Acupressure for Equine Lumbar Soreness 

Equines did not evolve to haul heavy loads atop their backs. The musculature and structure of the thoracolumbar spine are designed for forward motion, shock absorption, and agility, not for compressive weight. The vertebral column, nuchal/supraspinous ligaments, and thoracolumbar fascia excel at storing and releasing elastic energy during movement, but not at bearing heavy vertical loads.

However, thoughHul care can greatly reduce back strain: proper saddle fit, training that encourages correct engagement and impulsion, consistent natural hoof care, and regular acupressure bodywork.

Adding an acupressure–massage session every 3–5 days supports equine comfort, keeps tissues supple, and will support your horse’s overall performance and well-being.

Why Lumbar Pain Happens: Common Causes There are many reason that your horse may suffer from lower lumbar pain and may include:

• Ill-fitting tack: Bridges, pressure points, pinching, or a tree that’s too narrow/wide can overload lumbar Issues.

• Rider asymmetry: A collapsing hip, uneven strirupps, or bracing hands can transmit uneven forces to the back. 

• Hoof imbalance: Long toes/low heels or a medial or lateral imbalance can alter limb sequencing and load transfer, stressing the lumbosacral area. 

• Pathologies: Sacroiliac dysfunction, facet joint osteoarthritis, dorsal spinous process impingement, strains or prior trauma.

What You Can Do Using Acupressure!

Acupressure is uniquely suited to this issue, and you can participate in your horse’s health and well-being by learning the acupressure points shown in the charts below. Here is how it works; The stimulation of specific acupressure points (acupoints) found along the horse’s meridians can release endoprhins, help to decrease inflammation, release and lessen muscle spasms and improve your animals’ overall flexibility, and physical well-being.

Step 1.
The first phase of an acupressure session, called the Opening sequence, is particularly beneficial for the horse’s back since it helps relax the muscles from the head to the hind coronary band along with balancing the energy throughout the back. Acupressure is intentional touch, so begin by formulating your healing intention for Opening the acupressure session. Once you have envisioned your purpose in the session, you can gently begin the Opening.

Step 2.
The Opening entails tracing along the Bladder meridian (see the image below) with the heel of your hand. Rest one hand where it is comfortable for you and your horse and use the heel of your opposite hand, using 1-2 pounds of pressure, to trace the meridian. Some horses do not like being touched on the inner corner of their eye where the Bladder meridian begins, so feel free to start your acupressure session either at the poll or part of the way down the horse’s neck. Repeat this procedure three times on both side of the horse since acupressure is performed bilaterally.

Using the Correct Acupoints for Session Work We have chosen five commonly used points as their functions and energetics support your horses for lumbar comfort and hindquarter strength. stimulate the acupoints bilaterally, use gentle pressure for (20–60 seconds, and watch for softening of the eye or body, licking/chewing, a deep breath, or the horse moving into the gentle pressure you’re providing.

Below is a chart of the points used shown on a ‘real’ horse. Between the two images, you’ll have an excellent idea of each points physical location.

The Acupressure Session We recommend that you offer your horse this acupressure session to help maintain his pain-free back or to resolve back pain. You can perform this session after exercise or training when your horse has cooled down. 

Begin your session of point work at the Bai Hui point, then move forward to Bl 23. Use the soft pad of your thumb to exert gentle pressure on each point, again 20 - 60 seconds is good. Move towards the tail to Bl 27, then down the hindquarters to Bl 40, repeat the same process on these two points and end the session at St 36.

To complete the session sweep gently over the Bladder meridian, from the neck to the hindquarters, and then down the inner and outer aspects of each leg. Remember to do the point work and closing on both sides of your horse. 

Foundation Always Matters
Now that you know how to help your horse’s sore back with acupressure, remember to pay attention to the basics.

• Regularly assess the fit of your saddle and other equipment; horse bodies change just like ours, so keep up to date on proper fitting.
• Maintain a basis of solid and correct training for yourself and your horse.
• Hoof care cannot be overlooked and can lead to many different health issues.
• With mindful management and a consistent acupressure–massage routine, your horse can move more freely, develop a stronger topline, and you’ll both enjoy your time together with reduced back strain.

Safety and When to Call the Veterinarian
And, always seek veterinary assessment for acute pain, heat/swelling, neurological signs, sudden performance decline, or persistent soreness.

Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of: Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual.  They own Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources, which offers Acupressure Books, DVDs, Meridian Charts, and online classes for horses, dogs, and cats. They are also founding members of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) and began their animal acupressure business in 1990.