi of the point.

Keep your finger pads relaxed and still in a soft, flat position while you

touch the point. Relax your arms and shoulders. Focus your thoughts

on the horse, the sensations in your fingers, and your breathing. Place

your feet on the ground approximately shoulder-width apart. Bend your

knees and hips slightly and maintain good alignment of your body.

Hold your fingers on the point one to three minutes or longer. Feel for

changes in the tissue beneath your fingers. Follow the horse’s body

language as to how much pressure to use and how long to stay on the

point. If the acupressure is working to stimulate the point in a way the

horse can accept he will relax, blink or close his eyes, take deep breaths,

lower his head, lick his lips, chew, or yawn. If you press too hard or

the point is sore, the horse may become tense, raise his head, move away from

you, paw, or nip. In this case, reduce the pressure and slow down. If the horse

continues to object, move to another point and start over.

Safety Tip: As shown in the photo on this page, when you touch a point on the

horse’s head, stand on one side of the horse. Hold the halter with one hand while

you place your other hand on the point. This position keeps you safe from sudden

movements of the horse.

Emergency Methods; Advice from Dr. Ridgway

In emergency situations, rotate through the points several times. This process is

explained in the story Mountain Trail Emergency on pages 11-13. If safety allows,

more than one person can do acupressure on the horse at the same time.

If your horse is in medical distress, Dr. Kerry Ridgway recommends using your

fingers to apply strong pressure on Governing Vessel 26 to stimulate its life-saving

effects. If the horse objects to strong pressure, however, reduce it until the horse

relaxes. As explained above, always let the horse’s responses guide your work.

How to Do

Acupressure

I’m doing acupressure on Governing

Vessel 20 on the top of Midas’s head. He

relaxes, lowers his head, and softens his

eyes. This response shows acupressure

on the point is working.



Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) is known in TCM as a resuscitation point.

A resuscitation point is an acupressure point that helps revive a horse who has

lost consciousness due to many reasons including shock, injury, respiratory

distress, high fever, or heat stroke. Governing Vessel 26 has been documented as

having the ability to restart the horse’s breathing (respiration) when it stops due

to shock, illness, or injury. It’s also used to restart the action of the heart in cases

of shock and cardiac arrest.

Veterinarian Dr. Allen Schoen says Governing Vessel 26 works as a resuscitation

point on all species, not just horses. You can read comments from other

veterinarians about the medical uses of GV 26 on page 7.

Another use for the point is to prevent the horse who is injured or ill from going

into shock and losing consciousness. In this role, the point is used to help boost

the horse who is dizzy, fainting, or having a nosebleed.

Governing Vessel 26 also helps relieve pain from injuries, colic, illness, or foaling.

It also calms the horse.

Point Location

As shown in the photo on this page, Governing Vessel 26 is located in a hollow

in the center of the horse’s upper lip. See pages 16-17 for full-page photo charts

of this point’s location and point finding tips. These two pages were originally

published in my book Acupressure Point Charts for Horses, An Illustrated Guide

to 128 Point Locations and Uses.

Caution

Some horses don’t want you to touch their

upper lip where Governing Vessel 26 is

located. If your horse resists your efforts to

touch this point, move to a different one.

The primary use of Governing Vessel 26 is

during injury or illness. In these situations,

most horses readily accept and benefit from

acupressure on the point.

Governing

Vessel 26

(GV 26)

GV 26



According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the main function of

acupressure on Governing Vessel 26 is to settle the spirit into its residence within

the horse’s Heart. In TCM, the spirit is referred to as the shen.

It’s said that acupressure on Governing Vessel 26 revives the shen, settles the

shen, and calms the Heart. It also brightens the mind, which brings back the

ability to think and take action. From the TCM viewpoint, these functions are what

give Governing Vessel 26 the ability to restart the horse’s breathing and the action

of the heart during shock and cardiac arrest.

Here’s some additional information about this theory. According to TCM, when

the horse’s Heart is calm and the body of the horse is relatively healthy, the shen

resides in the horse’s body in the palace of the Heart and provides inspiration,

guidance, and clarity to the Heart. With this guidance, the Heart serves as the

supreme ruler of the body. It directs all of the physical functions and emotional

activities of the horse in a way that creates good health.

