Equine Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCVM) has been around for thousands of years and derived from ancient medical practices. Western medicine is based on control and TCVM is based on balance. Each type of medicine promotes health and disease prevention — just with varying philosophies. TCVM is based on the theory of yin/yang, balance and harmony. If one system is off balance then all systems are affected. There is also the idea of qi- energy flow. To be in balance there must be free flowing qi throughout. A traditional Chinese exam looks at the whole body, personality characteristics, a tongue and pulse reading to gather a pattern diagnosis. The treatment is based on supporting the pattern and the goals of therapy. The treatment is aimed at returning balance between yin and yang, relieving stagnation or blockage of qi (pain) and nourishing the blood systems.
What Acupuncture Can Treat
Who can benefit from acupuncture — anyone or everyone. In a balanced body qi flows through the body’s meridians associated with organ systems, connecting all the systems. If there is a disruption in the flow of qi, imbalance occurs leading to disease or pain. Our sport horses are exposed to a variety of stressors that can predispose them to disease. From the moment they are born they are using qi and jing (the body’s essence, longevity). The demands of training, diet, environment, personalities and seasonal changes can cause disharmony leading to injury or disease. Acupuncture is used to correct these imbalances and enhance the athlete. Acupuncture is helpful to the performance horse to maintain good health. Treatment is beneficial when conventional medications are not permitted or have adverse effects or no apparent medical diagnosis can be determined. In sports, horse and rider are so in tune that subtle changes may be apparent but not severe enough for conventional medicine diagnosis. If there is a diagnosis acupuncture can work synergistically with conventional medications and therapies. Acupuncture can treat internal medical conditions, pain, injuries, reproductive issues, behavioral issues, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer and general wellbeing. Chinese herbal remedies can help support acupuncture and make treatment more effective.
