What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of a specific point on the body, called an acupoint. An acupoint is a specific area of the body that contains a high density of free nerve endings, small blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Acupoints can be stimulated by needles, heat, electro-stimulation, or injection of an appropriate liquid substance. Qi, pronounced as "chee," flows from acupoint to acupoint along specific pathways in the body, called meridians. Any type of disease or injury will affect one or more meridians, disrupting the normal flow of Qi and resulting in pain or illness. The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance to the body by encouraging the normal flow of energy, or Qi along these specific meridans and throughout the body.

When is acupuncture an appropriate option for treatment?

Acupuncture techniques and applications have been used for centuries with success, and clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for numerous conditions. Acupuncture may be used either alone, or in conjunction with western medicine, to treat any of the following conditions:

Pain or Lameness
Gastro-intestinal Disease such as colic, diarrhea, or ulcers
Respiratory Disease such as allergy, heaves, cough, or infection
Equine Cushing's Disease
Neurological Disorders such as EPM, nerve paralysis, seizure, or "Roaring"
Infertility
Poor Performance Preventative Medicine
Skin Disorders and Hives
Tendon or other soft tissue injury
Wound healing
Preventative Medicine
Muscle Atrophy

What should be expected from an acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture sessions may last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on what is being treated and how the horse responds to the procedure. An exam is done to assess the patient's attitude and personality, and to determine where and why an energy imbalance may be occuring. It is recommended that the horse be held on a lead, not cross-tied, and treated in an area that is relatively quiet so that the horse may relax as much as possible during the procedure. Most horses will relax and may even appear to be sedated during a session. More sensitive patients, or patients that have very reactive or painful acupoints, may demonstrate a strong reaction to needle placement such as kicking, striking or bolting. Should this occur, the acupuncturist may recommend the use of a twitch or lip chain, or change the type of treatment that is being administered. Sedatives are generally not used during acupuncture treatments as they may interfere with the desired effects.

How often will my horse need to be treated, and how much will this cost?

The first time a patient is evaluated for acupuncture treatment generally costs about $115.00. The patient is extensively evaluated during a traditional Chinese medical examination, and the problem list and treatment plan is developed at this time. Unless the patient's condition should change dramatically, follow-up sessions usually involve a shorter examination and treatment session, and cost $95.00. The number and frequency of acupuncture sessions necessary to treat a particular horse will depend on the number of problems that are found, the severity of the disease or diseases, and the duration of those various issues. In general, most chronic problems will begin to resolve with three to ten sessions, usually done every five to fourteen days. Chronic or degenerative conditions may need continuous treatment every one to three months. Preventative or maintenance sessions are usually recommended on an every three to four month schedule.