Veterinary Acupuncture Treatment for Horses

Horse acupuncture has become popular in the U.S. in more recent times but has a history in China. During the T'ang dynasty around 600A.D to 900 A.D. they raised more horses for military purposes than ever�before and most of the knowledge of veterinary medicine arises from this time. Veterinary acupuncture was also practiced on cows, pigs, camels, and donkeys because they were very important to the Chinese history. The T'ang Dynasty established the very�first veterinary school.

Traditional thought on acupuncture says there are 365 points where the energy flows, and the western view states that these meridians are located where nerves and blood vessels cluster. The treatment stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins and cortisol an anti-inflammatory steroid.

Today veterinary acupuncturists use solid, hypodermic, and bleeding needles in specific spots to cure aches and pains and maladies like sore muscles and breathing problems. They also use electricity, heat massage, and low powered lasers to activate acupuncture points. If the energy is blocked in one then other meridians are backed up too. The acupuncture treatment releases the obstruction and energy can flow to the organs again.

Among horses vertebral disorders and injuries of the sacroiliac are common problems treated with acupuncture. It has been used for almost 3000 years by veterinarians in China to treat many ailments including founder and colic. Other ailments common to large animals that are commonly treated with acupuncture are nervous system problems like facial nerve paralysis, skin problems like allergic dermatitis, respiratory aliments like heaves, and some reproductive diseases. This method can also be used to treat sports injuries. If your horse is involved in racing or jumping for instance then acupuncture can keep it in better shape.