If the shen is disturbed by emotional upset, physical injury, or illness, it leaves its

residence within the Heart. In this situation, the shen is unable to give inspiration

and guidance to the Heart. This lack of connection to spirit results in the horse

becoming emotionally upset, overly reactive, and/or physically unhealthy.

In circumstances where a horse loses consciousness, TCM feels the shen

(spirit) has completely left the body, or at least has a very minimal presence.

This departure leaves the horse without any of the higher functions of the body.

He loses consciousness, the will to move, and conscious movement. In this state,

however, the functions of breathing and heart beat are still taking place.

If the situation is extreme, the horse loses consciousness and the ability to

breathe and operate the heart. If these vital actions do not start up fairly quickly,

the horse will die. Death also results if the spirit becomes completely lost.

Anxiety and Mouthy Behavior

Because GV 26 settles the shen and calms the heart, acupressure on the point may

calm the horse who is agitated or withdrawn. GV 26 is similar in this function to

other points known in TCM to calm the spirit. However, the point is more suited

for the horse in extreme physical and emotional distress due to injury or illness.

Acupressure on GV 26 may also be effective for what TCM refers to as Heart Fire,

an energy imbalance where the horse is emotionally agitated and overly-active

in the movement of his mouth and tongue. This horse may put everything within

reach into his mouth for chewing. He may grind his teeth, hold his tongue out of

his mouth, or frequently move the tongue around. See the real-horse story on

page 14, Anxiety and a Busy Mouth, for the use of GV 26 for this problem.

TCM Theory of

the Shen

(Spirit)



Veterinarians

Comment on

Governing

Vessel 26

Dr. Are Thoreson

In his book, Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medicine, veterinarian

Dr. Are Thoreson, writes that Governing Vessel 26 is an “analgesic point (pain

relieving) and the most important emergency point….It is the most important

point for use in apnea (when breathing stops), shock, and emergencies in humans

and animals.”

Thoreson explains the restraint device for horses known as a twitch stimulates

Governing Vessel 26. A twitch is a short wooden or metal handle connected to

a rope or metal loop. When the loop is tightened around the horse’s upper lip

it “induces an endorphin release and gives a degree of anesthesia sufficient to

allow slightly and moderately painful interventions to be done without too much

retaliation from the horse.”

Dr. Meredith Snader

In the chapter on acupuncture in her book Healing Your Horse, Alternative

Therapies, Veterinarian Dr. Meredith Snader reports that Governing Vessel 26

stimulates respiration and circulation on newborn foals (it is also helpful for use

on failing newborn puppies and kittens). Snader says that pressure on Governing

Vessel 26 releases endorphins, which are chemicals that reduce pain and produce

euphoria. This makes the point valuable in any situation that is painful or

emotionally upsetting for the horse, such as colic, illness, or injury.

Dr. Kerry Ridgway

Equine sports medicine practitioner Dr. Kerry Ridgway says Governing Vessel 26

works almost like mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration in heart attack, drowning,

and other emergencies by stimulating the respiration and heart to start.

Dr. Peggy Fleming

Dr. Peggy Fleming authored the chapter titled “Transpositional Equine

Acupuncture Atlas” in the text book Veterinary Acupuncture, Ancient Art to

Modern Medicine by Allen M. Schoen. Dr. Fleming writes the following about the

Western medical indications for Governing Vessel 26: “Increases brain activity,

increases heart and respiratory rates, epinephrine point, anesthetic apnea (apnea

is when breathing stops), coma, facial paralysis, and enterospasm (colic). A useful

shock point in emergencies. Massaging this point stimulates respiration and

circulation in new-born foals.”

Dr. Allen M. Schoen

Dr. Allen M. Schoen, an acupuncturist who is the author of Love, Miracles, and

Animal Healing and the textbook Veterinary Acupuncture, Ancient Art to Modern

Medicine, says Governing Vessel 26 works as a resuscitation point on all species.



Governing Vessel 20 (GV 20)

Governing Vessel 20 is known as a resuscitation point. It’s used to revive the horse

in times of shock due to injuries, illness, and allergies. The point is also known to

help relieve convulsions.

