Classical Acupuncture points in Dogs & Cats

Top 77 points

Huisheng Xie, DVM PhD

 Classical Point
What?
Acupuncture: History

Sun Yang
Alias Bole
Veterinarian
Qinmugong period
659 B.C. to 621 B.C.
Bole Zhen-jing
Boles Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture

Sun Yang

659 to 621 B.C.

Bole Zhenjing
 Acupuncture: History
Yuan-Hengs Therapeutic Treatise of Horses

Yuan Heng Liao Ma Ji

1608
Benyuan Yu
Benheng Yu
Veterinarian
Ming Dynasty
1368 to 1644
 Canine Classical Point
No meridian lines. Only location of points.
Its own points
Liu-feng
From horses
Bai-hui
From cattle
Shan Gen (mountain base)
From pigs
An-shen
From lab animal studies (rats, mice)
Transpositional from people to rats/mice
From rats/mice to dogs/cats: ST-36, GB-34
 Canine Classical Point: Why
Simply it works.
Head regions: 23 points

Trunks: 26 points

Limbs: 28 points
 Head and Neck (HN) region
23 points (#1 to #23)
Head and Neck (HN) region (#01 to #23) GV-17
01 Tian-men Gate of Heaven Xie-01
Tian-men

LO: on the dorsal midline b/t

the caudal rim of the 2 ear base

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 cun

IN: epilepsy, seizure, loss of voice, dizzy

Ref: Crossing (Jiao-hui) pt b/w GV & BL

02 Da-feng-men Great Wind Gate, GV-21, Xie-02

LO: on the dorsal midline b/t the cranial rim of the 2 ear base

ME: Horizontal insertion toward GV-17 (sedation) or

GV-24 (tonification) for 0.5-1 cun

IN: Internal wind: epilepsy, seizure, tremor

headache, vertigo, nasal congestion/discharge
calming down point
 Xie-04
Long-hui 03 Long-hui Meeting of dragons

LO: on the midpoint b/t

the two temporal fossae.

Tai-yang ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 cun

IN: epilepsy, seizure, nasal congestion

Ref: Yin-tang in people

04 Tai-yang Great Yang

LO: In the depression about 1 cun posterior to the lateral canthus.

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun

IN: Facial paralysis, headache, conjunctivitis or other acute eye problems

 05 Shan-gen Mountain base Xie-05

LO: on the dorsal midline of

boundary b/t hairy & non-hairy
Shan-gen areas

GV-26 ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3

cun

IN: Loss of appetite, sinusitis,

coma, shock, wind-cold, wind-heat

Ref: Transposition from bovine

points
06 Ren-zhong/Shui-gou the center of man/water passage, Xie-07, GV-26
LO: At the intersection b/t dorsal and middle 1/3 of the philtrum

ME: Perpendicular insertion for 0.3 cun

IN: Coma, shock, fever, bronchitis, Lung Heat, facial paralysis

Ref: Crossing pt b/t GV, LI, ST.

 07 Jing-ming Brighten eye Xie-10 BL-1
BL-1
LO: At the medial canthus b/t the
upper and lower eyelid

ME: Push the eyeball laterally and

perpendicular insertion 0.1 cun
ST-1 Not twisting the needle
San-jiang Contraindication of moxa

IN: Conjunctivitis, keratitis, liver heat

or other acute eye problems

Ref: Crossing pt among 5 channels

08 Cheng-qi, Receiving Tears Yu-04, ST-1 (SI, BL, ST, yin-qiao, Yang-qiao)

LO: In the midpoint of lower eyelid

ME: Perpendicular insertion for 0.3 cun; Do not twist the needle after needling;
Contraindication of moxa

IN: Ocular discharge, abnormal tears, Uveitis, KCS, facial paralysis

Ref: Crossing pt b/t BL-, Yang-qiao and CV.

 09 San-jiang, Three rivers Yu-05 from equine
BL-1

LO: On angular vein. 1 cun below

medial canthus

ST-1 ME: Dry needling or hemo-

San-jiang acupuncture

IN: Uveitis, KCS, constipation,

abdominal pain.

