Are you looking for a non-invasive way to promote health and wellness in your horse while strengthening your connection? Acupressure is a form of bodywork which has been practiced for over 4,000 years as a genre of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Using a gentle touch on specialized pressure points of your horse’s body, many equestrians have found acupressure to be beneficial to their horses.
Linda Crabtree, a Reiki Teacher/Practitioner and Nationally Certified Equine Acupressure Practitioner at Circle of Peace, explains, “Acupressure is a healing technique that treats the body as a whole – the mind, body, and soul – not just a certain part of the body or the one that is most compromised, sick, or injured.”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the mind, body and soul are all connected. An imbalance with one can affect the health of another. “For example, if an equine is on stall rest for a physical concern such as a tendon or ligament injury, over time, it can upset the equine’s emotional health as well. The equine may become depressed, agitated, or aggressive. On the other hand, if an equine is fearful or depressed, this emotional behavior, if not identified or addressed, may eventually affect the physical welfare of the equine, for instance, pain in the body,” says Linda.
“TCM also considers the relationship between the internal elements of the body – the blood, chi (energy), nutrients, organs, tissues, and emotions and the external elements of the body – the living and working environment, weather, exercise, nutrition, and relationships,” she continues. “A body that is both balanced within itself and with the external elements is one of health and one that is able to heal and defend itself against disease and illness. If the body is out of balance, there tends to be illness, suffering and/or disease.” In this blog, we seek to understand a bit more about the acupressure healing modality and how we can integrate it into our horses’ wellness regimes.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure helps to restore, replenish, and maintain the natural balance and harmony of the whole body by using light pressure or touch on key points (acupoints) on the surface of the skin. “When these acupoints are stimulated, it promotes the circulation of chi (energy), blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The immune system becomes stronger and less stressed. The increase in circulation at the acupoints causes the muscles to relax and encourages healing,” Linda explains.
Acupressure is a preventative therapy that maintains wellness of the body. An experienced equine acupressure practitioner can also detect imbalances in the body, assisting the body in averting illness and chronic conditions.
Typically, acupressure is used as a complementary therapy to western medicine. It can be used with a veterinarian’s recommendation to promote recovery from an injury in conjunction with more traditional therapies. Linda gave us this example of Western and Eastern medicines working in unison: “When my horse, Ka.Wa, had a bout of laminitis several years ago, the veterinarian prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication for the pain and inflammation, along with cold hosing the hoof twice a day. I also provided acupressure to him twice a day on three points above the coronary band on the hoof. I also supported the other hoof with acupressure on these points in case of any compensation. When the veterinarian returned to the barn in seven days to see Ka.Wa, she was amazed at how quickly his pulse had returned to normal.”
The Benefits of Acupressure
According to the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, acupressure has a myriad of benefits for our equine companions, “Acupressure has been shown to strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones; release natural cortisone to reduce inflammation and swelling [in the body]; resolve injuries more readily by increasing blood flow to remove toxins; release endorphins to increase energy and reduce pain; and enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance.”
The modality promotes relaxation which reduces muscle tension. When the body relaxes, the mind relaxes. When the mind relaxes, the horse, pony, donkey, or mule experiences a decline in angst and fear.
The stimulation of the acupoints has been shown to release endorphins, which help to relieve pain, as well as a natural hormone, cortisone, which reduces swelling and inflammation. In addition, acupressure strengthens the immune system and promotes the healing process, Linda explains, “When an acupoint is pressed, toxins are released from the body and blood flows more freely. This encourages healing and recovery and boosts the body’s resistance to illness.”
The Basics of Acupressure
Acupressure is an incredible way for equestrians to take a larger role in the health of their equine. It is simple to do, it is effective, and it is empowering to be able to offer relief.
“The healing touch of acupressure is safe to do as long as you follow the instructions on how to locate the acupoints and how to apply acupressure, paying attention to the contraindications for working on equines,” explains Linda.
First, working with an educated acupressure practitioner or utilizing an acupuncture guide, locate the appropriate acupoints for your horse. There are a number of different points on the body, with each of them translating to a different function. Some acupoints are beneficial for all horses, while others assist with specific areas such as back pain, ulcers, digestive issues, etc. Take the time to locate the right acupoints for your horse and mark them on your horse if necessary.
Then, make sure that you and your horse are in a safe, comfortable environment where your horse can relax and trust you. “When working with horses, I choose a quiet location, with little to no distractions,” Linda explains. “It is also important to choose a time that the equine and his or her herd mates are not being turned in or turned out, or expecting grain or hay.”
Before starting the acupressure work, calm your mind and body, then breathe deeply a few times before you place your hands on the horse. According to Linda, “It is imperative that you do not apply acupressure when you are tired, angry, unsettled, or in a rush. It is essential to focus and be with your equine completely.”
Nancy Zidonis, the founder of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, says introducing acupressure to your horse is a simple process,“Using 1-2 pounds of pressure, place the soft, fleshy part of the tip of your thumb on the acupoint at about a 90-degree angle. Count to 30 very slowly while applying pressure or until your horse gives evidence of releasing energy. An energetic release would be licking, yawning, stretching, lowering of the head, or passing gas. Remember to repeat this procedure with each acupoint and on both sides of the horse.”
Small Steps to Big Changes
Incorporating acupressure into your horse’s wellness regime is a proactive approach to their health. “For example, if you find that your horse has back pain, there are acupoints that you can press to help your horse to relax and reduce muscle tension, thus reducing back pain,” explains Linda. “This anticipatory response to your horse’s pain could prevent a bigger problem down the road.” In addition to the physical benefits, acupressure also enhances and strengthens the connection between the equine and their caretaker..
Are you considering integrating acupressure into your horse health regime? We carry a selection of acupressure resources, including the incredible reference guide Acupressure for Horses that helps you walk through the process and locate the proper acupoints.
Please note: Acupressure is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a veterinarian. In case of emergency, follow your veterinarian’s advice and recommendations. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace regular veterinary care.