Governing Vessel 20 helps the sick, injured, or healthy horse by calming him and

supporting function of the brain. This improves the horse’s mental focus whether

he is too alert, scattered, sluggish, or drifty.

Governing Vessel 20 is located on the horse’s head between his ears (see the

photo below). Full-page charts of the point’s location and finding tips are on

pages 18-19. These two pages were originally published in my book Acupressure

Point Charts for Horses, An Illustrated Guide to 128 Point Locations and Uses.

Er Jian (Tip of Ear)

Er Jian is another valuable emergency point. In his book Alternative and

Complementary Medicine, veterinarian Are Thoreson says that the combination

of Governing Vessel 26 and the ear tip points (Er Jian) “are very effective in colic. It

has a general analgesic (pain relieving) effect and relieves spasm.”

In the text Veterinary Acupuncture, Ancient Art to Modern Medicine, by Allen

M. Schoen, Dr. Peggy Fleming wrote that Er Jian is used for enterospasm (colic),

convulsions, heat stroke, and fever.

As shown in the photo at right, Er Jian is located on the outside of the horse’s ear,

just below the tip. See pages 20-21 for full-sized photo charts of this point and

point-finding tips. These

two pages were originally

published in my book

Acupressure Point Charts

for Horses, An Illustrated

Guide to 128 Point

Locations and Uses.

Er Jian

(Tip of Ear)

GV 20

Er Jian

Two Additional

Points with

Emergency

Uses



� Colic Surgery

� Trailer Accident

� Mountain Trail Emergency

� Anxiety and a Busy Mouth

Boarding stable owner Carol Hess of Elk Grove, California, had a tough decision

to make. A mare was severely colicking in the middle of the night. To save her life,

the attending veterinarian said surgery had to be done immediately. This ruled

out taking the mare to the University hospital; the procedure would have to be

done at the stable. Carol authorized the veterinarian to go ahead with the surgery.

As he gathered his equipment, however, the veterinarian discovered that he

didn’t have enough anesthetic to keep the mare sedated for the time it would

take him to complete the surgery. And there wasn’t time for him to drive to his

clinic to get more supplies. Carol decided to go ahead with the surgery. The

alternative was to euthanize the mare without trying to save her.

With no one else at the stable to help, Carol held the mare’s head and manually

operated the IV drip of anesthetic. She increased or decreased the amount of

anesthetic going through the drip as was needed to keep the mare sedated and

comfortable. Carol also used acupressure on Governing Vessel 26 on the mare’s

upper lip, acupressure on the tips of her ears (Er Jian), and ear massage. Her goal

for the acupressure and massage was to help the mare stay calm, prevent shock,

and provide additional pain relief.

Carol’s veterinarian went to work operating to find the cause of the colic. He

found and repaired a twisted intestine. The mare stayed sedated throughout the

procedure despite receiving a reduced dose of anesthetic. In fact, the veterinarian

finished the surgery with anesthetic to spare. The mare recovered from the colic

surgery uneventfully. She went on to live with a family with children and perform

successfully in lower level jumping events.

Carol summarized her use of acupressure in this situation saying:

“This kind of body work allows me to be connected to horses in ways that are

phenomenal. It is a profound communication. I knew the mare knew she was

in good hands. She wasn’t scared by the process, despite the pain of the colic

and the surgery. She was able to communicate with me when she needed more

anesthetic and let me know when she could hang in there with less. I will never

forget our experience.”

Colic Surgery:

Acupressure

Helps Mare

Stay Calm

During Surgery

Real-Horse

Acupressure

Success Stories,

Pages 9-14



Mirjam Terlingen, horse owner and equine body worker from Spain, used

Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) to help her new 10-year-old thoroughbred mare

following a trailer accident. After purchasing the mare and her 20-month old

colt, Mirjam trailered the two horses to her farm. When they arrived, Mirjam, her

boyfriend, and another man opened the trailer door. Much to their dismay, they

found that the mare had fallen down in the trailer and was trapped between the

trailer wall and a partition.

