top of page
Search

Acupressure Points to Prevent Equine Colic

Updated: May 19


horse in barn on stall rest from colic

Few things in the equestrian world evoke as much concern and anxiety among horse owners as the dreaded term "colic." And for good reason. Colic stands as the leading cause of death in horses worldwide, making it a paramount concern for anyone who cares for these majestic animals. The causes of colic are as diverse as they are perplexing, ranging from relatively straightforward issues like a blockage, a spasm in the colon, or excess gas buildup to more complex and often life-threatening conditions such as torsions in the digestive tract. Perhaps most concerning of all, the majority of colic cases fall into the category of idiopathic, which means that veterinarians often struggle to pinpoint the exact cause behind these painful and potentially lethal episodes.


In this blog, we will cover the basics of equine colic and exploring acupressure to safeguard your beloved horses. If you want a complete guide on colic, please read our blog Understanding Colic: A Comprehensive Guide for Horse Owners.


Types of Colic

Colic is a common yet concerning condition in horses that refers to any abdominal discomfort, often causing distress and pain. While it can range from mild to severe, understanding the different types of colic is essential for early intervention and effective treatment. Colic is generally categorized into two types: idiopathic (unknown cause) and non-idiopathic (with a known cause). Let’s explore each type to better understand what might be affecting your horse and how to address it.


Idiopathic

Idiopathic colic refers to cases where no clear root cause is determined, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the horse's discomfort. Despite the lack of a specific diagnosis, idiopathic colic is quite common, accounting for nearly 80% of all colic cases. Here are a couple of common forms of idiopathic colic:


Gas Colic

This type of colic occurs when food ferments excessively in the digestive tract, leading to an accumulation of gas or excess fluid. The trapped gas causes painful bloating and pressure in the intestines, making the horse very uncomfortable. Gas colic can often be linked to dietary factors, such as a sudden change in feed or overconsumption of rich forage or grains. It’s important to address gas colic promptly to prevent further complications like displacement of the intestines.


Impaction Colic

Impaction colic happens when debris, dirt, or sand accumulates in the horse’s colon, causing a blockage that makes it difficult or impossible for the horse to pass waste. Impactions can vary in severity but can lead to serious complications if not addressed in time. This type of colic is often preventable by monitoring and maintaining proper feeding practices, including ensuring adequate hydration and avoiding feeding in sandy or dirty environments. Fiber-rich diets and regular dental care also play an important role in preventing impaction colic by promoting healthy digestion.


Non-ideopathic

Non-idiopathic colic occurs when the cause of the condition is clinically verifiable through diagnostic tests or visible symptoms. These cases are often more severe and require immediate attention due to the dangerous complications that can arise. Some common forms of non-idiopathic colic include:


Intussusception

Intussusception is a life-threatening form of colic in which a portion of the intestine folds back into itself, causing a blockage and disrupting blood flow. This condition is often linked to parasitic infections, particularly from tapeworms, which can weaken the intestinal walls and trigger this dangerous event. The result is severe pain, intestinal damage, and potential tissue death if not treated promptly. Regular deworming, proper hygiene, and parasite management are key preventative measures.


Gastric Rupture

Although rare, gastric rupture can be fatal. It occurs when the horse’s stomach ruptures due to excessive pressure from gas buildup. This typically happens when an impaction in the digestive tract prevents normal waste flow, causing gas to accumulate in the stomach. As the gas forces the stomach to expand beyond its capacity, it eventually ruptures. Because horses cannot vomit, this condition can develop quickly and requires immediate emergency intervention.


Strangulation/Torsion

Strangulation or torsion is one of the most fatal forms of colic. It happens when the small intestine or colon twists, cutting off blood supply to the affected area. This leads to tissue necrosis (death) in the intestines and can result in septicemia or shock if left untreated. Strangulation colic can occur spontaneously and is often unpredictable, making swift surgical intervention crucial to prevent fatal consequences. The severity of torsion-related colic is high, and it demands immediate veterinary care to restore blood flow and remove the necrotic tissue.


Ways to Prevent Colic from Occurring

Reducing the risk of colic doesn't have to feel like a daunting task when you adhere to these veterinarian-recommended guidelines. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your horse's daily care routine, you can significantly enhance their overall well-being and minimize the risk of colic:

horse tongue sticking out after eating smaller meals to prevent colic

  • Feed Smaller and More Frequently: One of the fundamental principles of colic prevention is to feed your horse smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This approach allows starches and grains to digest properly before they reach the equine hindgut. By preventing undigested starches from entering the hindgut, you can reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis, which often serves as a precursor to colic.

