Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Equine Medicine

Jessica Jordan

Animal Science

October 2000

Objectives• History• Understanding Chinese Medicine• Materials and Methods• Types of Acupoints• Main uses of Acupuncture• Effective Combinations• Success Rates• Conclusion

History

• Earliest evidence

• Chinese development

Understanding Chinese Medicine

• What is Chi?

• Yin and Yang

• Meridians– 12 paired– 2 unpaired

Yin and Yang

Negative ChargeSolid Organs

LungSpleenHeart

KidneyHeart Constrictor

Liver

Positive ChargesHollow OrgansLarge Intestine

StomachSmall Intestine

BladderTriple Heater (body pump)

Gall BladderGoverning Vessel

Conception Vessel

Kidney and Bladder Meridians

How Does Acupuncture Work?

• Stimulates nerves

• Increases blood circulation

• Relieves muscle spasms

• Releases hormones– Endorphins– Cortisol

The Acupuncture Process

Altman, 1994

Methods and Materials

• Simple needling

• Bleeding

• Heat

• Injection

• Implantation

The Needles

10 cm

Bleeding needles Fire needles

Fine bleeding needle

Standard needles

Snader, 1994

Methods and Materials

• Simple needling

• Bleeding

• Heat

• Injection

• Implantation

• Electro-stimulation

Electro-Stimulation

DeRock, 1999

Methods and Materials

• Simple needling

• Bleeding

• Heat

• Injection

• Implantation

• Electro-stimulation

• Laser

Laser Acupuncture

BioScanLight, 1999

Methods and Materials

• Simple needling• Bleeding• Heat• Injection• Implantation• Electro-stimulation• Laser• Acupressure

Acupressure

Magner-Skeries, 2000

Types of Acupoints

• Permanent

• Interim

• Locating– Topographical-anatomical descriptions– Palpation and examination– Electrical skin resistance

Main Uses of Acupuncture

• Treatment of injuries

• Treatment of physical and behavioral problems

• Training methods

• Relaxation of stressed animals

The Simplest Form

Jordan, 2000

Stableizer

www.thestableizer.com, 2000

Injuries and Problems Treated

• Chronic lameness

• Chronic back pain

• Intestinal impaction

• Infertility

• Tetanus

Effective Combinations

• Aromatherapy

• Chiropractic

• Herbal Medicine

• Homeopathy

• Nutritional Supplements

• Acupressure

Success Rates

• Musculoskeleton– Soreback 75 - 85%– Saddle sore 80 - 100%– Laminitis 80 - 90%– Navicular up to 80%– Foot Abscess up to 80%

Success Rates

• Gastrointestinal– Colic 80 - 100%– Cribbing 29%– Gastric Ulcer 100%

Success Rates

• Respiratory– Heaves 50 - 85%– Bleeders 75 - 90%– Rhinitis up to 90%

Success Rates

• Reproductive– Anoestrous 50-100%– Cystic Ovaries 75-90%– Repeat Breeders 70-95%– Stallion problems good

Conclusion

• Safe

• Side effects

• Treatment time

• Costs

• Certification

• Other Species