ACUPUNCTURE is a treatment modality that involves inserting thin, sterile, solid needles into specific sites on the horse's body, for therapeutic or preventive purposes.
The procedure activates complex autoregulatory physiological responses within the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and the connective myofascial network, which allows the alleviation of pain and inflammation, and improves local circulation.
This treatment can be used in conjunction with other conventional veterinary practices to treat various equine medical conditions and to relieve pain. It is a safe medical procedure with minimal unwanted side effects when performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Western medical acupuncture is a therapeutic modality based on the principles adapted from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and incorporating the knowledge and understanding of the horse's anatomy and physiology, and of the pathology of a medical condition.
Because of this scientific approach, it is often referred to as "medical acupuncture" and is regarded as conventional medicine rather than alternative medicine.
Research has demonstrated many ways in which acupuncture works, including changes to the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system, as well as influencing the connective tissue by normalising circulation and tension within the myofascial network.
MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE VS TCM
IN simple terms, TCM is based on the belief that acupuncture restores the flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the body's energy flow, whereas medical acupuncture uses anatomy, physiology and pathology of the patient to alleviate pain, inflammation and muscle tension. In addition, western medical acupuncture is evidenced-based and is administered only after a full diagnosis.
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Denne historien er fra March 07, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