The three worked quickly to unload the colt and remove the partition. Despite

these efforts, and the fact that the colt had been led off to the stable, the mare

remained lying down. It had been over 10 minutes since the trailer door had been

opened and the mare gave no sign of wanting to move.

Mirjam reached for her bottle of the flower essence formula known as the Bach

Rescue Remedy. She put some of the remedy on her fingertips and used them

to stimulate Governing Vessel 26, the acupressure point on the mare’s upper

lip. Almost immediately, the mare got to her feet and climbed out of the trailer.

Within a minute or so, the mare acted as if nothing at all had happened. She

subsequently recovered from the accident with no obvious effects.

Bach Rescue Remedy is a liquid flower essence product known for its calming

influence and help in emergency situations, such as the trailer accident described

on this page. The formula was developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. Several

manufacturers make blends based on that formula. Two of these products,

RESCUE Remedy® and Five-Flower Formula™, are shown in the photo below.

Trailer

Accident:

Acupressure

and Rescue

Remedy on

GV 26 Revive

Horse



Experienced horse woman and equine body worker Tamara Yates put acupressure

to the test when a 12-year-old quarter horse mare named Tilly collapsed on a

mountain trail in June, 2012. The nearest veterinarian was a 2 ½ hour drive away

from their location at 7,000 foot elevation in Lassen Park, Northern California.

“We had ridden out about a mile from camp when Tilly started kicking with her

hind feet,” Tamara described. “We couldn’t figure out what she was doing, and

then her hind legs collapsed and she fell down. Her heart rate and respiration

were high and she was having muscle spasms all over her body. Luckily, her

owner Jeannie was able to dismount safely.

“We got Tilly up on her feet and I led her back to camp from my horse Grayson,

although she went down several more times. Once we got Tilly back to camp

she collapsed to the ground and stayed down. Her heart was racing. I used a

stethoscope to take her heart rate and it was going so fast I couldn’t count it. Her

rate of breathing was also really high…way over normal.”

At first, Tilly was lying on her belly on the ground with her head up. Then, she

seemed to pass out and fell down flat on the ground. Tamara knew Tilly’s

condition was severe and she doubted that acupressure would help.

Tamara described her thoughts saying: “Even though I’d had a lot of success with

acupressure on horses I thought to myself: okay, I’ve read that acupressure can

work in this type of emergency but I’m not really sure how it can possibly do that

right now.”

Putting her doubts aside, Tamara started doing acupressure on Governing

Vessel 26 (GV 26), a point on the horse’s upper lip known for its ability to restart

the heart and breathing in emergency situations. She also worked on Governing

Vessel 20 (GV 20), a point on the top of the horse’s head. This point also has the

ability to help revive a horse or person who has lost consciousness.

Mountain Trail

Emergency:

Acupressure

Helps Mare in

Severe Distress

Tamara applies acupressure to GV 26 on Tilly’s upper lip.



“Within a very short period of time, after maybe three to five minutes of

acupressure, Tilly’s heart rate and breathing slowed dramatically, then she

rolled up to lying on her belly with her head up,” Tamara described. “I remember

the moment when the connection between me, GV 26, GV 20, and Tilly went

through…whoosh…all of a sudden the connection was made and I knew she was

going to be okay. I’m still amazed at how fast Tilly’s heart rate went down. I get

goose bumps just talking about it.”

While Tilly was looking better, she was still so groggy and weak that she rested

her nose on the ground in order to support the weight of her head. Tamara

added acupressure to two additional points: Conception Vessel 17 (CV 17) and

Pericardium 6 (PC 6). Both points have a strong influence on the physical function

of the Heart and Lungs. They’re also known for the ability to settle the horse’s

shen (the spirit) and calm the Heart, which relieves emotional tension.

All told, Tamara did acupressure on Tilly for approximately 40 minutes,

alternating between the four points. “I calmed down and found a comfortable

position on the ground next to Tilly in order to keep working on the points,” she

described. “By the time I stopped working, Tilly’s breathing was normal and her

heart rate was only slightly higher than normal.”

At this point, Tamara stepped away from Tilly.

“We put two big wool coolers on Tilly and gave

her some water with a mouth syringe,” she said.

“Then, we let her rest.”

