Veterinary
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced successfully in the Orient for thousands of years to treat many conditions in both humans and animals. In the Western World, acupuncture gained acceptance by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1988 as a valid veterinary modality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally proclaimed that acupuncture is an effective medical treatment.
In clinical practice, acupuncture is used for it's diagnostic, therapeutic, and analgesic properties. Stimulation of specific points on the body by small needles can regulate various biological functions, help the body achieve homeostasis and heal itself.
For some detailed information about Veterinary Acupuncture from the Canadians.... http://www.avac.ca/site-eng.html
http://www.apvet.com/ Iowa Veterinary Acupuncture Clinic Web Page. This website provides case studies, testimonials, and frequently asked questions (with their answers) about veterinary acupuncture.
WHEN TO CONSIDER ACUPUNCTURE
(according to Horse and Rider Magazine)
!. Seek conventional treatment first. Where appropriate, augment it with acupuncture.
2. Try acupuncture after conventional treatment has produced less-than-satisfying results.
3. If your horse (or animal) has a condition for which every passing minute means more tissue damage and a worsening prognosis (such as laminitis, severe colic, bowed tendon, or navicular disease), seek proven conventional care as his primary treatment. You can then use acupuncture to augment that protocol.
CONDITIONS FOR WHICH ACUPUNCTURE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO BE BENEFICIAL, ON IT'S OWN OR AS AN ADJUNCT TO CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE:
Perpheral nerve paralysis
Navicular disease
Laminitis
Hives, shock
Cribbing
Stomach Ulcers
Nervousness
A variety of musculoskeletal-related lamenesses
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK???
1. Simple needling (AP): The insertion of fine, solid, metal needles, leaving them in place while occasionally twirling them, for a total of about 20-30 minutes. Just as some horses are needle-shy when it's time for their annual flu shot, being "needled" for acupuncture may not be their favorite thing (particularly if their treatment requires the placement of several needles in sensitive spots). Still, most are quite tolerant to AP.
2. Electroacupuncture (EAP): After insertion, acupuncture needles are connected to an electrical stimulator which deliver electrical impulses to the points for 20 to 30 minutes. Surprisingly, most horses tolerate EAP quite well, but there are some that won't accept it.
3. Moxibustion (moxa): A smoldering, punklike "cigar" of rolled herb is held above the acupuncture point until the heat becomes uncomfortable; then the heat is withdrawn for a few seconds then reapplied. This cycle is repeated 15-20 times for each point. Alternatively, the moxa is used to heat an inserted acupuncture needle.
4. Laser Stimulation: A painless beam of laser light is used to stimulate acupuncture points. Reports indicate that the more powerful the laser, the more effective the treatment (approaching the effectiveness of simple AP).
5. Point Injection: A liquid (vitamin B12 is commonly used) is injected into the acupuncture point, for prolonged stimulation that lasts as much as an hour after injection.
