Veterinary acutherapy in management of musculoskeletal disorders: An eye-opener to the developing countries’ veterinarians

Abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believed that the maintenance of the health status of any individual or animal is by the harmonious flow of Chi (life force) along a pathway known as meridian. Interruption or blockage of the Chi brings about disorders, pain and diseases. Acutherapy therefore aims at correcting the interruption or blockage of the harmonious flow of Chi along its meridian to restore the healthy condition of the body system. This correction could be accomplished by either acupuncture or acupressure and are both collectively referred to as acutherapy. This form of therapy has been used in both human and animal for several decades. It is however just gaining popularity in the treatment of human and still not yet in practice among veterinarians for animal patients in most developing countries like Nigeria. This review therefore aimed at exposing veterinarians from the developing countries to general application of acutherapy with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and associated pain where it is most applied. It is highly recommended that the Universities where Veterinary Medicine is studied in developing countries should endeavour to train their Veterinary surgeons in this area and see to how acutherapy can be included in the curriculum.

Keywords

• acupressure
• acupuncture
• acutherapy
• musculoskeletal
• veterinary