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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture in Theriogenology.
Veterinary sciences2022; 9(2); doi: 10.3390/vetsci9020053

Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture in Theriogenology.

Abstract: Historical evidence of acupuncture predates written history. It has been a component of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine for many generations and is officially recognized in recorded history for treating equine disease in the Zhou Dynasty, circa 1050 BC. Drawing from a range of searchable databases, we present the use of veterinary acupuncture related to theriogenology. We touch on human-based medicine only as an introduction to current uses within veterinary medical acupuncture. This review is confined to the use of acupuncture encompassing dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, and the few reports of laserpuncture. Starting with acupuncture's influence on the master organs of reproduction, the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, we then review reports specific to the gonads-ovaries and testicles-and then its influences on the uterus. From there, we review reports on the influence of acupuncture on pain associated with reproductive surgery, and finally, on the use of acupuncture for maternal lactation. Based on published reports, we conclude that acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many situations as a treatment for infertility and/or reproductive tract disfunction, resulting in improvements in both female and male patients.
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Publication Date: 2022-01-28 PubMed ID: 35202306PubMed Central: PMC8880739DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020053Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article essentially presents an overview of how acupuncture, a traditional Chinese veterinary practice, has been effective in treating issues related to animal reproduction (theriogenology). It touches upon the use of acupuncture methods such as dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture and laserpuncture on reproductive organs, problems of infertility, discomfort related to reproductive surgery and difficulties with maternal lactation.

Historical Background of Acupuncture

  • The article begins by providing a historical context of acupuncture dating back to the Zhou Dynasty around 1050 BC when it was used for treating equine disease.
  • The use of acupuncture has extended beyond human medicine and has been a staple intervention in the veterinary field for many years, especially in theriogenology (study of animal reproduction).

Acupuncture Techniques in Theriogenology

  • Techniques reviewed in the article encompass dry needling (inserting an acupuncture needle to elicit a healing response), electroacupuncture (where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles), aquapuncture (injecting a liquid into acupuncture points) and a few instances of laserpuncture (where laser beams are used instead of traditional needles).

Acupuncture Effects on Reproductive Organs

  • The article presents how acupuncture can have effects on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—the master glands of reproduction, as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis—a hormonal system that plays a crucial role in reproduction and development.
  • Furthermore, the effectiveness of acupuncture on primary reproductive organs like the ovaries and testicles is discussed.

Using Acupuncture for Reproductive Surgery and Maternal Lactation

  • The researchers show the use of acupuncture in managing pain linked to reproductive surgery, thus indicating its potential as an alternative or supplement to conventional anesthetics or painkillers.
  • Connections between acupuncture and improvements in maternal lactation are also explored, showing its potential benefits in issues regarding nursing.

Evidence-Based Application in Infertility and Reproductive Tract Dysfunction

  • The conclusion draws on multiple published reports to demonstrate how the evidence-based application of acupuncture has shown effectiveness in treating infertility and reproductive tract dysfunctions in both male and female.
  • Such application suggests the value of incorporating traditional practices like acupuncture into modern veterinary practices, especially in the field of theriogenology.

Cite This Article

APA
Holyoak GR, Ma A. (2022). Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture in Theriogenology. Vet Sci, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020053

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 2

Researcher Affiliations

Holyoak, Gilbert Reed
  • Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
Ma, Aituan
  • Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding 071001, China.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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