In the simplest sense, acupuncture is the application of small-gauge needles to specific points on the body for the purpose of eliciting physiological responses resulting in therapeutic homeostatic effects.  In a broader sense, acupuncture is an ancient procedure used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of whole-body conditions.

 

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high desity of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels.  Most acupoints are motor points.  A number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters.  Therefore, acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by these scientific studies.  As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood.   

 

The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi (chee).  Qi is the life force or vital energy.  There are two opposite forms of Qi: Yin and Yang.   The goal of TCM is to diagnose imbalances in the life force (Qi), determine their causes (etiology of the disease) and using modalities such as acupuncture to restore balance and help the body heal by re-establishing homeostasis.

 

Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

 

-         Musculoskeletal problems:  muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint   disease,  laminitis, navicular

-         Neurological disorders:  facial and radial nerve paralysis, laryngeal hemiplegia

-         Gastrointetinal disorders:  diarrhea, gastric-ulcers, colic, impaction, ileus

-         Other chronic conditions: anhidrosis, heaves, uveitis, infertility

-         Performance enhancement and prevention of disease