“My husband Chris was there in camp watching

me work with Tilly,” Tamara said. “He’s seen me

do acupressure on the horses at our ranch so

he knows it works to relax the horses and help

with some minor medical situations we’ve had.

He’s a scientist, though, and he was amazed that

Tilly went from looking like she was going to die

to looking like she was really tired but basically

okay. In the beginning her heart was beating so

fast it seemed certain that she might not recover.”

After resting quietly for about 30 minutes, Tilly stood up, drank on her own,

and started eating. She was given some oral banamine, a nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory medication. She recovered without any side effects. The cause of

her sudden collapse, racing heart beat, and respiratory distress is unknown.

Tamara is familiar with Tilly, having done body work on the mare for several years

when she was being shown in cutting and reined horse competition. Tamara has

also ridden her horses on a number of mountain trail rides with Tilly and her

owner Jeannie Bunt.

Tilly rests peacefully after her acupressure session with Tamara.

Mountain Trail

Emergency:

Acupressure

Helps Mare in

Severe Distress,

Continued



“Tilly was physically fit when this happened,” Tamara described. “She’d been

ridden in that area before and since the emergency she’s been ridden on trails

that went up to 10,000 feet elevation without any problems. In fact, I just went

riding with Jeannie and Tilly a few days ago (January, 2014). We rode for four

hours, going about 12 miles in an area of the Sierra Mountains that is about 3500

feet in elevation.

“I just want to say a big thank you to Diana Thompson for making the acupressure

work so accessible. I was very stressed and hyper when Tilly collapsed flat on

the ground, but because of the ease of using Diana’s chart book, and the very

effective way she presents the information in class, these points immediately

came into my mind and I was able to settle myself and help this horse.

“For me, the bottom line when learning and utilizing different modalities is:

Does it work? Is it effective? Acupressure most definitely does work, especially as

taught by Diana.”

Note: Tamara Yates lives in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains near Chico,

California. She’s an Integrated Equine Bodyworker, certified in a variety of

modalities including structural release, myofascial release, and massage. She

started studying acupressure for horses with Diana Thompson in 2012.

Jeannie Blunt rides Tilly in the mountains in September of 2013,

approximately three months after the mare collapsed.

Mountain Trail

Emergency:

Acupressure

Helps Mare in

Severe Distress,

Continued



Wesley is a Thoroughbred cross gelding who is very mouthy. He constantly

puts the lead rope, cross ties, or brushes into his mouth and chews on them.

It’s hard for him to focus on his handler because he is anxious about his safety.

For instance, when Wesley is out in the riding arena away from other horses he

constantly looks around, worrying about what might jump out of the nearby

trees. He also mentally drifts off, startling when he wakes up and comes back to

the present.

His owner reports that acupressure on Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) is able to

calm and focus Wesley as no other point or method is able to do. Wesley also has

chronic diarrhea and poor muscle development in the lower half of his body. His

owner used acupressure on additional points, a diet change, and Chinese herbs

to successfully resolve his diarrhea and improve his muscling.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are several energy imbalances that

cause a horse to be overly busy with his mouth, lips, and/or tongue. One of these

is called Heart Fire, which can respond to acupressure on GV 26. This imbalance,

also called an incorrect flow of qi, is explained on page 6.

Anxiety and a

Busy Mouth:

Acupressure on

GV 26 Calms a

Thoroughbred

Gelding

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a horse who is overly busy with his

mouth, lips, or tongue has an energy imbalance that needs to be addressed. These

behaviors are not viewed as training problems.



Veterinary References

Fleming, Peggy, DVM, author of the chapter Transpositional Equine Acupuncture

Atlas, in the text Veterinary Acupuncture, Ancient Art to Modern Medicine,

second edition, Mosby, Inc., 2001, by Schoen, Allen M., DVM.

Schoen, Allen M., DVM, Veterinary Acupuncture, Ancient Art to Modern Medicine,

second edition, Mosby, Inc., 2001.

Snader, Meredith L., VMD, author of the chapter Acupuncture in the book

Healing Your Horse, Alternative Therapies, by Snader, Meredith L., VMD,

Willoughby, Sharon L., DVM, DC, Khalsa, Deva Kaur, VMD, Denega, Craig, BA, and

Basko, Ihor John, DVM, Howell Book House, 1993.

