MERIDIAN LINES & HORSES

These energy pathways are not directly associated with the organs, but they act as overflow vessels to assist in balancing the highs and lows of energy in the twelve meridians when needed.

Meridian and point charts are a very useful guide, but due to the animals' individual differences, they cannot be exact in showing the precise locations for each meridian or point. One can develop a feel for the energy and do a more precise location using tactile senses. This is the most reliable way to locate them.

Meridian tracing is a simple method in acupressure that allows one to begin to feel the energy and its flow through meridian line, and it has therapeutic value as well. The therapeutic value is not as great as specific point treatment, but tracing moves and stimulates the energy along the meridians, enhancing its flow. Tracing the meridians is also used to begin a treatment session, and end it. Tracing begins to release blocked energy, and increase circulation.

Get to know the paths of the meridians by tracing them. Keep a chart handy and refer to it as you go. With an open flat hand placed somewhere on the horse for connection, slide your tracing hand along the path of the meridian in the direction in which the energy flows. Both hands should remain in contact with the horse while this is being done, to keep a connection and to allow the energy to reroute back to the body. Be aware of sensations in your palms and fingers, and in your horse's skin, soft spots, firm spots, temperature changes, and others. Make mental notes of the location of these sensations.

If the energy cannot be felt this way, another way is to keep each hand about 4 to 5 inches away from the horse's body, and trace the meridians with air space between. A difference can be felt when an area of lesser or greater energy is encountered (the points). Watch also how your horse reacts to this without being touched - he will feel it too. By keeping the hands at these locations for a few seconds, the energy leveling can be felt. Watch the horse react to this as well. He may initially seem uncomfortable and attempt to move away, but as the energy balances out and he feels relief, he may take a deep breath or lick and chew. Energy leveling will help re-establish the proper flow of Chi, thus restoring the body's natural healing ability.

Indicators of an effective treatment include: points which were warm returning to normal body temperature and feel, points or areas of the body that were cool coming up to body temperature, a decrease of inflammation, a nervous or pained horse becoming calm and relaxed, body posture changes, and attitude adjustments. One's positive intent while doing any of the energy work also increases the beneficial effects of a treatment.

By utilizing the Alarm and Association points, one can determine which meridians need work most. Alarm points are specific points that, when painful or tender, indicate an organ problem. Alarm points are located on the underside of the horse, on or near the midline, on the abdomen and chest, and near a particular organ.

Association points are specific points that, when painful or tender, indicate a blockage in the corresponding meridian or a problem in the corresponding organ. Each association point is directly connected with an internal organ and a meridian; each of the twelve meridians has a unique association point. The Association points directly affect the organs and can strengthen the organ. The Association points are located on the back between the withers and the rump, along the Bladder meridian, which runs parallel to the spine.