Acupuncture is an ancient healing art originated by the Chinese. It has gained a wide range of users through the years to prevent diseases, to cure ailments and to maintain good health. But is acupuncture only for humans?

Acupuncture for animals is being practiced by an increasing number of veterinarians. They use it to treat different diseases and disorders of animals. It was used initially on horses then later on, it was tried on other farm animals. Now it is also being used on cats, dogs and birds.

Veterinary acupuncture is very much similar to that of humans because they are both based on the premise that energy (called qi) flows in the body through channels called meridians. The meridians work in harmony with the internal organs, muscles and bones, and the nervous system. The energy flow has to be balanced for the human or animal to function properly. When there is imbalance in the flow or there is blockage in energy, an organ or a system will be affected.

Just like acupuncture for humans, equine acupuncture or acupuncture for horses also employ the use of needles. These needles are very thin. They must be sterilized and must be used only once. The needles are inserted in specific points to target specific concerns. It aims to restore balance in the energy. It also triggers the release of endorphins which is considered as the body's natural pain reliever. Since these needles are very thin, pain is seldom felt. If there is pain, it usually goes away easily. Just like most treatments, effect is seen after several applications. Follow-ups are also recommended to ensure prolonged effect.

Problems of horses that can be addressed by acupuncture are musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, dermatological, visual and neurological.

• Musculoskeletal problems are the most commonly treated equine problem. These problems include arthritis, rheumatism, laminitis, muscle atrophy and tendon problems. Horses used in competitions are the usual recipients of acupuncture. The same goes true with horses used in farms.
  

• Respiratory problems include chronic cough, nasal discharges and allergies.

• Digestive problems may range from simple diarrhea to, colic and ulcerations. For cases of colic, a more extensive examination is needed to know if surgery is needed because acupuncture can only be done for non-surgical colic.




• Most reproductive concerns of both male and female horses respond well with acupuncture. Female reproductive conditions include irregular cycles, anestrus, mastitis, and retained placenta. Male concerns include impotence, epididymitis and loss of libido.




• Dermatological concerns include allergies and wounds that take a long time to heal. Visual concerns include cataracts and ulcers in the cornea.




• Horses also have neurological and psychological disorders like humans. These include anxiety, epilepsy and behavior disorders. These conditions respond well to acupuncture.




• Horses used in competitions and races benefit greatly in acupuncture. Acupuncture gives horses vitality and it boosts their general well-being. Competitions are sources of stress for horses. To abate negative effects of stress, acupuncture is employed. Physical trauma can also be addressed by acupuncture.




• There are various methods of acupuncture being used by veterinarians to treat horses aside from the traditional way. These include use of laser, introduction of low electric current and injection of water.




• Just as caution is needed in selecting acupuncturists for humans, caution must also be exercised in selecting the veterinarian for horses. Only properly trained vets must perform acupuncture to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Tim is a writer for Acupuncturist Portal, a free resource for anyone interested in the ancient Chinese alternative medicine practice: Acupuncture. Acupuncturist Portal also contains a US national directory of qualified acupuncturists for people who are ready to give acupuncture a try.

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Please note: The content of our website is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian relating to any medical or behavioural condition affecting your pet.