Thoresen, Are Simeon, Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medicine, A

Holistic View of Functional Medicine. Sandefjord, Norway, 2001

Books and Other Resources from Diana Thompson

Thompson, Diana, Acupressure Point Charts for Horses, An Illustrated Guide to

128 Point Locations and Uses. 2008. The 272-page book includes 400 black-and-

white photographs and 100 illustrations that show the locations of 128 points and

14 energy channels. 22 subject charts list points used

to support horse health.

Thompson, Diana, Emergency Acupressure Points for

Horses. 2008. This six-page laminated chart includes

point charts for cardiac and respiratory arrest, colic,

and respiratory infection. It includes the vital signs of

the horse in health and emergency. The first page of

the chart is shown at left.

Thompson, Diana, Acupressure Methods for Horses,

How to Use 7 Powerful Points to Improve Your Horse’s

Physical and Emotional Health. Fall, 2017.

Classes

Diana Thompson teaches classes in equine

acupressure, massage, and other methods. They are

offered online and in-person. See Diana’s website for

more information: www.dianathompson.com

Resources



Go

ve

rnin

g V

ess

el

26

(G

V 2

6)

GV

26

bo

tto

m e

dg

e

(ve

ntr

al

bo

rde

r)

of

the

no

stri

l

GV

26

16

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© D

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ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

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ved

. T

his

do

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per

son

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se. N

o p

art

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his

do

cum

ent

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y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

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pie

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ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

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ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Go

ve

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es

se

l 2

6 i

s a

sin

gle

po

int

be

twe

en

th

e h

ors

e’s

no

stri

ls.

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on

th

e cr

an

ial m

idli

ne

, wh

ich

is t

he

ima

gin

ary

lin

e th

at

run

s d

ow

n t

he

cen

ter

of

the

fro

nt

of

the

hea

d. T

his

lin

e is

ma

rked

wit

h a

do

tted

li

ne

in P

ho

to 1

. To

fin

d th

is p

oin

t, p

lace

yo

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fin

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ips

on

th

e cr

an

ial m

idli

ne

on

th

e lo

wer

pa

rt o

f th

e h

ors

e’s

hea

d. D

ian

a s

ho

ws

this

po

siti

on

in

Ph

oto

1.

Fro

m h

ere

, sl

ide

yo

ur

fin

gers

d

ow

n t

he

mid

lin

e b

etw

ee

n t

he

no

stri

ls

to a

la

rge

ho

llo

w.

Th

is i

s th

e l

oca

tio

n o

f G

ove

rnin

g Ve

ssel

26.

Th

e p

oin

t is

in b

etw

een

th

e n

ost

ils

just

ab

ove

th

eir

bo

tto

m e

dge

s (t

he

ven

tra

l bo

rder

s). D

ian

a h

as

her

fin

gers

o

n G

ove

rnin

g V

esse

l 26

in P

ho

to 2

.S

om

e h

ors

es d

on

’t w

an

t yo

u t

o t

ou

ch

the

are

a w

her

e th

e p

oin

t is

loca

ted

bec

au

se

the

y’ve

exp

eri

en

ced

ro

ug

h h

an

dli

ng

of

thei

r n

ose

or

mo

uth

. If

this

is t

he

case

, pet

th

e h

ors

e o

n o

ther

are

as

of

his

hea

d f

irst

, th

en m

ove

yo

ur

ha

nd

slo

wly

as

you

rea

ch

for

the

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int.

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er h

ors

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le t

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r li

ps

aro

un

d a

s if

tou

ch o

n t

hei

r u

pp

er li

p t

ickl

es

them

. If

yo

ur

ho

rse

con

tin

ues

to

ob

ject

to

a

cup

ress

ure

her

e m

ove

to a

diff

eren

t po

int.

W

hil

e a

ho

rse

ma

y o

bje

ct t

o a

cup

res-

sure

on

Go

vern

ing

Ve

sse

l 2

6 w

he

n h

e’s

h

ea

lth

y, t

he

pri

ma

ry u

se o

f th

e p

oin

t is

d

uri

ng

ca

rdia

c o

r re

spir

ato

ry a

rre

st a

nd

sh

ock

du

e t

o i

lln

ess

or

inju

ry.

