Needles, Herbs and Horses

Life lessons teach us to be skeptical.  Skepticism is the mindset that says, “I’ll believe it when I see it…and even then I'll have doubts.  In practical terms skeptics need to see a reasonable degree of external proof before they’ll believe anything out of the ordinary. 

These days we are constantly bombarded with dubious claims of miracle cures, get rich schemes and endless combinations of the two. Eternally optimistic, I too have fallen victim to a quick fix or two on occasion.  I have yet to to send any "exiled" Nigerians my account number, but I have purchased a few life altering as seen on TV products during bouts of insomnia.  Skepticism can be a good thing if keeps people from being too gullible and being taken advantage of.  However, sometimes in being too closed minded we do ourselves and our animals a disservice. 

There has been a great increase in interest in alternative veterinary practices such as acupuncture and the use of herbal remedies in the equine area recently, both by the public and the veterinary medical community.  The eastern approach to health is totally different from how Americans think of medicine.  Western medicine aims at treating the condition while Eastern medicine is focused on overall wellness and treating the whole body. The concepts of Eastern medicine are sometimes hard to relate to the American penchant for proof. 

Alternative medicine is a phrase that is used to describe a wide range of health care modalities including acupuncture, herbalism, homeopathy, massage and other touch therapies, and flower essences among others.  It is generally defined as "...those treatments and health care practices not taught in medical schools and not generally used in hospitals" 

Interestingly, many of these alternative medical approaches have been in existence for hundreds if not thousands of years in various parts of the world.  Acupuncture, an ancient health care modality originating in the Far East, has roots that are at least 3000 years old.  Herbs, acupuncture and homeopathy are still used effectively and extensively in many countries around the world, and are often viewed as the primary form of treatment in those countries.

Treating illness and pain in horses can be difficult, frustrating, and expensive. Even when we have a clear and accurate diagnosis there are many conditions not easily cured with conventional western medicine.  In an earlier post I discussed the plight of my 12 year old Appaloosa Bailey who suffers from  from Equine Recurrent Uveitis.  His last flare up was the worst I had ever seen.  It lasted 8 weeks and cost almost a thousand dollars.  I was treating the eye with a combination of antibiotics, steriods and anti inflammatories.  As the two month mark approached I was concerned that Bailey was not only loosing his patience with my constant medicating, he was also loosing his vision.  It was out of desperation that I decided to try something new.

A local Veterinarian with an extensive background in alternative therapies including, acupuncture and the use  of Chinese herbs suggested a product called Haliotis Powder or (Jue-ming-san). In the Traditional Chinese Medicine guide it states that Jue-ming-san or Concha Haliotidis  is used in formulas to treat high blood pressure,eye redness with light sensitivity, blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts, and headaches spasms. This supposedly works by clearing heat in the liver; thus detoxifying and brightening the eye. 

Although I was doubtful that this Herbal formula would prove effective I decided to purchase a one month supply. She suggested I also schedule an acupuncture session for Bailey as well. I was willing to try the powder but I was still skeptical about surrounding an already aching eye with needles.

Within 3 days of beginning the haliotis powder virtually all swelling and tearing had disappeared and Bailey's eye had regained clarity and color.  It has been two months now with no sign of the flare up returning.  I don't know why it worked.  I still have no idea what heat in the liver has to do with the eyes, but quite frankly it doesn't matter.  As long as Bailey is out grazing with his buddies instead of hanging his head in a dark corner I will continue to use the product. 

This small success set the stage for another two weeks ago with my 7 year old palomino mare "Maddie."  Maddie has been dealing with chronic back pain for the last three years.  As we advanced through the levels of training we always came to a point where she was physically unable to progress.  She would become extremely back sore followed by extreme attitude.  I later found out about an incident early on in her training involving flipping over on and breaking a western saddle. 

Trying to correct the problem, I made the terrible mistake of placing my mare in the hands of an incompetent chiropractic adjustor ( not a vet! there is a big difference)  Not only did he insist she be sedated, twitched and wear a chain but he managed to make a bad situation much worse.  After Maddie's treatment she could barely walk let alone be ridden.  After several more mis diagnosis and failed attempts to rehabilitate I finally gave up.  Luckily, she is a beautiful mare that adores children.  Being a palomino that resembles "Barbie's horse" apparently has its advantages.  She became a child only lesson horse and life size model to be brushed and fawned over.

I was told that Dr. Froeling often incorporated chiropractic work and acupuncture in her practice so I thought it might be worth asking her to do an assessment on Maddie.  I figured if Chinese herbs can cure eyes maybe needles can help sore backs.

The doctor ran her hands down the spine and over her legs checking her feet and teeth.  she stretched and flexed, pushed and pulled all while consoling Maddie with her voice.  After the  assessment was complete, Dr. Froeling determined it was not her back but her neck and teeth that were causing my mare such discomfort.  She said that Maddie had a slight overbite that was causing problems that needed to be addressed further than the once to twice a year floating.  The dental problems were directly related to the inability to properly use the lower back and hindquarters.  She also found signs of damage to the poll rather than the back most likely the result of her being flipped. 

She asked if she could do an adjustment and administer acupuncture that day.  I was reluctant to have her adjusted but decided to proceed after the Doctor assured me sedation would not be necessary as it would be a relatively painless procedure.  I spent the next 20 minutes with my jaw dropped as I watched the interaction between Dr. Froeling and my mare.  The same horse that most times reacted with violence at light massage was standing relaxed and perfectly still while she was pulled, twisted and popped then transformed into an equine pin cushion.

