A lot of my lovely canine friends who travel in vehicles have requested that I post this link. It is an excellent article on preventing nausea. In my practise, I have used these points on dogs in cars who are experiencing motion sickness, on pregnant dogs who are queasy and in the airport on a dog who had just flown for 22 hours. This site, www.animalacupressure. is also super helpful in all things to do with acupressure! The dogs and horses highly recommend it! They love acupressure as it is preventative, which in the case of vomiting is highly beneficial. What I love most about acupressure is that anyone can do it, anywhere, at anytime! It gives us an immediate tool to assist our animal friends. Acupressure also considers the whole, incorporating mental, emotional, physical and spiritual into the equation of healing. It has been around for over 3,000 years, therefore it works!
Here is the link…
Media-horse canada
September/October 2010
Peace of MInd Exercises and Acupoints for Humans
These exercises and acupoints are designed to calm the spirit, quiet the mind and relax our bodies. Do them anytime you are experiencing stress, panic, fear or anxiety.
Exercise One- Do the flower picking breath. Imagine a field of flowers in front of you. Gently pluck a flower with one hand, put it up to your nose, innnnn-hale the smell deeply and exxxx-hale the sound aaaaaaah. Do it again…we always do a minimum of three…Pluck the flower…put it up to your nose…Innnn-hale deeply and exxxxx-hale aaaaaaah. Now one more time….Innn-hale and exxxxx-hale aaaaaaaah. Remember to do this throughout the day. It relaxes our whole body, calms our spirit and clears the mind.
Exercise Two- Repeat this little mantra to yourself as often as possible. It tranquilizes the mind and relieves mental distress. “I now allow all outer and inner sounds to focus my attention and awareness on my job, and my job is to relax, breath and enjoy myself.”
The peace of mind acupressure points.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… And the horses highly recommend it!
To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling and move on to the next point. Take some quiet time afterwards to restore, relax and resurface. If you’re on the move, massage a few points-even a quick application of pressure on whichever points you feel drawn to do, will have some benefit. Trust yourself, relax, breath deeply, go with the flow of energy and enjoy!
Equine Immune System Strengthening Acupoints
Today, the immune system is the topic of the day. Many of my horse friends are now finishing their competitive seasons. In this transition period of training into rest, they are requesting these acupressure points, to help boost their immune systems, to replenish and fortify their systems, which may have become depleted over the course of the summer due to frequent exposure to trailering, competitions and other horses who may have had contagious conditions. All of these acupressure points are beneficial in strengthening the immune system.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… and the horses love it!
To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling and move on to the next point. Trust yourself, relax, breath deeply, go with the flow of energy and enjoy!
Immune System Boosting Acupoints for Dogs
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… And dogs absolutely love it!
Be aware that there is no “right” location in acupressure. The exact location of equine, canine, feline and human acupressure points depend on the source. Acupressure drawings offer you a guide, not an exact map. Do your best and trust your intuition. To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling.
GV 14- Big Vertebra Location: On the midline of the back, where the neck vertebra meets the vertebra of the back. Lifting the head up and down, find the hinged place just in front of the “big” vertebra. Place your finger into the big hole there. Benefits: Supports immune system.
B 23- Sea of Vitality Location: On the middle of your dog’s side, locate the last rib, then go straight up to the spine. find the point in the indentation beside 2nd lumbar vertebra. Benefits: Fortifies the immune system as well as relieves lower back ache and fatigue.
LI 4- Joining the Valley Location: Inside the first toe, in the web between the dewclaw or where the dewclaw would be. Benefits: Improves immune system, relieves pain in face, foreleg and toothaches.
P6-Inner Gate Location: Find the sole pad behind the wrist on the front leg. Move up the leg to the depression between two tendons that run up the back of the leg. Benefits: Boosts immune system, relieves nausea, vomiting, balances internal organs and calms the spirit.
TW 5- Outer Gate Location: Run your hand down the outside of a front leg. The point is in the indention between the bones, about a sixth of the distance between the wrist and elbow. Benefits: Improves immune system, ear problems, nausea, vomiting, stiffness in head, shoulders and neck, regulates and relaxes entire body.
LI 11- Crooked Pond Location: Lift the foot, flex the elbow, and you’ll find a crease forms on the outside of the elbow. Feel for the depression at the end of the crease, just in front of the bony prominence. Benefits: Relieves immune system weaknesses, allergies, infections, constipation and fever.