  • Prioritize High-Quality Forage: Providing your horse with ample access to high-quality forage is paramount. Forage, such as hay and pasture, should constitute a significant portion of your horse's diet. Reducing the reliance on feed concentrates can help maintain a healthy digestive system and lower the risk of colic.

  • Slow Food Intake with Chaff: To further minimize the risk of colic, consider adding chaff, which is essentially chopped hay, to your horse's meals. Chaff serves as an effective means of slowing down your horse's food intake. This can be particularly beneficial for horses that tend to consume their meals too rapidly, as slower eating helps prevent digestive upsets and reduces the likelihood of colic.


While veterinarians acknowledge the pivotal role that diet plays in colic prevention, it's essential to recognize that it cannot single-handedly address all potential risk factors. In recent years, the realm of equine health has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the use of alternative therapies like acupressure and red light therapy. These holistic approaches have shown promise not only in alleviating colic but also in preventing its occurrence. By integrating these complementary therapies into your horse's wellness regimen, you can take proactive steps to safeguard their digestive health and overall vitality.


Acupressure to Prevent Colic in Horses: A Holistic Approach

Colic in horses can be a distressing and life-threatening condition. While various factors contribute to its development, the use of holistic therapies like acupressure has gained recognition as an effective method to prevent colic and support overall equine health.


Acupressure is a traditional Chinese healing technique rooted in the principles of acupuncture. It involves the application of manual pressure to specific points on the horse's body, known as acupoints, to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Acupressure is non-invasive, safe, and can be performed by horse owners with proper training.


How Acupressure Works to Prevent Colic

Acupressure is based on the concept of balancing the body's vital energy, known as chi. When chi flows harmoniously through the body's meridians, overall health is maintained. However, disruptions or imbalances in chi can lead to various health issues, including colic. To prevent colic, acupressure focuses on several key principles:

equine acupressure being performed by a certified practitioner to prevent colic from occurring

  • Promoting Digestive Health: Acupressure can help stimulate proper digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Specific acupoints target the digestive system, supporting the smooth passage of food through the equine digestive tract.

  • Relieving Stress and Anxiety: Stress is a known contributor to colic in horses. Acupressure techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, ensuring that your horse remains calm and relaxed.

  • Enhancing Blood Circulation: Proper blood circulation is crucial for maintaining the health of all bodily systems, including the digestive system. Acupressure can improve blood flow to the digestive organs, promoting their optimal function.

  • Balancing Energy: By addressing imbalances in the horse's energy meridians, acupressure helps maintain overall health and prevent the development of colic.


Acupoints You Can Do at Home

Incorporating acupressure into your horse's daily routine for colic prevention can be both simple and effective. On the acupressure chart provided in this blog, you'll find key points that, when gently held for 30 to 45 seconds each day, can help maintain your horse's well-being and digestive health. It's essential to remember that acupressure operates in 24-hour cycles, making consistent daily sessions crucial. By dedicating a few minutes each day to these targeted acupressure points, you can actively contribute to your horse's overall health and reduce the risk of colic. This holistic approach, when combined with proper nutrition and management, offers a proactive and natural way to support your equine companion's well-being.

colic and acupressure points in horses diagram

  1. BL 20 - 3 cun lateral to the dorsal midline, in the last intercostal space on the ribs. A cun is a measurement in acupressure for the width of the 17th rib.

  2. BL 21 - 3 cun lateral to the dorsal midline, wetted the 18th thoracic vertebra and 1st lumbar vertebra.

  3. ST 36 - 1 finger width from the head of the fibula, on the lateral side of the tibia.

  4. ST 25 - 1.5 - 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.


These points are located on both sides of the body. So, be sure to keep your horse balanced and do both sides of your horses body. By utilizing key points along the horse’s nervous system and digestive tract we use acupressure and red light therapy to address current colic symptoms as well as prevent possible future colic episodes.


If you're interested in learning more about acupressure and how to apply it to support your own animals, be sure to check out our online course. Designed for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding, this course walks you through the foundations of acupressure, key points, and practical techniques you can start using right away. It’s a great way to confidently support your animal’s well-being from the comfort of home. Sign up today and start your journey into holistic animal care!


In Conclusion

Preventing colic is a multi-faceted approach involving proper diet, hydration, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. By understanding the different types of colic and taking proactive steps, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of this painful condition. However, even with the best management practices, colic can still occur. That’s why it’s essential to support your horse’s overall digestive health with complementary therapies like acupressure.


Want to learn more about acupressure and how to locate points on your own horse? Check our events page to find a clinic taught by one of our Nationally Certified Acupressure Practitioners. Contact us if you would like to host a clinic at your barn!

horses grazing in pasture are not at risk for colic



bottom of page