While acupuncture has been a treatment for centuries, its use in both humans and animals has gained popularity throughout the last three decades. Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, has practiced acupuncture for more than 15 years, and it has become a central part of her practice. For her equine patients, acupuncture helps restore balance in the body by promoting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, effectively reducing inflammation, relaxing and stimulating muscles, improving gastrointestinal (GI) function, reducing pain, and balancing fear levels.

Continue reading to discover more about the benefits of acupuncture for your horse.

1. Promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage: Acupuncture targets specific points on the body that have a high density of nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. These pathways, known as meridians, run over the entire body from the poll, through the back, down the legs, and into the feet. They extend into the organs and through nerve roots from the spinal column, connecting the body in “one big web” or system.

2. Reduces inflammation: Although several sessions may be required for persistent or chronic ailments, improvement is typically noticeable within 24 to 48 hours. Acupuncture can also be used to treat horses that are not sweating, experiencing pain, or are laminitic.

Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis of Palm Beach Equine Clinic is one of multiple veterinarians who offer alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

3. Relaxes and stimulates muscles: Acupuncture needles release endorphins and serotonin. Horses often yawn, fall asleep, or pass gas or manure during treatments. They may also lick and chew during an acupuncture session, which indicates that they are relaxed, happy, and enjoying the treatment.

4. Improve GI function: Results can be fairly immediate for impactions if the issue isn’t surgical. Often, within an hour after Dr. Greenfield Davis inserts the needles, the horse passes manure. Impactions can cause the intestines to become stagnant, so acupuncture can help increase gut movement. It is also effective for post-colic pain.

5. Reduces pain: Often, a horse is sore in multiple areas. Dr. Greenfield Davis will place needles to determine which one eliminates the soreness the fastest. She then reevaluates the horse; if one area is no longer painful but another remains painful, she can usually identify the source of the problem.

Kissing spine cases have responded well to acupuncture for Dr. Greenfield Davis. “I decrease the pain around the area so the horse can use the muscles and build up proper muscling. They come around and are able to stretch and bend. It also works in muscle atrophy cases, stimulating the muscles to help them start functioning again.”

6. Balances fear and tension levels: Acupuncture can be beneficial before competition to relieve tension or for horses that have been traveling. Treatment a few days before competing is helpful, and acupuncture can complement chiropractic or massage treatments by relaxing muscles, which makes adjustments easier.

If you would like to schedule an acupuncture treatment or alternative therapy for your horse, call Palm Beach Equine Clinic today at 561-793-1599. Find out more at www.EquineClinic.com.

Adapted from Polo Magazine, August 2022
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