CV 6- Sea of Energy Location: On the midline of the belly. Benefits: Boosts immune system, relieves lower back ache, fatigue, constipation, replenishes energy reservoirs.
Liv 3- Bigger Rushing Location: On the inside hind paw, above the innermost toe. Find a slight depression about a third of the way between the top inside toe and the bottom of the ankle joint. Use broad strokes on the side and front paw area. Benefits: Improves immune system, relieves headaches, eye and reproductive disorders, irritability and arthritis.
K 3- Bigger Stream Location: On the inside of the hind leg, just above the ankle in a large pocket. Benefits: Boosts immune system, relieves ear problems.
St 36- Three Mile Point Location: On the outside hind leg, just below the knee, in a clear depression in the middle of the muscle toward the front of the leg. Benefits: Boosts energy, strengthens the whole body, especially immune system, aids digestion and relieves fatigue.
Acupressure Points for Facebook Changes!
Ha Ha, am amused today by the horses blog subject request. Acupressure points for frustration, irritability and dealing with Change for humans. The last few weeks, I have switched from using a PC to a Mac. It’s been like returning to kindergarden learning a whole new system. I had to use these points frequently to help me calm myself as I navigated my way through what was once easy, simple and done without thought, to being overwhelmed, frustrated, overloaded by information and ready to scream. They helped immensely. Now, just as my confidence was returning, not only has Facebook renovated, but so has this webpage setup! So the horses are laughingly recommending I post these points for all humans who are dealing with frustration and irritability as they adapt to change.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming…
To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling and move on to the next point. Trust yourself, relax, breath deeply, go with the flow of energy and enjoy!
Acupressure Points for Trauma & PTSD
These points are super beneficial for horses, who have experienced accidents, abuse or any other traumatic incident.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… And the horses absolutely love it!
To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure (approximately 2-4 pounds of pressure) to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling and move on to the next point. Use and trust your intuition as the horse will often guide you and direct you on the length of time and amount of pressure they desire. As you are working with a horse who has experienced trauma, move slowly and be aware of breathing deeply and slowly. Your relaxed breathing will help relax and calm the horse, making them more receptive to the benefits of acupressure. Even gently messaging in the areas where the points are located will help them release the memory of the incident, calm their spirit and relax stress and tension in their bodies.
Dog Acupressure Points for Hearing and For Airplanes
Today, the horses would like me to talk about flying and inner ear imbalances. A few days ago, I spoke to a dog, who was born in France and flew to Canada as a 6 month old. She was experiencing inner ear imbalance from the flight. The description she gave me was of when pressure builds in the ear canal while the plane is taking off, adjusting to alitude or landing and you yawn to clear it. She never cleared it. She was experiencing loss of hearing, clumsiness on stairs and jumping on and off the couch, it confused her and was causing some mental and emotional distress. So, these acupressure points are for all those lovely dogs, who have flown in airplanes. They are very beneficial to be aware of if you are intending to travel with your pet. Do them before the flight, during, if the pet is on the plane with you and a several times after landing and settling into the environment. These points are also beneficial if your dog is experiencing loss of hearing.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… And dogs absolutely love it!
Be aware that there is no “right” location in acupressure. The exact location of equine, canine, feline and human acupressure points depend on the source. Acupressure drawings offer you a guide, not an exact map. Do your best and trust your intuition. To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling.
GV 20- Hundred Meetings Location: On top of the head, in a notch just forward of boney protuberance on the midline, between the ears. Use back and forth motion in the notch. Benefits: Clears the mind and calms the spirit.
TW 21-Ear Gate Location: In front of the ear above SI 19
SI 19- Listening Palace Location: In front of ear below TW 21
GB 2- Reunion of Hearing Location: In front of ear below SI 19 Benefits: All of these points relieves ear aches, hearing problems, pressure inside ear, also alleviates jaw tension, toothaches and headaches.
TW 17- Wind Screen Location: Just below the ear, in a well defined hollow Benefits: Deafness, all ear diseases, invigorates energy, clears the sensory openings and relaxes facial tension.
TW 5- Outer Gate Location: Run your hand down the outside of a front leg. The point is in the indention between the bones, about a sixth of the distance between the wrist and elbow. Benefits: Ear problems, nausea, vomiting, stiffness in head, shoulders and neck, regulates and relaxes entire body.
K 3- Bigger Stream Location: On the inside of the hind leg, just above the ankle in a large pocket. Benefits: Relieves ear problems.
