September 2021
Holistic Horsekeeping
How to have a healthy happy horse.
Volume 26, Number 9
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In This Issue:
1. Pain explained with Traditional Chinese Medicine
2. Is your horse the perfect match for you and his job?
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1. Pain explained with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ever wonder why the miracle product that works on so many horses’ does not do a thing for your horse? Or why the wonder cure you found and shared with all your friends did not help their horses one little bit. The reason is not all pain is the same. Western Medicine tends to lump all pain symptoms together and treat them the same. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides types of pain into 5 types and treats each type quite differently.
According to TCM, except for acute injury, all pain is the result of an underlying weakness in the immune system. A healthy body should have an abundance of defensive Qi(Wei Qi) circulating through the meridians to protect against external pathogens such as Wind, Cold and Damp. Qi represents the life force of the body and meridians are the pathways through which this energy flows. TCM looks at pathogens like Wind, Cold, Heat, and Damp where Western Medicine looks at viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Anyone who has experienced the achy joints and muscles with the flu, a sinus headache or Lyme’s disease understands how viruses, bacteria and parasites can cause pain.
Pain in TCM is referred to a Bi Syndrome. Bi means obstruction in the meridians caused by the invasion of Wind, Cold and Damp. Bi syndrome may show as pain, soreness, numbness, or swelling of the joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Western Medicine would label these conditions as rheumatism, arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, etc.
The 5 types of pain according to TCM are Wandering Bi(Wind), Painful Bi(Cold), Fixed Bi(Damp), Febrile Bi(Heat) and Bony Bi(long standing Damp).
I will take each one of these and explore the best prevention and treatment options.
Wandering Bi acts like wind with rapid onset of pain that moves around in the body. The soreness and pain can be in the joints or muscles and movement will be limited. Western Medicine would look at this type of pain as fibromyalgia or sciatica. Chronic infections such as Lyme’s disease can cause this kind of presentation. This is the horse that is off but for no apparent reason. Lameness exams can be frustrating in that flexion tests and blocking will not identify the area of pain.
Treatment and prevention for Wandering Bi include protection from the wind by providing good shelter or blanketing. Nutritional support that targets the immune system would include Immubiome Immune, an algae mushroom blend or Citrus CQ, chia seeds for fatty acids and minerals to support the skin, connective tissues, and joints. Di magnesium malate can also be helpful for muscle soreness.
Contains the mushrooms, Turkey Tail and Loin’s mane. Turkey Tail is high in polypeptide’s It helps modulate and balance the immune system. It also scavenges free-radical oxidizing compounds. Loin’s mane is a neuroprotective and synthesizes Nerve Growth Factors. Probiotics and First Day Bovine Colostrum provide additional immune support by supporting and healing the gut.
Contains Reishi mushroom as an immune stimulant and analgesic, Astragalus root as a general tonic to build stamina and vitality, Beta Glucan to trigger T cell activity, Maitake mushroom for anti-viral and anti-bacterial actions, Shitake mushroom for liver detoxification, Agaricus mushroom for general anti-microbial action, Turkey Tail for immune support, Cordyceps mushroom for cellular energy production, and Blue Green algae for micronutrient content and to increase T cells.
Contains natural forms of Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and Quercitin, all of which act as a powerful antioxidants.
Glucosamine based joint supplements or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will not give the desired pain relief with early signs of Wandering Bi. Here are some products to consider in early cases of Wandering Bi.
Contains the powerful nerve healing mushroom, Lion’s Mane. By acting as a neurologist protectant this powerful mushroom heals irritated nerve endings. This product is especially valuable for horse who resist moving forward with ease.
Contains King Trumpet mushrooms which has high levels of L-ergothionrine to decrease inflammation, Antrodia mushroom for liver and kidney support and mild liver detoxification, Lion’s Mane mushroom for nerve healing, Reishi mushroom as an analgesic, cordyceps for cellular energy colostrum and probiotics for gut support and healing.
As the Wandering Bi syndrome develops the Wind can transform into heat and manifest as inflammation. At this time Wandering Bi may respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine based joint supplements but the underlying cause will not be eliminated. The homeopathic remedy, Pulsatilla, can be helpful. Acupressure points would include LI 11, TH 5, GV 14, BL 11 and 12, GB 39.
2. Is your horse the perfect match for you and his job?
If you are a horse lover, you have probably experienced the pain and frustration of finding “the perfect horse”, only to discover later that the two of you are a poor match. This approach looks at horses in a whole new way. Just as with humans, these wonderful creatures have different constitutions and personalities that can be defined and evaluated.
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine as her model, Dr. Ward has developed 5 basic types and 6 combo horse types and temperaments. She describes the personality as well as the best training, occupation, diet, and management approach for each. After experiencing years of frustration with her own poor equine matches and watching hundreds of clients in similar situations, Dr. Ward has dedicated herself to creating a practical approach to creating a stronger partnership with your horse.
Our goal is to empower you to recognize your most fitting equine companion – or learn how better to work, live, and play with the horse you already care for. She hopes this will be a significant step toward helping you to understand your horse better and realize your lifelong equestrian dreams.
Our horses give us so much, now you can give them what they need. Find the right balancing formula to help him be happy & healthy.
Click on the link below to learn more about the temperaments and discover which one your horse might be. http://www.horsetemperament.com
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