Understanding Equine Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating acupoints (specific points on the body loaded with nerve cells, lymphatic and blood vessels) by the strategic placing of very thin needles.  Stimulation of acupoints can be achieved one of several ways including the dry-needle technique, electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture, pneumo-acupuncture and a few lesser known forms.

Equine Acupoints

Dry-needle acupuncture is when a dry needle is inserted to the acupoint.  This is the most recognized acupuncture technique.  Electro-acupuncture uses dry-needles attached to a machine that applies a controlled electric shock and is generally considered more effective than the dry-needle method alone.  The aqua-acupuncture approach injects soluble, sterile liquids (water, saline or a vitamin solution) into the acupoint which acts as the constant pressure needed for acupoint stimulation.  Pneumo-acupuncture uses small amounts of purified air right under the skin, above the acupoints, creating effective stimulus.  

Dry-needle Acupuncture

Research is constantly being done on “alternative” therapies to traditional veterinary medicine but so far clinical trials have suggested that equine acupuncture improves a variety of conditions including but not limited to infirmities of muscles and bones, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal ailments, fertility, endocrine diseases, dermatological issues, a myriad of other chronic issues as well as pain management and geriatric horse health.  While some effects are felt right away or soon after the initial treatment, additional treatments are almost always needed.  Of course, the total number of treatments required depends on factors such as age of the animal, duration of symptoms and whether or not it is a degenerative problem that will require maintenance treatment sessions for the rest of the animal’s life.

Electro-Acupuncture

 For more information about Acupuncture Practitioners in your area, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.  It is also recommended that you speak to your Large Animal Veterinarian before making any changes to or adding therapies to your horse’s existing health care regimen.