Not only is the coronary band essential to your horse’s hoof health — it is hugely significant for the health of his entire body. In Chinese Medicine, specific acupressure points along the coronary band and between the heel bulbs can nourish and balance the energy and internal organs’ capacity to function optimally. When stimulating these particular acupressure points, also called “acupoints,” you are supporting the horse’s overall health.

JING-WELL POINTS

The acupoints located along the coronary band are called the “Jing-Well Points.” Jing is pronounced with a soft vibrational “J” sound. What makes these points so special is that the chi, life-promoting energy, is said to “bubble up” to the surface, thus making it highly available for stimulation. These acupoints are exactly where all the major energy channels that connect with the internal organs begin, end, and connect with each other, giving them superpower.

Some Chinese medicine practitioners use only the Jing-Well points to balance the entire body. Think of a light bulb; by connecting two opposite charges, positive and negative, the bulb receives the energy it needs to light up. It’s the same with the energy in the horse’s body. By connecting the yin and yang chi along the coronary band, you are stimulating the energy the horse needs to nourish and balance his body.

ACUPOINT STIMULATING TECHNIQUE

Here is how you can consistently support your horse’s health. To stimulate the Jing-Well points, use the soft tip of your thumb and press down gently, yet with intent, all around the coronary band, as well as in the back between the heel bulbs (see photo above). When moving from one point to another, it feels good to slide into the area from just above the actual point.

Stay on each acupoint (see charts) for a slow count of 12 and then move on to the next Jing-Well point. It doesn’t matter which leg you start with — what matters is making three rotations, pressing along the coronary band on all four legs.

As you can see in the photographs, an abbreviation and number are associated with each Jing-Well point. The abbreviations indicate which internal organ system the acupoint is stimulating and balancing, and the number indicates which point it’s located at on the channel. For instance, when you are pressing Heart 9 (Ht 9) you are enhancing the flow of energy to the heart channel, thus clearing and balancing it. By circling the coronary band, you are effectively creating the harmonious flow of chi and other vital substances throughout the horse’s body.