| Acupuncture is an ancient healing art originated by the | | | | arthritis, rheumatism, laminitis, muscle atrophy and |
| Chinese. It has gained a wide range of users through | | | | tendon problems. Horses used in competitions are the |
| the years to prevent diseases, to cure ailments and to | | | | usual recipients of acupuncture. The same goes true |
| maintain good health. But is acupuncture only for | | | | with horses used in farms. |
| humans? | | | | Respiratory problems include chronic cough, nasal |
| Acupuncture for animals is being practiced by an | | | | discharges and allergies. |
| increasing number of veterinarians. They use it to treat | | | | - Digestive problems may range from simple diarrhea |
| different diseases and disorders of animals. It was | | | | to, colic and ulcerations. For cases of colic, a more |
| used initially on horses then later on, it was tried on | | | | extensive examination is needed to know if surgery is |
| other farm animals. Now it is also being used on cats, | | | | needed because acupuncture can only be done for |
| dogs and birds. | | | | non-surgical colic. |
| Veterinary acupuncture is very much similar to that of | | | | - Most reproductive concerns of both male and |
| humans because they are both based on the premise | | | | female horses respond well with acupuncture. Female |
| that energy (called qi) flows in the body through | | | | reproductive conditions include irregular cycles, |
| channels called meridians. The meridians work in | | | | anestrus, mastitis, and retained placenta. Male concerns |
| harmony with the internal organs, muscles and bones, | | | | include impotence, epididymitis and loss of libido. |
| and the nervous system. The energy flow has to be | | | | - Dermatological concerns include allergies and wounds |
| balanced for the human or animal to function properly. | | | | that take a long time to heal. Visual concerns include |
| When there is imbalance in the flow or there is | | | | cataracts and ulcers in the cornea. |
| blockage in energy, an organ or a system will be | | | | - Horses also have neurological and psychological |
| affected. | | | | disorders like humans. These include anxiety, epilepsy |
| Just like acupuncture for humans, equine acupuncture | | | | and behavior disorders. These conditions respond well |
| or acupuncture for horses also employ the use of | | | | to acupuncture. |
| needles. These needles are very thin. They must be | | | | - Horses used in competitions and races benefit |
| sterilized and must be used only once. The needles | | | | greatly in acupuncture. Acupuncture gives horses |
| are inserted in specific points to target specific | | | | vitality and it boosts their general well-being. |
| concerns. It aims to restore balance in the energy. It | | | | Competitions are sources of stress for horses. To |
| also triggers the release of endorphins which is | | | | abate negative effects of stress, acupuncture is |
| considered as the body's natural pain reliever. Since | | | | employed. Physical trauma can also be addressed by |
| these needles are very thin, pain is seldom felt. If there | | | | acupuncture. |
| is pain, it usually goes away easily. Just like most | | | | - There are various methods of acupuncture being |
| treatments, effect is seen after several applications. | | | | used by veterinarians to treat horses aside from the |
| Follow-ups are also recommended to ensure | | | | traditional way. These include use of laser, introduction |
| prolonged effect. | | | | of low electric current and injection of water. |
| Problems of horses that can be addressed by | | | | - Just as caution is needed in selecting acupuncturists |
| acupuncture are musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, | | | | for humans, caution must also be exercised in selecting |
| reproductive, dermatological, visual and neurological. | | | | the veterinarian for horses. Only properly trained vets |
| - Musculoskeletal problems are the most commonly | | | | must perform acupuncture to ensure effectiveness |
| treated equine problem. These problems include | | | | and safety. |