acupuncture

Starwood Equine believes in the use of both traditional and integrative medical approaches, and feels there is a place for both western and eastern medicine in our equine patients. The following article is intended to introduce you to the use of acupuncture in the horse, and explain the science behind this therapeutic modality.

What can acupuncture be used for?

• Acupuncture is an excellent complement to Western medicine providing relief of musculoskeletal pain, obscure lamenesses, back pain, and decreased performance. Acupuncture also has applications for managing chronic diseases and behavioral issues. 

How do acupuncture needles relieve pain?

• Acupuncture is an integrative veterinary medical therapy that works by stimulating predetermined points, acupoints, to generate a physiological response.
• Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, but it was not until recently that research was done to demonstrate how it works and validate its benefits. The US National Library of Medicine Institute of Health (www.pubmed.gov) has a total of 26,950 articles regarding acupuncture and 5,075 animal-specific articles as of December 2017.
• Anatomically each acupoint contains a high density of free nerve endings, small blood vessels, mast cells and lymphatic vessels, which aid in generating a therapeutic response. Stimulating these specific points with acupuncture needles creates a natural release of endogenous opioids (endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins), serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Research has proven acupuncture can be beneficial and effective for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Acupuncture can aid in controlling muscle spasm, promote vasodilation and stimulate neuronal regeneration. 

Is acupuncture safe?

• Yes! It is safe with very few side effects, as it is a natural form of medicine.

How does it feel?

• Typically it is felt as a small pin prick. Some equine patients do not acknowledge the needles at all, while others may react to the sensation.
• Some horses fall asleep during their treatment!

What does the acupuncture treatment entail?

• In equine acupuncture, horses have transpositional acupuncture points that are associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. Prior to treatment, a thorough “scan” will be performed to evaluate the entire horse. Combined with your traditional western medicine physical and lameness exams, the scan provides an even more comprehensive assessment exam to determine the most beneficial treatment plan.
• There are several ways to stimulate the specific acupuncture points for your horse. Frequently used methods of acupuncture stimulation include dry needling, electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture and low level laser therapy. 
  • Dry Needling​: The insertion of a sterile disposable 28 gauge needle ranging from ½ inch to 3 inches in length.
  • Aqua-Acupuncture: The administration of a solution, such as Vitamin B12, into a specific acupuncture point to generate prolonged stimulation at the chosen point.
  • Electro-Acupuncture Stimulation: A form of acupuncture where a small electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles in order to augment or enhance the stimulation of the acupoints. Different frequencies and wave patterns are indicated for different ailments. 
  • Low Light Laser Stimulation: Can be used at the acupuncture points to provide similar effects to dry needling. This modality is ideal for “needle shy” or extremely muscle sore patients. 
• Occasionally the needles fall out with the movement of the horse, but because that point has already been stimulated with the initial needle placement, it isn’t required to replace the needle.
• The number of treatments required depend on the condition of your horse.
• Treatments are generally 20-30 minutes in length. Frequency of treatment and method of stimulation is dictated by the patient and their specific condition.

How soon can we expect results?

• Some effects can be seen immediately, although other conditions will need several treatments.
• We recommend 3-5 treatments, often 2 weeks apart for more chronic conditions.