How does acupuncture work?

            Acupuncture is the root of traditional Chinese medicine and operates on the philosophy that bodily functions and athletic performance are dependent on the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. This energy is called Qi (pronounced “chee”) and it flows along discreet, well-described pathways called “meridians”. Qi must flow seamlessly in order for the body to stay healthy, pain-free and in balance.  When Qi does become blocked, we recognize this as disease or injury. Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles at very specific locations along the meridians to stimulate the flow of energy and return the body to its properly balanced state. While thousands of years of evidence supports the efficacy of acupuncture, there is also extensive modern-day scientific research proving the merits of acupuncture in treating pain, inflammation, and dozens of illnesses and various hormonal disturbances.

What will my horse experience during his acupuncture treatment?

            Acupuncture is essentially a pain-free process and your horse will most likely enjoy the treatment experience. Your horse will become so relaxed that you may seen him yawn or repeatedly lick his lips—he may even fall asleep during the session. The needles used range from 0.5” inches to 3” and anywhere from 10-30 needles are placed in a given session. In most instances, the needles will be hooked up to an electro-acupuncture unit that conducts a low-level electric current through the needles. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment and prolongs the effects as well. Other techniques, including moxabustion and aqua-acupuncture, may also be used to enhance treatment depending on what problem is being treated.  An average acupuncture treatment lasts about 30 minutes. It is not uncommon for owners to notice an immediate improvement in their animal. However, more often than not, acupuncture needs to be performed several times over the course of a few weeks in order attain the maximal benefit. At that point, your horse may need monthly or quarterly “tune-ups” or he may never need an acupuncture treatment again.



How do I know if my horse needs acupuncture?

            A veterinarian trained in equine acupuncture can perform a scan on your horse’s body in which she looks for reactivity at certain acupuncture points. Based on your horse’s reactivity, she may be able to help pinpoint a vague lameness or help you isolate the source of your horse’s pain or lameness. Treatment can then be appropriately tailored to your horse’s needs. The scan is painless and takes just a few minutes. It is performed at the beginning of every acupuncture treatment.



What kinds of diseases and problems can acupuncture treat?

Arthritis

Laminitis

Tendon and ligament damage

Sore backs

Stomach ulcers

Cushings Disease and Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Heaves

Navicular syndrome

Uveitis

Fertility problems

Chronic diarrhea

Behavioral issues

Neurologic conditions

WTEE (we’ve tried everything else)

When is an herbal medication appropriate for my horse?

            There is almost always an appropriate herbal medication to accompany your horse’s acupuncture treatment. Although not required, herbal medication can enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment and extend the amount of the time between acupuncture treatments. In most instances, herbal medication is taken for a relatively short period of time (1-3 months). Equine herbal formulas come in a powder form that is administered as a “top-dressing”—most horses tolerate the herb well and eat it without a problem. It is important to note that the herbal formulas prescribed by MHVP are not the “supplements” you feed your horse.

All herbal medications prescribed through Mid-Hudson Veterinary Practice come from Jing Tang herbals, a highly regarded supplier and manufacturer of veterinary herbal formulas.