259© 2008 Diana Thompson. All rights reserved.

Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26)

GV 26bottom edge

(ventral border) of the nostril

GV 26

© 2008 Diana Thompson. All rights reserved.260

The Governing Vessel (GV)

How to find Governing Vessel 26

Governing Vessel 26 is a single point between the horse’s nostrils. It’s on the cranial midline, which is the imaginary line that runs down the center of the front of the head. This line is marked with a dotted line in Photo 1.

To find this point, place your fingertips on the cranial midline on the lower part of the horse’s head. Diana shows this position in Photo 1. From here, slide your fingers down the midline between the nostrils to a large hollow. This is the location of Governing Vessel 26. The point is in between the nostils just above their bottom edges (the ventral borders). Diana has her fingers on Governing Vessel 26 in Photo 2.

Some horses don’t want you to touch the area where the point is located because they’ve experienced rough handling of their nose or mouth. If this is the case, pet the horse on other areas of his head first, then move your hand slowly as you reach for the point. Other horses wiggle their lips around as if touch on their upper lip tickles them. If your horse continues to object to acupres-sure here move to a different point.

While a horse may object to acupressure on Governing Vessel 26 when he’s healthy, the primary use of the point is during cardiac or respiratory arrest and shock due to illness or injury. In these situations, most horses accept acupressure on the point.

Safety Tip: Hold the halter lightly with the fingers of one hand while you touch the point with the fingers of your other hand. This stabilizes the head and protects you from sudden movements. Photo 1

GV 26

Diana places her fingers on

the cranial midline

of Angie’s head.

Photo 2

Diana applies acupressure

to Governing Vessel 26.