10 Ying-Xiang receive fragrance, Xie-08, LI-20

LO: In the nasal labial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the
lateral border of the ala nasi

ME: Oblique insertion for 0.3 cun; Contraindication of moxa

IN: Nasal congestion, facial paralysis

Ref: Crossing pt b/t ST and LI.

 12 Nao-shu, brain association point

Nao-shu
LO: In the upper 1/3 between the cranial
medial aspect of ear base and GB-1.
Bi-tong

ME: Perpendicular insertion for 0.3 cun

IN: Seizure, shen disturbance

11 Bi-tong, nose passing

LO: In the midpoint between LI-20 and BL-1.

ME: Perpendicular insertion for 0.3 cun

IN: Nasal congestion, sinusitis, facial paralysis

 13 Feng-chi Wind Pond, Xie-23, GB-20
LO: In the depression rostral and
medial to the cranial edge of the wings
GB-20
TH17 of the atlas in a depression below the
occipital bones and medial to the
jugular process.

14 Yi-feng Wind Screen, Xie-22, TH-17

LO: Ventral to the ear in the depression between
the mandible and the mastoid process

15 An-shen Pacify Shen Transpositionally from swine acupoints

LO: Halfway b/t GB-20 and TH-17 caudal to the ear base

IN: External Wind, Internal Wind, seizure, Calming down shen

cervical stiffness, headache, nose-bleeding, nasal discharge/congestion,
facial paralysis, swelling in the face, otitis, deafness,
 16 Shang-guan, upper joint, YU-7, GB-3

LO: In the depression caudal end of

temporomandibular joint.

Ref: Crossing point between GB and ST.

17 Xia-guan, lower joint, YU-8, ST-7

LO: In the depression caudal to masserter,

cranial to temporomandibular joint.

Ref: Crossing point between ST and GB.

18 Bao-sai Embrace mandible from equine

LO: Intersection of line from medial canthus to mandible angle and
extension of anguli oris

IN: Dental pain, mandible pain, facial paralysis

Headache, head-shaking
 19 Er-jian Ear Tip Xie-24
LO: On the convex surface of the ear
at the auricular vein on the tip of ear

ME: Dry needling or hemo-acupuncture

IN: abdominal pain, fever, wind-heat, heat

20 Cheng-jiang LO: Midline 1 cun to rim of lower lip

Receiving saliva
CV-24 ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun

IN: excessive salivation, cold-damp, facial paralysis

Ref: Crossing point between CV and ST; Transpositional

from equine.
 21 Hua-tuo-jia-ji at cervical region
LO: 0.5 dorsal to cervical vertebrae

IN: cervical stiffness, wobblers disease

22. Jian-wei, strengthen stomach

LO: Upper 1/3 of the jugular group,

Between vein and cervical vertebra

IN: Anoraxia, vomit, stomach disorders

23 Lian-quan LO: At the ventral midline just cranial to throat.

CV-23 IN: excessive salivation, laryngeal hemiplegia

Ref: Crossing point between CV and Yin Wei

 Trunk and Tail (TT) region

26 points (#24To #49)

 Trunk and Tail (TT) region
24 Da-zhui Great vertebrae Xie-26, GV-14
LO: In the dorsal midline b/t C7 & T1

IN: Fever, cervical neuralgia, asthma,

cough, seizure, skin itching
immune deficiency, IVDD
Ref: Recent studies indicated the
stimulation at GV-14, LI-4 & ST-36
increased WBC in cancer patient with
chemo/radio-therapy

25 Ding-chuan stop cough/asthma

26 Tian-tu LO: In the depression 0.5 cun lateral to GV-14
Celestial Chimney

LO: On the ventral midline at the tip of the manubrium

IN: Cough, asthma, dyspnea, sore throat, thyroid problem, diaphragm spasm,
chest pain.
 27. Shen-zhu, Body Post, GV-12, Xie-28

