Coupling Equine Nutrition & Acupuncture

Integrated medical care for horses has been shown to not only enhance their overall performance in competition, but benefit their everyday well being. According to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Association, acupuncture can be effective to both prevent illness and treat specific equine health concerns that relate to nutritional deficiencies and stamina. Together, personalized acupuncture and equine nutrition plans can elevate a horse’s performance and stamina.

Horses require specific nutritional considerations to maintain the level of fitness they are regularly involved in. Specialized supplements and nutraceuticals are ideal to assist a horse’s transitioning exercise requirements while training for a race, on the day of the race, or when they are on vacation from competition. When a horse exercises consistently throughout the day, both pre- and post dietary choices will present a significantly positive impact on the horse’s overall stamina.

When a horse is lacking in specific aspects of nutrition or supplementation of nutrients, it is unable to keep up endurance and beat exercise fatigue. Like humans, when blood sugar is not stabilized or commensurate with activity levels, excessive stress can signal an inflammatory response in horses. When blood sugar fluctuates regularly, pre-diabetes could be on the horizon as an equine health complication. Balancing blood sugar via nutrients, nutraceuticals, and acupuncture all assist in maintaining overall health, disease prevention, and keeping fatigue at bay.

When coupled with nutrition, acupuncture can be a powerful, lasting force for equine stamina. Because musculoskeletal fatigue from loading activities cannot be measured while a horse is engaged, preventive nutrition and acupuncture are ideal for maintaining tissue integrity and preventing injury. From nose to tail, the benefits can include improved range of motion, reduced inflammation of tendons, ligaments and joints that may have suffered from competition and exercise are improved, hoof protection, and injury prevention. Occasionally accidents happen and animals become injured. When horses suffer an injury, immediate acupuncture and nutritional therapy can reduce the inflammatory response, regulate pain and advance the healing process without delay.

Your horse’s nutrition cannot be overlooked. Talk to your experienced veterinarian about how you can develop a dynamic integrative care plan to improve your horse’s wellness with acupuncture and nutrition.

Sources:
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, “Veterinary Acupuncture.”
Hoskins, Liz, “Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Horses: An Interview with Gloria Garland.”
Blaney Flietner, Maureen, “The Conservative Approach for Healing Horses.”