at a glance

CHAPTER 7
Different Modalities of Acupuncture
62
Acupuncture is not a quick fix. Inserting a few needles
does not heal an injured horse or cure a disease. The
horse usually shows some improvement with each treatment
but generally requires several sessions. The frequency of
acupuncture depends upon the problem and the method of
treatment. More treatments are usually required for lingering
problems.
The examining veterinary acupuncturist will first perform
an acupuncture examination and determine the appropriate
treatment points. A trained practitioner with knowledge of
equine anatomy and a critical and accurate sense of touch
can detect the
points. Some practitioners
use an electronic
point finder
that is simply an impedance
meter. This
instrument works
because the skin at
an acupoint has a
lower level of electrical
impedance or a
Assessing an acupoint.
higher level of con-