Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Equine Medicine

1
Acupuncture Ancient Art to Modern Equine Medicine

• Jessica Jordan
• Animal Science
• October 2000

2
Objectives

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

3
History

• Earliest evidence
• Chinese development

4
Understanding Chinese Medicine

• What is Chi?
• Yin and Yang
• Meridians
• 12 paired
• 2 unpaired

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Yin and Yang
Negative Charge Solid Organs Lung Spleen Heart Ki
dney Heart Constrictor Liver
Positive Charges Hollow Organs Large
Intestine Stomach Small Intestine Bladder Triple
Heater (body pump) Gall Bladder
Governing Vessel Conception Vessel
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Kidney and Bladder Meridians
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How Does Acupuncture Work?

• Stimulates nerves
• Increases blood circulation
• Relieves muscle spasms
• Releases hormones
• Endorphins
• Cortisol

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The Acupuncture Process
Altman, 1994
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Methods and Materials

• Simple needling
• Bleeding
• Heat
• Injection
• Implantation

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The Needles
Fire needles
Bleeding needles
10 cm
Fine bleeding needle
Standard needles
Snader, 1994
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Methods and Materials

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

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Electro-Stimulation
DeRock, 1999
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Methods and Materials

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

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Laser Acupuncture
BioScanLight, 1999
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Methods and Materials

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

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Acupressure
Magner-Skeries, 2000
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Types of Acupoints

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

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Main Uses of Acupuncture

• Treatment of injuries
• Treatment of physical and behavioral problems
• Training methods
• Relaxation of stressed animals

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The Simplest Form
Jordan, 2000
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Stableizer
www.thestableizer.com, 2000
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Injuries and Problems Treated

• Chronic lameness
• Chronic back pain
• Intestinal impaction
• Infertility
• Tetanus

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Effective Combinations

• Aromatherapy
• Chiropractic
• Herbal Medicine
• Homeopathy
• Nutritional Supplements
• Acupressure

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Success Rates

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

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Success Rates

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

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Success Rates

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

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Success Rates

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

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Conclusion

• Safe
• Side effects
• Treatment time
• Costs
• Certification
• Other Species