Research on TCVM
Anhidrosis:
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Anhidrosis is a significant concern in areas such as Florida, where it is suspected to be an issue for more than 11% of horses, with increased numbers in the southern part of the state, such as Wellington, where we are located. Evidence suggests that anhidrosis was decreased using Chinese herbal medicine with acupuncture focusing on the Yin deficiency with dry needle, hemoacupuncture, and electroacupuncture. It is recommended to start these treatments in the early stages of anhidrosis for the best results, but through this study, results were still seen in horses years after their diagnosis. This study used terbutaline to study the increased sweating response from traditional Chinese medicine as it is a potent vasodilator that can temporarily induce sweating but has a short reaction period. The vasodilation effects from acupuncture, which can last for several days, work to increase sweating volume and are easier to study when being recorded through its additive effects with terbutaline to produce a sweating response in one location to control the results. Acupuncture has a lasting impact on sweating responses, which can be amplified through continuous usage to promote sweating in horses with anhidrosis.
Fertility​:
Acupuncture has been used to increase fertility by decreasing inflammation and inducing the exfoliation of cells that can lead to endometriosis. When using Western medicine, in addition to a tailored acupuncture protocol that is specific to the patient, fertility issues can be diagnosed and treated to increase rates of conception. The effects of acupuncture on humans and other animals have more results as there are often more patients available to study, such as cattle, which have had pregnancy rates over 70% when using aquapuncture on animals that previously had not conceived after multiple attempts. It is difficult for research studies to determine the exact efficacy of acupuncture protocols as they are most effective when tailored to each patient instead of being used as a blanket treatment that can be quantified. This reasoning is mirrored in multiple articles and explains the need for educated technicians for the best results. When successful, acupuncture can be used to treat or prevent “anestrus, retained corpus luteum, urine pooling, uterine fluid, vaginitis, abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, uterine prolapse, cryptorchidism, and decreased libido in stallions.”
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