Horse Insights

The history of equine acupuncture dates back to the years 2000-3000 BC during the Shang and Chow dynasties in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-quarter of the world’s population. It has grown in popularity in the West only recently, in the last decade in the 20th century. It is used primarily when surgery is not practical. It is also chosen when medications are either not working or can not be used due to possible adverse effects.

There are some who disbelieve and doubt acupuncture’s ability to effectively treat people, let alone horses. However, despite this skepticism, today more than 800 equine veterinarians incorporate equine acupuncture into their practice in the United States alone.

In my research, I found that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) considers acupuncture a “valid modality” and states its “techniques should be regarded as surgical and/or medical procedures.”

And, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) also considers acupuncture valid. This association has formed a Task Force on Therapeutic Options to consider the value of acupuncture and other practices.

Acupuncture produces regional anesthesia by passing long, thin needles (or other forms of pressure) through the skin to specific points, called acupuncture points, or acupoints. Suffice to say, I don’t care where the points are, I leave that up to the acupuncture professionals.

However, there are many methods used to stimulate these acupoints. Some of these include using electricity, or heat and combustion. Or laser stimulation. Even gold implants.

And needless to say, some people, (not I, now that I have done my research) sometimes incorrectly confuse acupuncture with other forms of alternative therapy. Like hydrotherapy. Or massage therapy.

So, I needed to find the scientific explanation as to why acupuncture works. It boils down to this.

The applied pressure of acupuncture stimulates sensory receptors that stimulate sensory nerves. These sensory nerves then transmit impulses from the outer body to the central nervous system. And to the brain. These impulses release neurotransmitters and “natural pain-killing” hormones. This in turn increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, and causes other beneficial results that I did not fully comprehend. But the natural pain killing hormones and increased blood circulation were enough to sell me. It is a lot to comprehend, I know. It may be sufficient to know that it works. Plain and simple. Acupuncture works.

Proponents of acupuncture claim that it balances the body’s own system of healing. It is a means by which the body can heal itself. Side effects are rare. No drugs or chemicals enter the body. And rarely, if ever, are there complications.

Still today in the Western world, both the equine public and medical community seem skeptical of anything new or unfamiliar, even when practiced by qualified vets. Equine acupuncture can be used as an excellent diagnostic aid. The equine practitioner includes it along with the more mainstream tests, to determine the best treatment for your equine.

Now, obviously, for successful equine acupuncture therapy, we should ensure that the therapist is certified. Check with your regular vet – he may know equine acupuncture, or know of one who successfully practices it. Discuss all options.

And as always, never replace good, sound management with acupuncture. Integrate proper saddle fit, riding and shoeing for your horse at all times. Confirm my findings here with your own due diligence, as always, I research, and present my findings here, I am not a qualified practitioner.

For more information, check out any Veterinary Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies School.