Inspiritus Equine, Inc.
Integrated Soundness Solutions (sm)
...Reveal the Equus Within!
Dr. Joanna Robson, DVM, CVSMT, CMP, VA, SFT
707-738-7110
Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific
method resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic (balancing) effect.  The Chinese people
discovered 361 acupoints in people and 173 acupoints in animals.

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years.  The first textbook on
veterinary acupuncture was believed to have been written by Dr. Bo Le (659 B.C. - 621 B.C.).  
Acupuncture is part of the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of
free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation of acupoints
results in release of neurotransmitters that nullify pain.  Acupuncture as pain relief is well
-documented in scientific studies.

The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi, which is
the life force or vital energy of the being.  There are two opposite forms of Chi - Yin and Yang.  
When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor, the balance is lost and disease may
occur.  Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture restores this flow to enable
the body to heal itself, and to balance yin and yang.


Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be very safe, and over 95% of
patients are very comfortable with treatment.  Only licensed veterinarians
are eligible to practice acupuncture in most states.  A series of 3-10 treatments
may be required depending on the disease being treated.
CHINESE ELEMENT PERSONALITY TYPES:

WOOD: The dominant "general". Likes to take charge, can be
aggressive, generally tolerant of needling. A "Yang" animal
with brilliance and energy. Some warmbloods, dominant
mares, dominant Thoroughbreds.

FIRE: Friendly, vocal, out-going, loves to be petted and be the
center of attention. Very sensitive and not usually tolerant of
needling.

EARTH: Laid-back, easy-going, mellow. Your happy-go-lucky
Quarterhorses. You'd trust your 2-year-old niece on this one...

METAL: Aloof, organized, loves routine.  Can take you or leave
you, but is typically tolerant of needling. Can be Yin or Yang
type.

WATER: Fearful, hates the veterinarian, eye-rollers. Will go to
the backs of their stalls.
Joanna Robson, DVM,
CVSMT, CMP, VA, SFT
707-738-7110