As we have transitioned from the season of spring into summer with its longer, brighter and warmer days, our energy levels and our activities with horses are generally increasing. The challenge can be to still maintain balance and support our horses in accordance with physical and mental demands. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are now governed by the Fire Element which is associated with the heart, circulation and emotional expression. It is a time characterised by connection and vitality which can also present heat-related challenges or emotional imbalance.
Equine acupressure offers a holistic, non-invasive way to help horses stay physically healthy and to support the balancing of body, heart and mind. By aligning our care routines with the principles of the Fire Element, we can enhance well-being and harmony during this dynamic season.
The Fire Element
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season corresponds to a specific element, also referred to as phases of transformation. Summer is governed by the fire element. This element is further associated with the Heart (Xin), Small Intestine (Xiao Chang), Pericardium (Xin Bao), and Triple Heater (San Jiao) meridians and organs in horses. The fire element influences not only cardiovascular function but also emotional regulation, mental clarity, and the horses’ capacity for social connection within the herd and with their humans. The Heart is said to be the inner emperor who governs all the other meridians and organs and basically the whole body with love and compassion. It also houses the Shen – the horse’s or human’s spirit – which expresses in the eyes: the window to the Shen.
When in balance, fire element energy promotes vitality, enthusiasm, and strong emotional bonds. When out of balance, it can lead to emotional reactivity, anxiety, nervous system disorders, excessive sweating, overheating, or cardiovascular issues.,
Racehorses and the Fire Element
Many racehorses possess a dominant fire element constitution which gives them the heart, speed, and stamina to excel but also predisposes them to Shen disturbances and resulting reactivity and to soft tissues vulnerabilities such as tendon injuries of the forehand as all four fire meridians – Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Heater – flow along the forelegs.
Key Acupressure Points for the Fire Element
Two acupoints of particular value for supporting your horses through the summer season are Heart 7 and Pericardium 6.
Heart 7
Ht 7 | Xin 7 | Shen Men | Spirit Gate
Location: On the caudal aspect of the radius, proximal to the accessory carpal bone at the insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris at the level of the carpus.
Characteristic: Earth, source and sedation point
Western applications: Calms the heart and mind, supports emotional balance, soothes anxiety, cardiac problems, carpal problems.
Pericardium 6
Pe 6 | Xinbao 6 | Nei Guan | Inner Gate
Location: In the depression just cranial to the cranial border of the chestnut, midway between the proximal and distal ends of the chestnut.
Characteristic: Master point for the Chest and Cranial Abdomen, Connecting (Luo) point.
Western applications: Regulates heart function, calms anxiety, cardiac or chest problem.
The Application of Equine Acupressure
Before applying acupressure on a horse, take a moment to settle yourself in order to become present and work with a calm mind. Approach with openness, curiosity and attention.
Apply gentle finger pressure directly on the above acupoints. If you are new to acupressure, work with one acupoint at a time rather than both simultaneously. Hold each acupoint for around 30 seconds to a minute. This gives you time to notice your horse’s responses and begin developing sensitivity to what each session requires. Work with the above acupoints on both legs during a session.
Additional supporting care considerations in summer
Heat Management
Support your acupressure work with proper environmental management such as:
- Provide adequate shade and ventilation in fields, paddocks and stables
- Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water
- Schedule intensive work during cooler morning or evening hours
- Cool down horses after work by applying cold water all over their body and NOT scraping it off
Emotional Wellness in Summer
The fire element governs joy and social connection and in combination with environmental conditions making summer an ideal time to focus on activities that nurture our horses’ emotional well-being (though ideally, these should be part of our routines and/or be available year-round):
- Engage in varied, enjoyable activities that prevent boredom
- Provide plenty of opportunities for social interaction with other horses
- Practice groundwork and spend time with our horses in ways that strengthen our bonds and connections
- Allow for mental stimulation through environmental enrichment
Above all, summer is a great opportunity for us to focus on quality time and activities with our horses and to remember the joy they bring.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns about your horse’s health.