Acupuncture and Laser
Acupuncture / Aquapuncture
The use of acupuncture in equine medicine dates back over 4000 years to China between 2000-3000 BC. During acupuncture, specific points on the body that are areas of increased electrical sensitivity are stimulated by a small needle, laser or fluid injection.
This results in increased circulation, relief of muscle spasms, improved body defense system, and numerous other benefits. We use acupuncture in our clinic successfully to treat multiple conditions including (but not limited to):
Acupuncture can increase comfort, healing rates and appetite in ill or injured horses.
Foals with Limb Deformities- the number of glue-on shoes and splints we use has dramatically decreased since we added laser acupuncture to our foal treatment protocols.
We offer a combination of Conventional Western Veterinary Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to optimize comfort and performance for horses of all ages and disciplines.
While most effective in the acute phases of laminitis, acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve circulation in chronically laminitic horses.
Two of the conditions where acupuncture often eclipses traditional medicine in it’s effectiveness.
Due to limited time and appointment availability, most of our acupuncture services are provided in clinic or on farms when multiple horses are being treated simultaneously.
Herbal Therapy
We offer a variety of herbal therapies as adjunct therapies to treat multiple medical conditions. The most common conditions we use herbal therapy for include tendon/ligament injuries, chronic gastric ulcers, allergies/asthma, chronic bone pain and general poor performance.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a rapidly evolving therapeutic option for treating a vast array of injuries in horses. It has an endless list of potential uses, making it of great interest in both human and veterinary medicine. Currently, laser treatment can treat any type of inflammation, but as this technology evolves, so will the uses of it. The most commonly treated areas and conditions are Acupuncture Points, soft tissue injuries, wounds / incisions and sore muscles or joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture / Aquapuncture:
What is acupuncture, and how does it benefit horses?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves stimulating specific points on the body using small needles, lasers, or fluid injections. For horses, it increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, enhances the body’s defense system, and provides various benefits.
How does acupuncture aid in the recovery from illness or injury in horses?
Acupuncture accelerates healing rates, increases comfort, and improves appetite in horses recovering from illness or injury. It’s a valuable complementary therapy in the overall treatment plan.
Can acupuncture be used for foals with limb deformities?
Yes, Southwest Equine uses laser acupuncture in foal treatment protocols to address limb deformities, reducing the need for interventions like glue-on shoes and splints.
How does acupuncture benefit performance horses and sore horses?
Southwest Equine combines Conventional Western Veterinary Medicine with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to optimize comfort and performance in horses of all ages and disciplines.
Is acupuncture effective for laminitis in horses?
While most effective in the acute phases, acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve circulation in horses dealing with chronic laminitis.
In which conditions does acupuncture excel compared to traditional medicine?
Acupuncture is particularly effective in treating anhidrosis (lack of sweating) and allergies, where its benefits often surpass those of traditional medicine.
Where are acupuncture services provided, and what is the preferred setting?
Due to Dr. Alward’s limited time and appointment availability, most acupuncture services are provided on farms when multiple horses are being treated simultaneously.
Herbal Therapy:
What conditions are commonly treated with herbal therapy at Southwest Equine?
Herbal therapy is used as an adjunct therapy for various conditions, including tendon/ligament injuries, chronic gastric ulcers, allergies/asthma, chronic bone pain, and general poor performance.
Laser Therapy:
What is laser therapy, and how is it used in horse care?
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a therapeutic option for treating injuries in horses. It is used to address inflammation, acupuncture points, soft tissue injuries, wounds/incisions, and sore muscles or joints.
Are there specific areas or conditions commonly treated with laser therapy at Southwest Equine?
Laser therapy is commonly used on acupuncture points, soft tissue injuries, wounds/incisions, and areas with sore muscles or joints.