The Heart Meridian In Animals

The heart meridian origins from the heart and reaches the skin surface in the center of the axilla. From there it runs downwards along the caudomedial side of the ulna to the caudal area of the carpal joint.

From there it crosses over to the lateral side of the front limb and runs further down. It ends on the caudolateral side of the coronary band of the front leg or, in dogs and cats, on the medial edge of the nail bed of the fifth digit.

Illustration after Ellenberger und Baum

Heart Meridian - Point Location and Medical Indication

Below I have listed the locations and medical indications for acupuncture points on this meridian. Understanding the exact description of the location of an acu-point requires knowlegde of anatomic terms used in veterinary medicine.

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HT 3

Location:

On the medial (inner) side of the cubital fossa, at the midpoint between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the tendon of the biceps brachii.

Indication:

Elbow arthritis, pain or paralysis of the elbow.

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HT 5

Location:

Caudal area of the antebrachium, in the muscular groove between superficial digital flexor muscles and the flexor carpi ulnaris, about 1/12 from the carpal joint to the elbow cubital fossa.

Indication:

Carpal pain, behavioural problems, sore throat (pharyngolaryngitis)

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HT 7

Location:

Caudal area of the antebrachium, just proximal over the accessory carpal bone, between the tendons of the superficial digital flexor and the flexor carpi ulnaris.

Indications:

Neurosis, behavioural problems.

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HT 8

Location:

On palmar surface of the front paw, at the lateral rim of the metacarpal pad. The point is located between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, proximal to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint

Indication:

Pain in the shoulder, fever, epilepsy.

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HT 9

Location:

On the fifth digit of the front paw, on the medial area of the nail bed.

Indication:

Needle insertion at this point is painful. Used only in cardiovascular emergencies, coma, apoplexy.