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he

se

situ

ati

on

s, m

ost

ho

rses

acc

ept a

cup

ress

ure

o

n t

he

po

int.

Sa

fety

Tip

: Ho

ld th

e h

alt

er li

gh

tly

wit

h

the

fin

gers

of o

ne

ha

nd

wh

ile y

ou

tou

ch th

e p

oin

t w

ith

th

e fi

nge

rs o

f yo

ur

oth

er h

an

d.

Th

is s

tab

iliz

es t

he

hea

d a

nd

pro

tect

s yo

u

fro

m s

ud

den

mo

vem

ents

.

Ho

w t

o f

ind

Go

ve

rnin

g V

ess

el

26

Ph

oto

1

GV

26

Dia

na

p

lace

s h

er

fin

ge

rs o

n

the

cra

nia

l m

idli

ne

o

f A

ng

ie’s

h

ea

d.

Ph

oto

2

Dia

na

ap

pli

es

acu

pre

ssu

re

to G

ov

ern

ing

V

ess

el

26

.

17

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op

yrig

ht

© D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

ts R

eser

ved

. T

his

do

cum

ent

is li

cen

sed

for

per

son

al u

se. N

o p

art

of t

his

do

cum

ent

ma

y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

sfer

red

, co

pie

d, o

r o

ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Go

ve

rnin

g V

ess

el

20

(G

V 2

0)

GV

20

the

do

tte

d l

ine

is

the

mid

lin

e o

f th

e

ne

ck a

nd

ba

ck

(th

e d

ors

al

mid

lin

e)

GV

20

sku

ll

18

|C

op

yrig

ht

© D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

ts R

eser

ved

. T

his

do

cum

ent

is li

cen

sed

for

per

son

al u

se. N

o p

art

of t

his

do

cum

ent

ma

y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

sfer

red

, co

pie

d, o

r o

ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Ho

w t

o f

ind

Go

ve

rnin

g V

ess

el

20

Go

ve

rnin

g V

ess

el

20

is o

n t

he

po

ll o

f th

e h

ors

e’s

hea

d.

Th

e p

oll

is

the

hig

hes

t p

oin

t (t

he

mo

st d

ors

al

po

int)

of

the

sku

ll. G

ove

rnin

g V

esse

l 20

is b

etw

een

th

e ea

rs o

n t

he

mid

line

of t

he

nec

k a

nd

ba

ck (t

he

do

rsa

l mid

lin

e).

See

the

ph

oto

an

d il

lust

rati

on

on

pa

ge 2

55, a

bo

ve, f

or

det

ail

s.S

afe

ty T

ip: H

old

the

sid

e o

f th

e h

alt

er w

ith

on

e h

an

d

wh

ile

yo

u u

se y

ou

r o

the

r h

an

d t

o w

ork

on

Go

vern

ing

Ve

ssel

20.

Th

is p

osi

tio

n s

tab

iliz

es t

he

ho

rse’

s h

ead

an

d

keep

s yo

u s

afe

fro

m s

ud

den

mo

vem

ents

.

To f

ind

Go

vern

ing

Ves

sel

20,

pet

th

e h

ors

e’s

nec

k to

let

h

im k

no

w y

ou

’re

goin

g t

o r

each

up

to

his

hea

d. W

hen

he

rela

xes,

sli

de

you

r fi

nge

rs u

p t

o t

he

po

ll a

nd

fin

d t

he

tin

y n

otc

h w

her

e G

ove

rnin

g Ve

ssel

20

is lo

cate

d. D

ian

a a

pp

lies

acu

pre

ssu

re t

o t

he

po

int

in P

ho

to 1

an

d 2

.G

ove

rnin

g V

ess

el

20

ca

lms

the

ho

rse

’s s

pir

it a

nd

im

pro

ves

cla

rity

of m

ind

. As

sho

wn

in t

he

ph

oto

s, M

ida

s re

spo

nd

s to

acu

pre

ssu

re o

n G

ove

rnin

g V

ess

el

20

by

clo

sin

g h

is e

yes

an

d lo

wer

ing

his

nec

k a

nd

hea

d.