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t T3 and T4

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.5 cun

IN: Lung disorder, Heart disorders, cough,

asthma, IVDD, Shen disturbance

28 Ling-tai GV-10, Xie-30

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t T6 and T7

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun

IN: Liver problems, lung problems, stomach problem

 29 Ji-zhong spine center, GV-6, Xie-34

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t T11 &T12

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5

cun

IN: IVDD, Spleen and Stomach disorders

30 Tian-ping, scale Xie-35 Transpositionally from swine acupoints.

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t T13 and L1

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun

IN: internal hemorrhage (hematuria, hemafecia)

prevention for castration/spayed bleeding
 GV-4 GV-3
31 Ming-meng Life Gate Xie-37 GV-4

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t L2 & L3

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5 cun

IN: renal failure, diarrhea due to

Yang Deficiency
Lumbar pain, IVDD

32 Yao-yang-guan, Lumbar yang gate, Xie-38 GV-3

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t L4 and L5

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun

IN: Lumbar-sacral IVDD, hindlimb weakness/paresis/paralysis

 33 Bai-hui hundred meeting Xie-40
LO: In the dorsal midline b/t L7 & S1

34 Shen-shu-E Kidney association point, BL-26, xie-62

LO: 1.5 cun lateral to Bai-hui

35 Shen-peng Kidney shelf

LO: 1.5 cun cranial to Shen-shu

IN: yang deficiency, lumbar-sacral pain

IVDD, renal failure
diarrhea, constipation
hindlimb weakness/paresis/paralysis
ischiadic neuralgia
Bai-hui
36 Yan-chi Wing of ilium

Wei-jie
LO: Midpoint between Shen-peng and tuber coxae

ME: Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun

IN: Infertility, Kidney Qi/yang deficiency

37 Wei-jie Tail-vertebrae Xie-42

LO: In the dorsal midline b/t Cd1 and Cd2

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.1 to 0.3 cun

IN: Paralysis of tail, hindlimb weakness/paresis/paraly

 38 Hou-hai back sea Xie-47 GV-1

LO: In the depression b/t the anus and ventral tail base

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun

IN: Diarrhea, constipation, anus problem, paralysis of

rectum prolapse of rectum, seizure, infertility

Ref: Crossing pt among GV, GB and KID

GV Luo-connecting to CV

39. Wei-jian Tail tip,, GV-1b Xie-44

LO: At the tip of tail

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.1 to 0.3 cun

IN: Paralysis of tail, hindlimb weakness

paresis/paralysis
 40 Hua-tuo-jia-ji
LO: 0.5 cun lateral to each vertebrae fom T-1 to L-7

IN: IVDD, back pain

41 Si-liao Four points Xie-45

LO: A group of 4 acupoints. 0.5 cun lateral to the sacrum.

The cranial pt is at the first dorsal sacral foramina
The Caudal pt is at the second dorsal sacral foramina
The remaining 2 points are equidistantly located b/t the
cranial and caudal points.

IN: Lumbar-sacral pain, neuralgia, hindlimb

weakness/paresis infertility, metritis, ovaritis

Ref: Its called Er-yan (Two holes) in some reference if only

cranial and caudal points are used. Its called Ba-jiao (Eight
points) because there are 8 points (4 points each side).
Precious, 9 YR
Castrated cat
Shaking the rear leg
Stiff and limping
At the rear limbs
UTI
Urinary incontinence
Shen:good
Stinking smell from body

Herbal: solitary hermit

 42 Guan-yuan-shu Gate of primary Qi, Xie-57, BL-21
BL-21 LO: In the longissimus muscle groove,
caudal to the last rib and cranial to
GV-4 to the tip of transverse process of L1

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5 cun

IN: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, indigestion

nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain
general weakness

BL-23

43 Shen-shu LO: Caudal to the tip of the L2 transverse process,

Kid asso in the longissimus muscle groove
Xie-59
BL-23 ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.5 cun

IN: Kidney qi or yin deficiency, renal failure, deafness, urinary

incontinence, edema, back pain
Trixie, 18 yr s/f cat
Flake and dry skin
R rear leg amputated after
Car accident/surgery/mass
Owned since kitty when
The owner was 14 yrs
All rest 5 cats and 3 dogs
Respect Trixie
Aloof but the leader
Personality: metal
Geriatric health check
Longevity purpose
 44 Ju-que CV-14
Xie-80
6th rib

