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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine or T.C.V.M? TCVM consists of 5 complementary branches : ~Acupuncture ~Herbal Therapy ~Food Therapy ~Tui-Na ~Qi-Gong What Is Acupuncture ? Acupuncture is the art of treating diseases and conditions of concern by placing fine, slender needles into specific areas of the body called acupoints. The acupoints are located in specific places along the meridians in the body. Meridians are "channels" or "energy highways" that are involved with the free flow of Qi. Depending on the condition being treated and the personality if the horse anywhere from approximately 10 -30 or so needles are used. Acupuncture needles are solid and are made in different lengths. Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese for over 2000 years. In T.C.V.M., the body exists in a balanced state (homeostasis). By the time a disease presents itself ( the horse is demonstrating clinical signs) an imbalance in the body exists. Disease conditions can exist in many forms such as conditions of excess(e.g. fever), conditions of deficiency (e.g. lethargy), blockage of Qi (e.g. pain) T.C.V.M. works to restore the balance and thereby relieve/resolve the disease condition About the History of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: TCVM has been in use in China for over 2000 years. The first Chinese veterinary textbook was written in 659 B.C. " Bole's Cannon of Veterinary Acupuncture". Acupuncture was in use in Japan in 484 B.C and Korea in 507 B.C. ,it was introduced into France in the 1500's , Great Britain in 1676 and into North America in the 1800's. T.C.V.M has many applications in equine medicine, It is often used as a sole therapy as well as in conjunction with traditional western medicine (antibiotics, joint injections...).The goals of T.C.V.M. include balancing the body systems, optimizing athletic performance, treating existing disease conditions and relieving pain and discomfort. Acupuncture is commonly used during the competition season to help keep show horses competing and training in top form. Types Of Acupuncture There are a few different types of acupuncture treatment modalities. 1. Dry Needles: when simply the acupuncture needle is inserted. Sometimes the needle is manipulated, twisted etc., during the treatment. 2. Electro-acupuncture: when a mild buzz -type charge is applied to the needles through wires connected to an electroacupunctoscope. Most horses LOVE this and get quite relaxed and sleepy during this type of treatment 3. Aquapuncture: when "regular" hollow needles are used to inject a liquid , such as vitamin B12, into the acupuncture point. 4.Hemoacupuncture: when a needle is placed for the specific purpose of allowing blood to flow out. 5.Other types: include laser acupuncture , acupressure massage. Who Uses Acupuncture? Acupuncture has so many applications that everybody is a candidate. Most people initially seek out acupuncture to help resolve painful conditions. Most horse people also initially try acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for pain, and quickly learn that many, many conditions benefit from T.C.V.M. therapy. Any horse, from the pasture pet to performance horses may benefit. The main goal is to balance the body systems that have become imbalanced, whether from disease, trauma, stress or training and competing. Examples of some very common conditions that respond exceptionally well to acupuncture include, among other conditions, Anhidrosis(non-sweater) and back soreness. Additionally, tendon,ligament and musculoskeletal problems, chronic colic, weight loss,poor performance, inflammatory conditions/corneal ulcers/conjunctivitis, respiratory conditions, allergies and dermatological conditions, behavior issues, unusual aggression or spooking and reproductive issues. Many competition and show horses are treated monthly to help ease the rigors of training and competition. Acupuncture not only helps keep them relaxed, happy and training in top form, but can help detect potential problems while they are still developing. What Is Herbal Therapy? In T.C.V.M., herbs have to be in use, and proof of efficacy must exist, for hundreds of years before they are considered/approved as herbal therapy within T.C.V.M.. Since the first written history of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is over 2000 years old, many herbs are approved to be in use today. Herbal therapy can be used alone or in combination with other modalities. Herbs work by nourishing and healing the affected tissues and diseases involved. What Can I Expect During A Typical Appointment? Typically, the owner or caretaker is first asked for a thorough history of the main problem. Any other concerns, unusual or interesting things and the horses' personality traits are also discussed. After all the discussion, the acupuncturist will look at the horses' tongue and palpate the pulses in the neck. Next is a light palpation of the meridians for sensitive or reactive points. Collectively, this information can pinpoint the source of the issues at hand, and thereby, put together an individualized treatment plan for the horse. Depending on the condition, and personality of the patient, the acupuncturist may perform dry needle, with or without electroacupuncture, aquapuncture and or hemoacupuncture. Calming and relaxing points are placed first and the treatment points are added next . Very often the patient will start to lick, chew and drop their head as the treatment progresses. Some horses will tolerate many needles, some only a few, this will be determined at the appointment. Herbs may or may not be recommended and will be determined at the appointment. What Are The Meridians? The meridians are channels or "highways" of energy that run within very specific locations in the body. There are 12 major meridians in the body and are named for the major organs that they influence. Acupuncture points are places along these meridians where there has histologically been determined that there is an increased number of aggregates of nerve endings, cells and blood vessels. When the energy, or Qi, is flowing the body functions within normal limits. WhenQi is blocked discomfort or disease may result. Acupuncture points within the meridians are similar to reset buttons, and when stimulated, help to clear blockage and restore the free flow of Qi, thereby harmonizing and balancing the body systems. Each acupuncture point has multiple different uses and the points chosen depend on the primary condition and the personality of the patient. What Is Qi? Qi is the essence of a living being, which also makes it a living thing. If you are alive, you have Qi, if you are not alive or are inanimate, you do not have Qi. Qi is important for many reasons. When Qi is free flowing with balanced body systems, there is health. When there is a blockage or deficiency of Qi, then there is pain, disease and abnormal behaviors. Please feel free to contact Dr. Nancylee Bielawski with any questions via the contact us page. |
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