Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine, where fine needles are inserted into specific parts of the body along 'meridians' to treat certain ailments or painful conditions.
There are many theories about how it works, the Chinese believe it allows energy (chi) to flow as
normal along pathways which had become ‘blocked’ through disease or injury.
The western view of its effectiveness centres around the release of endorphins.
Nobody can say for sure how it works, just that it does and that the
amount of difference made to patients seems to be more than you might expect for simple endorphin release.
I use a Westernised form of acupuncture based around finding the sore areas and treating these, but occasionally I do look to the more Chinese methods for certain behavioural problems etc.
In general the inital course of treatment lasts three to five sessions, roughly a week apart, but closer together for more acute injuries.
The sessions last about 45 mins, although the needles are probably only left in for 10-15 minutes! I need to assess how your horse moves and where he is
sore, to enable me to work out a treatment plan.
After the first course of treatment your horse may need follow-up visits, you will generally be the best judge
as to when this is required. I may suggest that your vet sees him. It is a good idea to let your regular vet know you ae having acupuncture treatment,
as a 'referral' may be required for your insurance.
I can travel within about 30-40miles, I do charge for travel outside 15 miles - contact me for a quote!
As part of my 'day' job I treat dogs at the surgery where I work, and would usually suggest you contact me via Castle Vets in Reading (see About Christel Robbins) to arrange this.
However I appreciate that you may live further away than practical to come to the surgery during opening hours, and therefore I can visit you in a similar way to the equine clients.