Ph

oto

1P

ho

to 2

Dia

na

ap

pli

es

acu

pre

ssu

re

to G

ov

ern

ing

Ve

sse

l 2

0 i

n

Ph

oto

1 a

nd

Ph

oto

2.

19

|C

op

yrig

ht

© D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

ts R

eser

ved

. T

his

do

cum

ent

is li

cen

sed

for

per

son

al u

se. N

o p

art

of t

his

do

cum

ent

ma

y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

sfer

red

, co

pie

d, o

r o

ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Er

Jia

n (

Tip

of

the

Ea

r)

Er

Jia

n (

Tip

of

the

Ea

r)

20

|C

op

yrig

ht

© D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

ts R

eser

ved

. T

his

do

cum

ent

is li

cen

sed

for

per

son

al u

se. N

o p

art

of t

his

do

cum

ent

ma

y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

sfer

red

, co

pie

d, o

r o

ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Ho

w t

o f

ind

Er

Jia

n (

Tip

of

the

Ea

r)

Ph

oto

2

Er

Jia

n (

tip

of

the

ea

r) i

s lo

cate

d o

n t

he

ou

tsid

e o

f th

e h

ors

e’s

ear

(th

e d

ors

al

surf

ace

) ju

st b

elo

w t

he

tip

.N

ote

: A

ho

rse

wh

o

do

esn

’t w

an

t h

is e

ars

ha

n-

dle

d

ma

y n

ot

wa

nt

you

to

to

uch

Er

Jia

n.

If t

his

is

the

case

, wo

rk o

n p

oin

ts a

wa

y fr

om

th

e ea

rs.

Sa

fety

Tip

: H

old

th

e si

de

of

the

ho

rse

’s h

alt

er

lig

htl

y w

ith

th

e f

ing

ers

of

on

e h

an

d w

hil

e y

ou

use

th

e f

ing

ers

of

you

r o

the

r h

an

d t

o a

pp

ly a

cup

ress

ure

to

th

e p

oin

t. T

his

po

siti

on

st

ab

iliz

es t

he

ho

rse’

s h

ead

a

nd

pro

tec

ts y

ou

fro

m

sud

den

mo

vem

ents

. Dia

na

d

emo

nst

rate

s th

is p

osi

tio

n

in P

ho

to 1

an

d 2

. In

Ph

oto

2, D

ian

a w

ork

s w

ith

Mid

as

to d

emo

nst

rate

h

ow

to

do

acu

pre

ssu

re o

n

Er

Jia

n o

n h

is l

eft e

ar.

Sh

e p

lace

s th

e fl

at

pa

ds

of

her

fi

nge

rs o

n t

he

po

int

on

th

e o

uts

ide

surf

ace

of t

he

tip

of

the

ear.

Her

thu

mb

is p

lace

d

on

th

e i

nsi

de

su

rfa

ce o

f th

e ea

r to

sta

bil

ize

the

tip

. S

he

ap

pli

es g

entl

e, s

tea

dy

pre

ssu

re to

the

po

int.

Mid

as

low

ers

his

hea

d in

resp

on

se

to t

he

po

int’

s ca

lmin

g i

n-

flu

ence

.

Ph

oto

1

Dia

na

ap

pli

es

acu

pre

ssu

re t

o E

r J

ian

.

Mid

as

rela

xe

s in

re

spo

nse

to a

cup

ress

ure

on

Er

Jia

n.

21

|C

op

yrig

ht

© D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

201

7. A

ll R

igh

ts R

eser

ved

. T

his

do

cum

ent

is li

cen

sed

for

per

son

al u

se. N

o p

art

of t

his

do

cum

ent

ma

y b

e d

igit

all

y tr

an

sfer

red

, co

pie

d, o

r o

ther

wis

e sh

are

d o

r p

ub

lish

ed w

ith

ou

t D

ian

a T

ho

mp

son

’s w

ritt

en p

erm

issi

on

.

Documents

Emergency Acupressure for Horses E-book