All About ... Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been used in humans for thousands of years.  Life energy (Chi) which consists of the eternal opposites Yang (positive) and Yin (negative), flows through the body in Meridians.  These meridians run close to the surface of the body at specific points - acupuncture points.  Stimulating these points is what achieves the effect.  

 There are 12 main meridians on each side of the body with defined acupuncture points. Each point relates to a specific internal organ or organ system.  Pain near to a specific acupuncture point will indicate that there may be a disease in the corresponding organ. 

The ancient Chinese believe that illness is a state of imbalance or a blockage of the normal energy flow of the body.  Acupuncture will restore the flow to normal. 

Specific points are stimulated by either inserting fine, sterile needles, by using finger pressure or sometimes using laser or electric current.  This then enables self healing.  

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

·         Muscle soreness; neck, back, shoulders, hindquarters

·         Arthritis

·         Digestive problems

·         Respiratory problems

·         Poor immunity

How does it work?

There is some debate about this but current thinking includes ........

The needles stimulate the nerve endings which then transmit an impulse to the spinal cord and on to the brain.  The brain will then send messages to the nervous and endocrine systems leading to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.  These include endorphins - which are natural painkillers and serotonin which can block incoming pain signals from reaching the brain and spinal cord.  However, the needles can also increase the blood flow to the immediate area which will aid healing.

Only qualified veterinary surgeons are permitted, by law, to perform acupuncture on horses.

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Until next time!

Jo