How it works
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to elicit a therapeutic response. Each acupuncture point has a specific action when stimulated. Modern research shows that acupoints are located in areas where there is a higher-than-normal density of free nerve endings, white blood cells, small arterioles and/or lymphatic vessels.
Stimulation of these points induces a series of interactions between the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Physiologic effects induced by acupuncture include pain relief, promotion of healing, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, anti-inflammatory effects, immunoregulation and hormone modulation.
Forms of acupuncture we offer
- Dry needling
- Thin, sterile needles placed at specific acupoints, as described above.
- Aqua-acupuncture
- Injecting a fluid into the acupuncture point to stimulate it with pressure.
- Electro-acupuncture
- Attaching electrodes to the acupuncture needles and applying an electrical current for stronger stimulation.
- Moxibustion
- Burning a special herb to create heat at specific acupoints to stimulate a response.
Conditions that may benefit
Acupuncture on its own, or in combination with traditional Western medicine, can be helpful in the treatment of:
- Musculoskeletal problems, including caudal heel pain/navicular disease, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, cervical pain, back pain and laminitis
- Neurologic problems, including nerve paralysis, laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring), muscle atrophy, disc disease and trauma
- Respiratory problems, including equine asthma and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage
- Gastrointestinal disorders, including mild GI upsets, diarrhea and colic
- Reproductive problems, such as infertility and abnormal cycling
- Ophthalmic conditions, including non-healing corneal ulcers and recurrent uveitis/conjunctivitis
- Certain behavioural problems, including anxiety
- Performance enhancement in sport horses
- Quality-of-life improvement in geriatric patients
What to expect
For acute conditions, results may be seen after just one treatment. For more chronic conditions, 3–5 treatments about 2 weeks apart are typically required to see a notable improvement.
We also offer herbal therapy as an adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture.
