In this long overdue article, I'm going to visit the topic of one of my favorite areas of study. Acupuncture in it's many forms, is rooted in Chinese medicine and has been practiced for over 4000 years.
Equine acupuncture is traditionally a holistic healing technique that uses tiny needles inserted into the tissues along specific points on the horse's body to stimulate energy channels called meridians. These meridians are believed to be the gateways for the body's vital energy. Similarly, acupressure, is a non-invasive technique that essentially does the same thing without the use of needles and instead requires gentle pressure along acupoints through the horse's meridians. Through acupressure, we are increasing blood flow and energy flow, and stimulating the body's natural healing processes. In Chinese medicine, this vital energy of the body is known as "Qi", often spelled/pronounced "Chi".
Acupressure practitioners such as myself use different techniques to apply gentle pressure along the acupoints to reach a desired outcome. I have become quite fond of acupressure after witnessing its powerful potential as a healing modality, but also because of the research of other practitioners and institutions which have led to its growing notoriety as a bodywork modality for equines and humans alike. Kentucky Equine Research published an article indicating that acupressure is often used in addition to traditional Western veterinary care and is believed to release endorphins and cortisone within the body which relieve anxiety, pain and reduce inflammation. They also point out that many horses seem to respond well to the treatment.
How does it work?
The pressure applied to acupoints along the horse's body influences energy pathways known as meridians that run through the horse's body. The idea is that these pathways can literally transmit the light through them, like a tunnel and stimulate healing processes within the body. Pretty cool, right?
Acupoint therapy (aka acupressure) uses the stimulation to excite precise points mentioned earlier, which activates their functions and affects deep tissue layers. This form of therapy improves blood flow which increases oxygenation of tissues. In turn, the amount of metabolic waste is reduced, and it helps the body eliminate such waste, offering yet another benefit. Acupressure with red light, which is what I use on client horses, stimulates the release of naturally occurring pain relieving substances offering your equine partner DRUG FREE PAIN RELIEF!
Pictured: Several acupressure applications with PMB torch in my practice.
Forms of Acupressure:
PhotopressureTM aka Red Light Acupressure - acupressure with a professional grade PMB light which sends near infrared light rays into the tissues. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, also known as red-light therapy or low-level light therapy, is a non-thermal treatment that uses red or near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate living things to heal themselves. It has been studied for decades and has shown growing promise in the treatment of animals and humans alike for a variety of inflammatory and health concerns, but is primarily used for pain relief. When pairing a PBM device with acupressure, you get a powerful combination for stimulating the body's own natural healing processes.
Acupoint Laser Therapy - the use of a medical grade laser along acupressure points
Traditional Acupressure - using gentle pressure with the fingers at the acupoints.
What is acupressure used for in horses?
Many equine caretakers are pleasantly surprised to learn that acupressure has been used for decades to address anything from body soreness to gut health issues to a retained placenta after foaling. Acupressure can address nearly all systems of the body, from heart health to respiratory issues to concerns with the hooves. In my work, acupressure is primarily used during a bodywork session to target tendon, ligament, muscle or bone pain or concerns. I use acupressure for back pain, kissing spine, club feet, headaches, dental pain, anhidrosis, hoof concerns, body soreness, stiffness, and so much more. This practice using a special professional grade red light wand or "torch" affords the horse the benefits of red light therapy simultaneous with acupressure. A double whammy to really kick inflammation (the root of pain and disease) to the curb!
Additional health benefits that acupressure can help:
Arthritis
Calming effects / Reduced anxiety
Degenerative Joint Diseases and DSLD
Decrease Muscle Spasms
Improved gut health
Joint, ligament, muscular or other inflammation
Improved brain function and improved performance
Tendonitis
Respiratory and lung disorders
Anhidrosis (aka non-sweating disease)
How long does it take to see results?
Most of the time, you will notice some form of improvement almost immediately whether the horse is more relaxed or seemingly more comfortable but it can take multiple treatments to see a noticeable difference, especially in cases where the horse has more severe problems or chronic inflammation. Like any other aspect of your routine maintenance and care of your equine, balancing the entire body is crucial to seeing long-term and noticeable changes in response to treatments such as acupressure. Balancing your horse's mouth through proper dental work, and addressing any asymmetry will be important as well. Consider balancing the hooves with proper farrier work, and balancing your horse's body through proper chiropractic care and routine bodywork.
Sources:
Photonic Therapy Institute
Falls Village Veterinary Hospital - Laser and Red Light Therapy
Kentucky Equine Research: https://ker.com/equinews/acupressure-for-horses/
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