Acupuncture has been practiced in both humans and animals for thousands of years in China. It generally involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body, referred to as acupoints, in order to cause a therapeutic effect.
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body at all times maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang. Qi flows within the body through specific channels called meridians. Several of the most commonly used acupuncture points are located along these channels. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor, the balance of Yin and Yang becomes disrupted, allowing an infection/disease to 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. A steady, healthy state is restored when Yin and Yang are balanced.
Modern research shows that acupoints are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Physiological changes in response to acupuncture point stimulation are the basis of clinical treatment. Stimulation of an acupoint activates nerve fibers which conduct electrical signals that release endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Such chemicals are responsible for controlling pain. This can produce local and/or systemic effects. Acupuncture stimulation can induce several physiological effects: anti-inflammatory, promotion of tissue healing, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, immunoregulation, hormone and reproductive regulation, fever reduction
During a diagnostic acupoint exam, reactivity at certain acupuncture points can suggest areas of the body to be examined more closely. This reactivity does not constitute a diagnosis but gives the veterinarian an additional tool to aid in identifying a problem and making a diagnosis.
Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure. Modern acupuncture needles are 0.5 – 3 inches long and flexible. They are pre-sterilized and non-toxic. Very few negative effects have been observed in clinical cases. Acupuncture is rarely painful as acupoints are stimulated using very fine needles. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with the procedure. Due to relaxation effects, some animals will fall asleep during treatment. In general, sedation is not needed before an acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture treatment sessions generally take from 30 – 60 minutes. Depending on the condition being treated, 5 – 30 needles will be inserted and left in place for 10 – 30 minutes. Dry needle acupuncture describes an acupuncture needle being inserted in a specific acupoint for stimulation of that point. Further stimulation of acupoints by needles can be done by sending a pulsating electrical current through the needles (electroacupuncture). This may allow for more effective stimulation than dry-needling alone. Aquapuncture is the injection of a soluble, sterile fluid into the acupoint. The liquid continues to stimulate/treat the point over a prolonged period of time as it is absorbed. The most commonly injected substances are sterile water, saline, Vitamin B12, or a combination
The number of treatments depends on the nature of the condition, how long the condition has been present, its severity, and the age of the animal. Acute conditions can resolve quickly within 1-3 treatments. Chronic conditions resolve more slowly; usually within 4 -10 treatments, 2-4 weeks apart. Some degenerative conditions may need monthly maintenance treatments. Generally, treatments can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or even further apart depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. Chronic conditions generally require more time before a notable improvement. Many horse owners use acupuncture as a routine part of training to try to prevent injuries.
Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:
Many acupuncturists choose to combine acupuncture with herbal medications as herbs can enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture. Acupuncture can be safely combined with Western medications and supplements.
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