Equine Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?


Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and human beings for thousands of years in China.  The earliest Veterinary acupuncture book is believed to have been written by Dr. Bo Le in the Qin-mu-gong period (659 BC to 621 BC).  Since then, acupuncture was and still is a part of the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.


Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic effect.  The specific point on the body is called “Shu-Xue” or acupuncture point (acupoint).  The ancient Chinese people discovered 361 acupoints in human beings and 173 acupoints in horses.


Modern research shows that acupoints are located where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels.  A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induces release of beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.  Acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by scientific studies.  As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood.


Vital Energy or Qi (pronounced Chi)


The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi.  Qi is the life force or vital energy.  There are two opposite forms of Qi: Yin and Yang.  Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body 24 hours a day, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang.  When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor (such as a virus, weather conditions or emotional/physical stress), the balance of Yin and Yang will be lost and consequently disease may occur.  Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow.  Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself.


Physiological Effects Induced by Acupuncture


Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation can induce the following physiological effects:

Pain relief

Regulation of gastrointestinal motility

Anti-inflammatory effect

Regulation of the immune system

Hormone and reproductive regulation

Anti-febrile effect

Enhancement of performance

Microcirculation promotion


Conditions that Respond Well to Acupuncture


Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness and stiffness, back pain, arthritis, tendon and ligament problems

Hoof problems: laminitis and navicular syndrome

Neurological disorders: atrophy and paralysis

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastric ulcers, colic, impaction

Anhidrosis

Respiratory problems: heaves and laryngeal paralysis

Endocrine disorders: Cushings disease, hypothyroidism

Equine uveitis

Behavior problems

Performance enhancement

Prevention of disease


What is involved in an Acupuncture Treatment?


Dr. Reznicek will evaluate your horse using a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) system of diagnosis, along with history and clinical signs.  Acupuncture points will then be selected based on the disease process, TCVM pattern of disease, and characteristics of the individual horse.  Horses are sometimes sedated for safety and comfort during the needle insertion process, then needles are left in place approximately 20 minutes.  Often a slight electrical stimulation will be applied to certain acupuncture points to create a stronger and longer lasting response.  Horses relax during the procedure, slightly closing their eyes and licking, chewing and yawning.  These are signs of pain relief and endorphin release.


How Many Treatments will my Horse Need?


Horse owners should be willing to commit to at least 3 treatment sessions for optimal results.  Some conditions require fewer treatments and some require more.  Older injuries usually take more treatments to respond than do recent injuries.  Maintenance treatments are recommended two to three times yearly to help prevent disease and injury.


Equine Treatment Protocols


Dr. Reznicek treats all of her equine patients with a combination of acupuncture and spinal manipulative therapy as indicated by their specific needs.  She may in addition prescribe Chinese Herbal Medicines to correct imbalances within the horse’s body that are contributing to the disease process.