Acupuncture is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine but has become increasingly popular in the West in the past few decades. It involves piercing the skin and underlying muscles with fine metal needles in order to relieve symptoms, assist in curing disease and promote health. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of pain has been established and has been shown to be particularly effective in managing musculoskeletal pain. It has also been used to encourage wound healing and to stimulate the immune system.
The needling of acupuncture points releases chemical mediators in the body which have an effect both locally, acting on blood vessels and nerves at the site, and throughout the body. The latter is achieved by modulating the activity of nerves travelling in the spinal cord and in the control centres in the brain. Acupuncture also stimulates release of endorphins throughout the body leading to relaxation and a degree of sedation in some cases.
Acupuncture is a very safe mode of therapy and can be used alongside conventional medicine or in situations where conventional medicine is unsuccessful or inappropriate. The initial sharp sensation of the needle is momentary and is followed by a, not unpleasant, tingling sensation in the region. The needles will remain in situ for 15 to 20 minutes. Many horses visibly relax with needling but when treating nervous or excitable horses a low level of sedation may be required to prevent muscle spasms around the needles.
Examples of conditions that can be treated:
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