Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for thousands of years to treat many conditions.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) aim to restore and maintain health by addressing any imbalance in Yin and Yang and improving the circulation of Qi (energy) and blood. Any blockage in the flow of qi through the meridians can be treated by stimulating specific acupuncture points.

In Western medical terms, Acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as cortisol and neurotransmitters as endorphins. Scientific research has also revealed potent normalizing effects to the hypothalamus and the ANS (autonomic nervous system).

Acupuncture treatment can be used for:

Musculoskeletal pain: back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, osteoarthritis in different joints (fetlock, hock, stifle, etc), laminitis, navicular disease.

Neurological conditions: Head shaking, paralysis, neurogenic atrophy.

Respiratory condition: heaves (RAO, recurrent airway obstruction).

Immune system: allergic dermatitis, recurrent uveitis, weak immune system.

Gastrointestinal problems (chronic diarrhoea, frequent spasmodic colics).

Endocrine disorders (PPID aka Cushing´s, EMS equine metabolic syndrome).

Hormonal and reproductive conditions.

Different ways to stimulate acupuncture points:

Dry needles

Electroacupuncture (using a device that deliver a small electric current to the needle)

Moxibustion (heating the needle by burning a plant called moxa)

Aquapuncture (fluid like vitamin B or an homeopathic remedy is injected in an acupuncture point)

Hemoacupuncture (injection the horse´s own blood)

Therapeutic laser

How many treatments are needed?

The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used. Usually an acute condition may require only one or two treatments, while a chronic condition may require 3 or 4 sesions at a weekly interval.