CV-16 LO: On the ventral midline, at the midpoint b/t

Xiphoid CV-12 and xiphoid process.
CV-14
CV-12 ME: Horizontal insertion 0.3 cun
CV-8
IN: chest pain, vomiting, seizure

Ref: Heart alarming pt

LO: Midpoint b/t CV-8 and the xiphoid process

ME: Perpendicular insertion 0.3 cun

45 Zhong-wan
Center abdomen IN: stomachache, vomiting, food stasis,
CV-12, Xie-81 abdominal distension, diarrhea

Ref: Stomach alarm point, Influential point for fu

organs. Crossing point b/t CV, SI, TH, ST.
 6th rib 46 Shen-que CV-8, xie-82

LO: At the center of umbilicus

ME: Moxibustion or acupressure

CV-8
IN: IBD, fatigue

Ref: Contraindicated with needling

47 Tian-shu Celestial Center ST-25, xie-86

LO: 2 cun lateral to umbilicus

ME: Aquapuncture

IN: Front-Mu (Alarm) point for LI.

Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting
 48 Qi-hai, the Sea of Qi, Xie-83 CV-6
6th rib
LO: At the midpoint b/t CV-8 and CV-4

IN: General weakness, diarrhea, constipation

urinary incontinence
Qi deficiency patterns in geriatric patients
CV-8
Ref: General Qi tonification similar to ST-36
CV-7
CV-5 CV-6
CV-4
CV-3
CV-2

49 Guan-yuan, control source, Xie-84 CV-4

LO: on the ventral midline at the the lower 2/5 b/t CV-8 and pubic tubercle

IN: Urinary incontinence, renal failure, general weakness, kid yang or qi deficiency

Ref: SI alarm point, crossing pt b/t CV & 6 yin channels, general tonification
 Four Limbs (FL) region
Front limb: 17 points (#50 to 66)
Hindlimb: 11 points (#67 to #77)
50. Bo-jian, Scapula tip from equine
LO: Just cranial to the cranial angle of the scapula

51. Bo-lan, Scapula Post xie-87

Just caudal to the caudal angle of the scapula

52. Fei-men, Lung Gate from equine

LO: 1/3 cranial border of scapula

53. Fei-pan, Lung Hugging from equine

LO: 1/3 caudal border of scapula

54. Bo Zhong, Scapula Center, GB-21

LO: cranial border of the scapula

In: shoulder problems

front limb lameness
lung diseases
cough or asthma
nasal congestion
bone steaming (disc infections)
paralysis of suprascapular N.
55. Jian-jing shoulder well, Xie-88, LI-15
LO: At the shoulder point, ventrocranial to the
acromion process.

56. Jian-yu shoulder clavicle, Xie-89, LI-14

LO: In the depression cranial and ventral to
the greater tubercle of humerus

57. Jian-wu-yu shoulder lateral clavicle, Xie-90,

TH-14

LO: In the depression caudal to the greater

tubercle of the humerus.

In: Shoulder pain

cervical stiffness
front limb lameness
 58. Qiang-feng Robbing wind, Xie-91, SI-9
Caudal to humerus, in a large depression along the
caudal border of the Deltoid muscle at its juncture with
the lateral and the long heads of the triceps brachii

59. Jian-zhen Steadfast shoulder from equine

1.5 cun cranial and dorsal to SI-9 (Qiang-feng).

60. Tian-zong, Heaven ancestor from equine

1.5 cun dorsal to SI-9 (Qiang-feng).

61. Chong-Tian, penetrating heaven from equine

1.5 cun dorsocaudal to SI-9 (Qiang-feng).