H 7- Spirit Gate Location: On the outside back of the the lower front leg. Bend the wrist and feel for the large, natural depression formed slightly above and behind the wrist crease. Benefits: Relieves anxiety and fear, quiets mind, calming and strengthening the spirit.
Acupressure points for Irritability, Frustration and Dealing with Change
As the weather is shifting in coolness here in Canada, for many of my athletic horse friends, this means the competitive season is slowing down. They requested these acupressure points as they are experiencing frustration, irritability and are dealing with the change in their training routines. These are also super helpful for horses settling into a new environment, working with a new rider, dealing with grief or change of any kind. They are also beneficial for those horses that just have a personality that is Diva-ish! I am sure you’ll know if your horse is one of these types!
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 3,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force energy (Qi or chi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic and definitely habit forming… And the horses absolutely love it!
To perform acupressure, place the ball of your thumb or middle finger on the acupressure point. Gently apply direct pressure (approximately 2-4 pounds of pressure) to the point while exhaling. Use prolonged pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Slowly release the point while inhaling and move on to the next point. Use and trust your intuition as the horse will often guide you and direct you on the length of time and amount of pressure they desire.
Here are the acupressure points, their traditional names and benefits.
GV 24.5- Third Eye Point Benefits: Good for spiritual and emotional imbalance, use for calming your horse.
GB 20-Wind Pond Benefits: Relieves irritability, injuries, trauma and shock. Alleviates head and neck tension and pain. Helps with eye problems. Use for arthritis.
GB 21-Shoulder Well Benefits: Relieves irritability, frustration, fatigue and nervousness. Alleviates shoulder pain and arthritis. Use for hock pain, softens tense muscles.
LU 1- Central Palace Benefits: Relieves breathing difficulties, chest tension and congestion, emotional tensions, coughing and skin disorders.
CV 17- Middle of Chest Benefits: Relieves nervousness, anxiety, frustration and irritability. Influential point for energy. Use to improve overall energy of your horse. Use for all lung conditions, especially chronic problems. Stimulation of this point will increase or disperse energy, depending on your horse’s needs.
CV 12- Center of Power Benefits: Harmonizes the stomach, relieves gastrointestinal problems and relieves emotional stress. Colic point.
GB 30-Jumping Circle Benefits: Relieves frustration, irritation, hip pain, sciatica, lower back pain and rheumatism. Relaxes the tendons and restores joint mobility.
“You are a Rockstar!”
Ha, HA! I LOVE it, the theme of the week, according to the horses, is singing. It’s a wonderful reminder for me personally of the power, enjoyment and fun of singing. It has also made me aware of the soundtrack that plays in my head. The Pink Floyd song Money…Money…it’s a crime….. and the lyrics in their song Time…. You run and you run to catch up with the sun…but it’s sinking…. shorter of breath and one day closer to death… Have been tinkling away in my head for weeks, they are being erased at this very moment. They could possibly explain the ebb in energy and funding in the last few days!
I can clearly remember with a smile and much amusement, the day I had to appear in court in Hong Kong. I was feeling unnerved and anxious about the possible outcome. My gorgeous friend Jill arrived to keep me company as I got ready. She noticed that I kept singing and humming…I fought the law… but the law won.….by the Clash. Bringing this to my attention, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye, she suggested the lyrics from the song, I’m free, by the Soupdragons, pointing out they may be much more suitable and helpful!
So, here is the experience the horses want me to share with you all today. It happened in…
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. December 18th, 2010.
I am standing in a stall, in a very old barn. I am with a mother and her two daughters. There are two horses in the barn with us. Chief, is speaking to the mother. He really enjoys when she sings in the mornings, while she’s mucking them out. He’s a retired racehorse, in the barn where he lived for many years, they played the radio continuously. He misses the rock music it played. He would like everyone to sing all the time. Horse’s as a collective, rue the day when humans stopped singing. In my great Uncle’s day, humans sang while they worked, they hummed and whistled. Now, according to the horses we are rather mute. When we become self conscious they remind us that our voice is beautiful, even if we are out of key. That they enjoy when we sing immensely no matter how we sound to ourselves.
Chief has me tell this story, to the mother and has an interesting take on the subject of singing…”You know when you are driving your car, and a really great song you love comes on the radio…you know how you belt it out…the acoustics are great…you sound amazing to yourself, you sound so good to yourself that you could go on stage…in fact you know you sound so good, you could replace the singer of the band…you know this feeling? Well, that’s how you sound to us all the time. That great! You are a rockstar to us! So please, please…. Sing! Sing all the time! It’s fun and it lifts everyone’s spirits!”
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