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.
Highlights
Historical introduction to veterinary acupuncture: Veterinary acupuncture as a component of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) has been used to treat animal disease for thousands of years [1]
This study indicates that the acupoints and techniques used did not affect luteolysis and had negligible effect on the resolution of pyometra, it being a disease of diestrus. These results suggest that a sole acupuncture approach without determining the TCVM disease pattern, with or without the integration of conventional therapies, was insufficient
Significantly higher expression levels of pinopode-related markers were observed in the treated group compared to the control model group. They concluded that electroacupuncture had a positive effect on the endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation
Summary
Historical introduction to veterinary acupuncture: Veterinary acupuncture as a component of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) has been used to treat animal disease for thousands of years [1]. It was not until relatively recent international attention was given to its therapeutic values that its use made significant advances outside the Far East [2]. 282, the Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) first reported the use of acupuncture for infertility. We will systematically review reports on the use of veterinary acupuncture related to animal reproduction/theriogenology within the available databases. We will review reports on the influence of acupuncture on pain associated with reproductive surgery, and on the use of acupuncture for maternal lactation
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