You may recall my blog about Meindert, my wonderful Friesian, who needed a bone scan last February after falling on a trail. Fortunately, the bone scan showed no sign of injury, but he was sore, none-the-less. To help with his pain, Meindert has been receiving acupuncture treatments from Dr. Rosemary Ganser, a veterinarian who has been practicing acupuncture for twelve years. A horse doesn't always take kindly to acupuncture needles, but Meindert seems rather relaxed, as you can tell from these photos and he also appears to be feeling better.
Betsy asked me to mention Courtney King-Dye, one of America's top dressage riders, who has been in a coma following a riding accident on March 4th. Our thoughts are with Courtney and her family and we are sending healing energy her way.
Rosemary has been practicing acupuncture for 12 years.
Rosemary follows Chinese acupuncture maps dating from 1500AD.
Betsy holding the reins while Rosemary gently inserts the acupuncture needles into Meindert’s bone and hip points.
The needles used in equine acupuncture are the same grade as for humans.
This needle is in Meindert’s thigh.
Ramon watches with great curiosity.
Meindert begins to really relax.
Depending on how Meindert responds, Rosemary will come back in 4 to 6 weeks for another treatment.
Meindert lowers his head, showing how relaxed he feels.
Betsy is very happy to see that Meindert is enjoying his treatment.
Very serene
This is what the acupuncture needles look like.
These two supplements are often used with acupuncture and are injected through the needles. Sarapin, derived from the pitcher plant, blocks pain. Vitamin B12 boosts energy and helps to form new red blood cells.
This is a cold therapeutic laser. Rosemary uses it to stimulate the acupuncture points, so that the needles can be more effective.
An example of an acupuncture map
Dr. Xie is a highly regarded expert of veterinary acupuncture.
Checking Meindert’s pulse
This is Dr. Rosemary Ganser sensing Meindert’s temperament that day.
Meindert’s ear temperature is a bit warmer with this visit. That means he has better energy.
The needles remain in the horse for about 10 minutes.
Dr. Xie has a line of herbal supplements. He is a fifth-generation herbalist.
The label is a lovely Chinese watercolor.
The powder is a mixture of several Chinese herbs. Cinnamon is also listed, which has been used throughout history for its amazing medicinal properties.
Meindert is also given dulcamara, a homeopathic remedy for joint pain.
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