Dr. Froeling taught me numerous stretches and exercises to keep Maddie comfortable for riding.  After seeing my mare do everything under the sun for this doctor including hopping on three legs (literally) I was ready to listen to whatever she had to say.  She suggested I incorporate the new stretches into our daily routine and that we slowly return to work.  The Doctor said what I never expected to hear... "Maddie should be fine.  I expect she should be capable of a full recovery."

I was still reluctant to believe it was that simple but I couldn't help but feel excited and hopeful at the possibilities.  Only time will tell if Maddie will become all I dreamed she could be but so far I could not be happier with the results.  I saw an amazing difference in a matter of days. For the first time in more than two years she is moving forward, stretching down and beginning to round her back. 

I am certainly not ready to abandon western medicine, however these experiences have opened my eyes to a different approach to maintaining health.  I think we can all benefit by combining both the advanced diagnostics available and wondrous cures seen with Western medicine aided by the techniques which utilize the body's natural healing powers. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe health is represented as a balance of yin and yang. These two forces represent the bipolar manifestation of all things in nature, and because of this, one must be present to allow the other to exist.

The idea is that maintaining overall wellness and preventing discord is superior to dealing with the after effects.  At the core of eastern medicine is the belief that as balance is restored in the body, so is health.  Perhaps this approach is more of a philosophy than an exact science, but I think this theory is not as backward as western dogma would have us believe.  The goal is achieving and maintaining balance, and that is something we could all use a little more of...

Comments

[MiKael]

I don't know where I got to trying alternative treatments but am sure it was out of desperation that nothing else was working but I got there and I can attest to it's success. I have a 17 year old gelding that had EPM. He is a national calibre show horse (notice 'is' not 'was'). To recover from EPM and return to full use is pratically unheard of. Most horse suffering the neurological disorder never are able to handle collection. But thanks to herbs, acupuncture and a "skillful" chiropractor the horse is 100% The hard part is finding the qualified chiropractot and acupuncturist.

And I have more stories than just this one horse.Sounds to me like you're on the right track with this mare. Keep us up on how it goes.

[Learninghorses (Jerri)]

I had a horse that was so tight (when I bought her), that when I asked her to back up, she practically sat down. I had her adjusted by an equine chiropractor (this one was not a vet, but was an DC with a equine chiropractic certification), I SWEAR the horse was wanted to go home with her later, maybe even do her laundry.

I have used equine chiropractic many, many times. And never have any of them ever suggested that we sedate or twitch a horse. That person who did that to your horse should not be allowed to practice. All the horses have licked their lips, been relaxed and been much better. If I could afford it, I would do it for each horse 4-6x a year as a preventative.

Welcome to the wild side. Its kinda fun here!

[Michael CLifford, Licensed Acupuncturist]

This is an excellent story. Very well written, very informative, and most importantly to me VERY ACCURATE in the information you share.
As an acupuncturist it is always great to find stories of acupuncture from intruiged, satisfied individuals (and their homo-sapien owners)
My sister Patricia (AKA: Jackrabbit Woman) sent me to your site. I am so glad she did.

My acupuncture blog is http://peacefulmountainacupuncture.blogspot.com
check it out sometime, and please let us know how your horses progress.

[Kelly]

Thanks for the feedback Michael! I read your blog and enjoyed learning more about acupuncture. Maddie continues to improve daily following her last treatment. It has been enough of an inspiration that I have scheduled an appointment for myself:)

Kelly

[annette]

I so love my own chiropractor and my horses' chiropractor. Unfortunately he lives about 5 hours away so we don't get there as often as I would prefer... Alternative medicine is certainly underrated!

[Suzanne]

What a wonderful post!

I have gone from skeptic to believer as well. Not only have I seen acupuncture, chiropractic and herbals work on other horses - I give them big credit for saving my own mare's life. She has gone through two laminitis episodes without any coffin bone rotation. Both times she received acupuncture treatment within two days of symptom onset, continued daily treatment with a cold laser (points prescribed by vet) and herbal supplementation. Her recovery both times has amazed everybody who knows her.

Thank you for a great post!

[michael jones]

Acupuncture is something wonderful! It has so many benefits! It was really interesting post!

[Terri]

I was have some nerves promblem one day.
And I found this site and it just help me .
I read it .
And watch the video and it help so much for it to go away.
It was amazing.
And I wanted to Thank You for putting that on.

Thank you
Terri

[Jeanette ellis]

HI,
I recently suffered a horrible loss with the death of my filly her young mare mother and a 3 1/2 year old gelding. It is being looked upon as botulism at this point. Anyway, another young thoroughbred (4y/o) went down and we have worked to keep him alive. He is doing well, has kept his weight on, but is still very lethargic and stiff in the end. I need some advise on how to ensure his recovery. Please email me, I'd appreciate it.
Jeanette Ellis

[michael jones]

There is some really useful information about the acupuncture and acupuncture points here! Thank you for that!

[Dana all about Skin Care Drewer]

With the proper method of stimulation, acupuncture pressure points help to restore the flow of qi through your body, helping you to overcome the illness or condition that you are facing.

[Hilary]

Kelly, I read about your experiences with ERU and Bailey. Your use of haliotis powder on him seems nothing short of miraculous. I have a horse, 17 years old, who has bouts every six weeks. We cannot afford the operation, plus your earlier post said you'd already done that, and the ERU still returned. I want to do everything I can to stop him going blind - where did you get the powder and is it still working for Bailey?

[Hilary]

Just adding a more sensible contact page!