Page 16 - Equine Matters - Summer 2012

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Acupuncture originated over 3,000 years
ago but is just as relevant in the treatment of
horses' back pain and other musculoskeletal
conditions today. Acupuncture can be used
in conjunction with conventional equine
lameness or back pain treatments. It appears
to have particular benefit in relieving the
chronic pain associated with arthritis and
muscular pain. Acupuncture is extremely
useful in the maintenance of geriatric and
competition horses. The technique is drug free
and hence avoids the issue of detection times
with treatments close to competition or racing.
What is acupuncture?
The word acupuncture is derived from the
Latin words acus meaning needle and
punctara meaning puncture. It is the piercing
of skin with solid needles to relieve pain,
cure disease and promote health.
Where did acupuncture originate?
Most people are aware of the Chinese links to
acupuncture which date back at least 3,000
years. However, few know that the principle
was developed by several independent
ancient populations throughout the world. For
example it is described in the Papyrus Ebers,
which are an ancient Egyptian medical
treatise, and also in the Vedas which are the
most ancient scriptures of Hinduism which are
thought to be 5,000-7,000 years old.
What conditions can be treated
with acupuncture?
A wide range of conditions have been
documented to have been treated by
acupuncture. However, in my experience the
technique has particular value in the treatment
of chronic pain associated with muscle pain
(myofascial pain) or arthritis. I have had
consistently good results in the treatment
of back and neck pain.
How does acupuncture work?
There are two principal explanations as to
how acupuncture works. These are either as
part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
or a scientific approach.
The Chinese approach to disease is holistic.
Emotional, hereditary and environmental
factors are considered important elements
of disease patterns. The philosophy and aim
of TCM is to restore equilibrium between
physical, emotional and spiritual factors - thus
restoring and maintaining health. Treatment
involves using needles in specific acupuncture
points (often in conjunction with herbal
therapy) to address imbalances in Yin and
Yang as well as improving the flow of Qi
and blood.
Scientific research into acupuncture has made
enormous progress over the last 40 years.
This has brought about the greater recognition
and acceptance of acupuncture within the
scientific community. Acupuncture increases
the body's release of natural painkillers -
endorphin and serotonin - modifying pain
pathways in the brain and spinal cord.
Can acupuncture be used at
the same time as conventional
veterinary medicine?
Yes. The success of any treatment depends
on an accurate initial diagnosis. I use
acupuncture as a supplementary treatment in
many of my lameness and back pain cases.
I find it has particularly striking results in
relieving secondary back pain associated
with hock osteoarthritis (spavin) and
muscular pain.
Who can treat horses with
acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an act of veterinary surgery,
hence only qualified veterinary surgeons can
legally treat horses. For a list of veterinary
acupuncturists in your area contact the
Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists
(ABVA) at
www.abva.co.uk
.
Equine acupuncture
- an ancient
art in a modern world
Veterinary Surgeon
David Rowlands
XLVets Equine Practice
Penbode Equine Vets
David Rowlands BVSc CertEM MRCVS
, Penbode Equine Vets
EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE
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EQUINE MATTERS