In: shoulder problems

Ear problems
arthritis, nerve paralysis
front limb lameness
Ref: Major pts for the front limb lameness and soft tissue injuries
 62. Zhou-shu, Elbow asso point, Xie-93

LO: B/t the lateral tuberosity of

the humerus & the anconal process
of the ulna
In: elbow problems
arthritis
nerve paralysis
front limb lameness

63. Qian-san-li, Front three miles Xie-95, LI-10

LO: At the upper 1/6 of the forearm,

in the muscle groove b/t extensor
carpi radialis & extensor digi communis

In: Abdominal pain, diarrhea

Gingivitis/stomatitis
arthritis, nerve paralysis
front limb lameness
Ref: substitute for ST-36
 64. Nei-guan, Medial Pass, Xie-109, PC-6
3 cun above the transverse crease of the carpus
located on the opposite side of the arm from TH-5.
The point is located more medially in animals than it
is in human beings, although both are located in the
center of the palmar side of the arm.

In: cardiovascular disorders, chest pain,

vomiting/nausea
epilepsy/seizure/internal wind, insomnia/Shen
disturbance
Vestibular disease/head tilt, migraine,
vertigo/dizziness

Ref: Luo-connecting pt with TH, crossing pt with Yin-

wei

Clinical study: EA at PC-6/LI-4/ST-36 significantly decreased the serum amylase in the

patients of acute pancreatitis.
 65. Wai-guan #99 Lateral Pass, Xie-99, H-5

LO: 3 cun above the carpus on the craniolateral

aspect of the foreleg in the interosseous space
between the radius and ulna. This point is directly
opposite PC-6 on the ventromedial aspect of the
foreleg (which is the best way to find PC-6).

In: fever, headache, red/swollen eyes, deafness,

soreness at the flank, arthritis, nerve paralysis,
front limb lameness

Ref: Luo-connecting pt with PC, crossing pt with

Yang-wei

66. He-gu, Union Valley, Xie-113, LI-4

Between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones

approximately in the middle of the 3rd metacarpal
bone on the radial side
 67. Jian-jiao, Coxa Angle Xie-124
LO: At the depression ventral to the
Bai-hui horizontal top of the sacral tuber of the ilium

68. Ba-Shan
Attachment to Mountain,
Xie-125
LO: At the midpoint b/t Bai-hui &
the sciatic tuber

IN: Hip problems, hip dysplasia

Back pain, hindlimb lameness
Paresis/paralysis
Major points for the hip and hindlimbs
 69. Huan-tiao, Ring Craniad, Xie-127
LO: At the depression proximal to the
cranial border of the greater
trochanter of femur

70. Huan-zhong, Ring middle, Xie-128

LO: At the depression proximal to the
dorsal border of the greater trochanter of
femur

71. Huan-hou, Ring caudad, Xie-129

LO: At the depression proximal to the

IN: Hip problems, hip dysplasia
caudal border of the greater trochanter of femur
Major point for the hip joints
 72. Xi-ao, Knee Curve Xie-136, ST-35b

LO: In the depression below the

patella and medial to the patellar
ligament is a point also referred to as
the medial eye of the knee or Nei Xi
Yan. Together with ST-35, the two
points are referred to as Xi Yan.

73. Du-bi, Calfs Nose, ST-35a

LO: In the depression below the
IN: Stifle arthritis, bi syndrome patella and lateral to the patellar
ligament problems ligament. Also referred to as lateral
Rear weakness eye of the knee or Wei Xi Yan.
 74. Hou-san-li, Rear 3 miles, Xie-140, ST-36

LO: 3 cun below ST-35a, one

finger-width from the cranial crest
of the tibia in the belly of the
cranial tibial muscle. This is a
long linear point.

75. Yang-ling-quan, Yang Tomb Spring ,

IN: Arthritis, bi syndrome
ligament problems
Rear weakness/lameness
paresis/paralysis
General pain relief
Xie-139, GB-34
LO: In the depression anterior and
distal to the head of the fibula on the
lateral side of the rear leg.
 76. LIV-3, Tai Chong, Supreme Surge, Xie-155, LIV-3

LO: On the medial aspect of the second toe proximal

to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

IN: Shu-stream point (earth), Yuan-primary (Source)

point. Liver Qi Stagnation, abnormal cycle, paralysis
of hindlimb.

77. Liu-feng, Six Raphes

LO: At the skin fold on the dorsal of the

metatarsal joints. 3 points
at each foot
(total: 6 points at the rear limb)

In: Paralysis/paresis
Liu Feng
Ref: Can be applied for the front limbs