ACUPUNCTURE (from Lat. acus, "needle", and pungere, "prick") is a technique of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being, e.g. treating pain. The definition and characterization of these points is standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China and is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Different types of acupuncture
(Japanese, Korean, and classical Chinese acupuncture) are practiced and taught throughout the world.

For the lay-person the theory of acupuncture can be confusing, at best. Disease, or "dis-ease", is most often caused by stagnation. For instance, imagine a free-flowing river, cutting its way through a pristine valley. The clear, cool, oxygenated water is clean, there is no algae build-up, it teems with fish, and provides water and food for the area's wildlife. There is no stagnation. Then, humans come along and dam the river to create a lake. Soon, algae begins building up along the shore. Fish accustomed to a free-flowing river die due to the lower oxygen levels, thus further polluting the area. Wildlife will instinctually avoid the diseased area. It isn't long before the entire river valley is polluted and changed.

The body is transversed by many "meridians" (think of them as rivers) which transport "Qi" (what the Chinese call our life-force) across and throughout the body. When they flow freely, like the river in the valley, there is well-being and the area through which is traverses is disease-free. A meridian can become blocked, or dammed, in various ways such as, but not limited to: injury, deficiency or excess, weather changes, pollution, environment, chemicals, aging, emotions, food and diet, and (physical, mental, and/or emotional) stress. When the meridian cannot flow freely, stagnation and dis-ease occur.

Acupuncture uses filiform needles to move Qi at the places it has stagnated, most often at "acupoints". Acupoints are designated places on the body which can positively affect Qi and its flow. Once the flow is restored, health returns.

Scientists are studying the mechanisms and efficacy of acupuncture. According to the protocols of evidence-based medicine, there is good evidence that acupuncture is extremely effective in treating nausea, chronic low back pain, neck pain, and headache. The WHO, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association (AMA) and various government reports have also studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture. There is general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners.

Needle-phobic people and horses need not worry! Acupuncture uses "filiform" needles, or needles that have a solid shaft and are often thinner than a human hair! These needles are unique in that they cause no tissue damage when inserted, unlike hypodermic needles which are used to inject substances and must "carve out" a place for the injection to be inserted. For most people, acupuncture is a pain-free, soothing, and relaxing experience. Horses are often more needle-phobic than their humans, and no amount of convincing, bribes, or treats will make it otherwise. For equine patients, we utilize the pain-free Respond Laser 2400XL to stimulate acupoints and provide treatment.

Due to Florida laws and limits, as of December 2007 and as interpreted by certain law groups, invasive EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE (using filiform acupuncture needles or hypodermic needles) may only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or Board Certified Acupuncture Physician. However, Centaur BodyWorks chooses to employ the use of the Respond Laser 2400XL for all of its equine acupuncture. The risks associated with this laser are very minimal, unless it is directed at the eyes for a length of time or it is used as a bludgeoning instrument (not likely). The Respond Laser 2400XL is considered a Class IIIb laser, which is classified by the FDA as a non-significant risk device. By using the Respond Laser 2400XL, our equine acupuncture is considered non-invasive, thereby further decreasing any risks associated with treatment. Please visit www.respondsystems.com for more information about the Respond lasers.


ALWAYS ASK your Acu-Pro where he/she went to school and what type of degree they have. To legally practice Acupuncture in Florida, your Acu-Pro MUST have a minimum of a MASTERS in Oriental Medicine (a 5+ year program) from an accredited college. Look for the following titles behind their last name: DOM, OMD, AP, Lic. AP, Dipl. OM, and Dipl. CH. If they do not have these, chances are they are NOT Board Certified or licensed Acupuncture Physicians.

DO NOT BE FOOLED by people touting that they are "Certified in Acupuncture". These people have gone to a "weekend" course AND ARE NOT LEGALLY CERTIFIED TO TREAT PATIENTS! They DO NOT have malpractice insurance for acupuncture incidents and there is NO RECOURSE for you if a problem occurs!

EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE DISCLAIMER
Centaur BodyWorks Equine Therapy is not a licensed veterinary service and cannot be held responsible for the primary care of clients' horses. Any diagnosis or evaluation should not be considered a western medical diagnosis, and these services should not take the place of regular check-ups by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinations or de-worming. Centaur BodyWorks believes annual check-ups and routine vaccinations, dental work and de-worming by a licensed veterinarian are a necessary part of your horse's care and cannot be substituted with Traditional Chinese Medicine. By contracting our services, the owner/ rider/ client agrees to continue regular veterinary care, to consult with a veterinarian when recommended by our therapists, and understands the limitations and restrictions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the United States. Under no circumstance will Centaur BodyWorks knowingly override the diagnosis or care of a licensed veterinarian. Unless noted, all equine acupuncture is performed solely with non-invasive Laser therapy. CLICK HERE to read our SCOPE OF PRACTICE section under PATIENT INFORMATION.