Acupuncture is a treatment modality that has been evolving over 8,000
years to improve the health and performance of horses. ‘Acu-points’
are located at areas in the horse’s body with a high density of nerve
endings, blood flow, and lymphatics. Stimulating these points releases
endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters to reduce pain and
inflammation with minimal side-effects. It can be used to help horses
with musculoskeletal conditions (muscle soreness, back/neck pain,
nerve pain, and arthritis), neurological conditions (weakness, nerve
paralysis), and anhidrosis, among many other conditions. Acupuncture
can provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, increased blood
flow, and can help regulate the immune system.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)
TCVM uses ancient medicine to ‘balance’ the body by utilizing
acupuncture and herbal medicine. A veterinarian trained in TCVM is
able to account for both the conventional diagnosis as well as the
holistic pattern diagnosis. TCVM herbal formulas prescribed by a
veterinarian are specifically created to treat the pattern diagnosis
until balance is restored.
