Page 23 - June 2007 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper The Game, June 2007 23
What is Acupuncture?
The word "Acupuncture" has recently raised and lowered many horse owners' eyebrows. Some people swear by it, others shake their heads. Acupuncture, is Latin, meaning, acus=needle, puncturea=puncture). It is an ancient art of healing that has thrived thousands of years because of its effectiveness in treating a number of common and not so common illnesses. Acupuncture first came to the West in the early 1900s, via France from China and gradually spread to other European countries. Acupuncture became well known throughout Europe but curiously it did not become popular in North America until Richard Nixon's trip to China in the early 1970's. His adventures in China sparked widespread interest in Chinese customs & beliefs. Richard Nixon was the first president in decades to travel to China thus opening the door to diplomatic relations with the largest country on earth.
That same year, a famous American commentator named James Reston was visiting Peking, China with his wife. He was stricken with an acute appendicitis attack and required emergency surgery. Two days later, he suffered from post operative abdominal pain. He was then treated using acupuncture and moxibustion at points near the knees and elbow. He was amazed by the considerable level of pain relief achieved in the abdomen even though the doctors never touched the abdomen. The Restons traveled throughout China following his recovery; visiting hospitals where acupuncture was being used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Upon his return home, he wrote a story about his experiences in China, in the New York Times. This sparked tremendous public interest and professional attention in acupuncture. This combined with Nixon's visit to China ushered in a new awareness of the Chinese culture to the US and the Western world. As a result of these two events a greater number of Westerners have begun to study and practice the ancient art of acupuncture.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a technique for treating certain painful conditions, both muscular-skeletal and visceral (internal organs) imbalances. By puncturing specific points on the body and stimulating
them, this produces regional anesthesia, (opiates and natural anti-inflammatory) which naturally reduces inflammation and pain.
According to many Eastern beliefs, good health is the result of a continuous circulation of energy called Qi (pronounced Chee), throughout the body. Qi flows through the body along 14 pathways known as meridians. If there is an interruption of the smooth flow of this energy or Qi, it will cause a blockage which may manifest itself as muscular pain, better known as big knots, or internal imbalances. By puncturing these specific spots on the surface on the body it will stimulate these meridians. Each meridian is connected to an organ (heart, lungs, spleen, bladder, large & small intestines, liver, gall bladder, pericardium, triple warmer (three levels of the abdomen), stomach, and spleen). You can affect the organs to which it is connected to or the physical area in which the meridian travels thru.
China and other eastern countries have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for centuries. The
first original tool used to puncture points on the skin were needles made out of bone and then stone. Later, they were made in bronze or silver. Today in modern times, acupuncturists use sterilized stainless steel disposable needles.
Acupuncture has created great interest in the equine industry. It has been steadily growing in popularity over the last ten years. Most professional sports teams have incorporated acupuncture as a part of their regular treatment modalities. Many believe acupuncture is only used to relieve only pain. However, acupuncture goes far beyond the relief of pain. It is used to enhance the healing on many conditions. Dr. Schoen a veterinary acupuncturist and alternative therapist, (in Sherman Conn.), states many conditions can successfully be treated, using acupuncture combined with allopathic medication and treatments. It is for this reason I feel the best results come when veterinarian and acupuncturist work together. Here are is a list of condition type's ailments that are effectively treated using acupuncture:
1. Changes a troubled performance to a winning performance by improving the animal. 2. Changes sour attitudes to positive ones
3. Help mares with their PMS, and any reproductive problems.
4. Stop bleeding
5. Treat any lameness, injuries,
neurological problems and many other conditions. My experience, with acupuncture is that it is the
best treatment, when dealing with any type of muscle condition.
Presently acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one quarter of the world's population. Not one mechanism can explain all the physiological effects observed. This lack of concrete explanation causes some to disbelieve and doubt.
Acupuncture is being utilized by a number of suc- cessful horse trainers and owners all over the world. For additional information on the benefits of
acupuncture call Martin ME Beals BA D.Ac, 905.803~8629 or visit www.Equineacupunctureworks.com
Eurico Da Silva, celebrates his win aboard You Will Love Me, in the $125,000 Lady Angela Stakes at Woodbine on May 26. It was the first stakes win for breeder/owner William Jones. The 3-year-old Ontario bred filly by One Way Love - Trinnon is trained by Earl Barnett.
Sky Conqueror Wins at Churchill
The William Sorokolit Sr. bred and owned Sky Conqueror overtaking the field in a terrific rally to win the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Derby Day May 5.
Trained by Darwin Banach, the 5-year-old Ontario bred horse by Sky Classic - Heavenly Ballerina went to his knees at the start of the race and after a wide trip, complete with some bumping and drifting, closed determinedly on the outside to surge in front of Brilliantly to win by a nose at the wire.
Sky Conqueror to Belmont
Although Sky Conqueror was nominated to four other races for his next start including the G3 Connaught Cup on the turf at Woodbine, the connections chose the Grade 1 Manhattan Stakes at Belmont on June 9 for his next appearance.
Darwin mentioned in an on-air interview on the Score that the Connaught (at 1 1/16 miles) would be shortening him up after his 1 1/8 mile Woodford win. The $400,000 Manhattan Stakes is a mile and a quarter on the turf.
Photo - Cindy Pierson Dulay www.horse-races.net