An Acupuncturist in my Stable
You may recall my blog about Meindert, my wonderful Friesian, who needed a bone scan last February after falling on a trail. Fortunately, the bone scan showed no sign of injury, but he was sore, none-the-less. To help with his pain, Meindert has been receiving acupuncture treatments from Dr. Rosemary Ganser, a veterinarian who has been practicing acupuncture for twelve years. A horse doesn't always take kindly to acupuncture needles, but Meindert seems rather relaxed, as you can tell from these photos and he also appears to be feeling better.
Betsy asked me to mention Courtney King-Dye, one of America's top dressage riders, who has been in a coma following a riding accident on March 4th. Our thoughts are with Courtney and her family and we are sending healing energy her way.
1 This is Dr. Rosemary Ganser sensing Meindert's temperament that day.
2 Betsy holding the reins while Rosemary gently inserts the acupuncture needles into Meindert's bone and hip points.
3 Rosemary follows Chinese acupuncture maps dating from 1500AD.
4 Rosemary has been practicing acupuncture for 12 years.
5 The needles remain in the horse for about 10 minutes.
6 The needles used in equine acupuncture are the same grade as for humans.
7 This needle is in Meindert's thigh.
8 Checking Meindert's pulse
9 Meindert's ear temperature is a bit warmer with this visit. That means he has better energy.
10 Ramon watches with great curiosity.
11 Meindert begins to really relax.
12 Depending on how Meindert responds, Rosemary will come back in 4 to 6 weeks for another treatment.
13 Meindert lowers his head, showing how relaxed he feels.
14 Very serene
15 Betsy is very happy to see that Meindert is enjoying his treatment.
16 This is what the acupuncture needles look like.
17 These two supplements are often used with acupuncture and are injected through the needles. Sarapin, derived from the pitcher plant, blocks pain. Vitamin B12 boosts energy and helps to form new red blood cells.
18 This is a cold therapeutic laser. Rosemary uses it to stimulate the acupuncture points, so that the needles can be more effective.
19 Dr. Xie is a highly regarded expert of veterinary acupuncture.
20 An example of an acupuncture map
21 Dr. Xie has a line of herbal supplements. He is a fifth-generation herbalist.
22 The label is a lovely Chinese watercolor.
23 The powder is a mixture of several Chinese herbs. Cinnamon is also listed, which has been used throughout history for its amazing medicinal properties.
24 Meindert is also given dulcamara, a homeopathic remedy for joint pain.
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OMG! I have never seen anything like this! That is incredible! You have the most well cared for animals. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished Martha! Good for you for being such a good example to others!
Dan Viger
http://www.meandmartha.net
Hollis center Maine
Posted by: daniel Viger | March 19th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Martha,
I have never heard of acupuncture on animals, and find the concept a wonderful idea since it is such a noteable measure used in the treatment of humans. I hope Meindert responds well for a full and complete recovery
Many prayers for Courtney King-Dey and her family.
Posted by: Becky HK | March 19th, 2010 at 12:53 am
hope the horse is feeling much better.
Posted by: Nan | March 19th, 2010 at 6:01 am
We are hearing Courtney has opened her eyes and is following objects with her eyes as well.
Posted by: Priscilla Wormwood | March 19th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Thanks for the in-depth write up and pictures on this acupuncture session. How very interesting! I am curious why the needles aren't longer since horses are so much bigger than people. I was also wondering if they followed the same map as on people but you explained that by showing the Chinese veterinary book. That is a very cool medicine jar. I would love to have one of those in my old tins collection. What other ingredients are in the powder?
I love your horses, BTW.
Posted by: Fantastyk Voyager | March 19th, 2010 at 8:44 am
That is good news about Courtney. Sending thoughts and prayers her way for a full recovery.
Posted by: Fantastyk Voyager | March 19th, 2010 at 8:45 am
For several years I've been taking my dogs to a holistic vet that uses acupuncture as a treatment option. I became interested in this option because I've been using acupuncture as my primary form of health care for 7 years. I struggled with ulcerative colitis for 5 years and became frustrated because the western therapies weren't working for me. I tried acupuncture (thinking I'd believe it when I saw it) and to my suprise it worked miraculously on treating my symptoms! And come to find out, it works just as well on my dogs!
We're really glad to see that Martha's horses are benefitting from this wonderful therapy as well.
Posted by: Loni Benfield | March 19th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Fascinating - thank you very much for letting us be there for the treatment. Meindart's relaxed posture certainly says it all. I've not had cause to use acupuncture on my own equines but would not hesitate to as a supplemental treatment. What we won't do for our animals...
Posted by: the 7msn ranch | March 19th, 2010 at 9:09 am
I have long used acupuncture on my 18h Hanoverian for years! It is simply put - wonderful for him. I also use a lot of homopatic treatments. So glad you found someone to help Meindart. Keep the treatments up!
Posted by: jamie | March 19th, 2010 at 9:32 am
I have seen it in person, while I was in college at the University of Florida, one of our (Equine Sciences) classes was dedicated to this subject and I enjoyed it and it has been proven to work.
Posted by: Valentina Escobar-Gonzalez | March 19th, 2010 at 10:05 am
We treated one of my show horses with accupuncture back in the years when I was riding competitively. We noticed one year that he was uncomfortable under saddle, and we tried everything to get him to feel better -- nothing showed up. As something of a last resort, we tried accupuncture, and it made a world of difference. The pictures of Meindert looking so relaxed made me think of him -- he would rest his big head in my arms and completely relax. We ended up having our most successful years after that -- he was a happy boy and it showed!
Posted by: Gina | March 19th, 2010 at 10:15 am
What an astonishingly beautiful animal. I'm happy the treatments are working for him.
Posted by: jackie lamothe | March 19th, 2010 at 11:11 am
My newfoundland receives acupuncture for hip dysplasia and it has helped tremendously. She was really struggling and we were looking at a total hip replacement, but the acupuncture really did the trick. We will probably start again in another month or so as the rainy season seems to affect her the most. But so far she's been doing very well this year.
Love your blog and your Friesian is gorgeous! I love how relaxed he looks during the treatment, my Eloise also visibly relaxes from the needles. It's really an amazing science!
Posted by: Amy | March 19th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Happy to hear everything went well! Last year, I went for acupuncture treatments for headaches. I was scared to pieces of needles! I barely felt the needles and it was very relaxing.
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | March 19th, 2010 at 11:16 am
It certainly looks like Meindert is reaping some rewards. That is incredible to see! Be well Meindert. Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 19th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I can never say enough about how wonderful you are to your animal companions. The love and care you provide for them knows no bounds. Meindert looks so beautiful and relaxed with the acupuncture treatment.
I just watched the Marriage Ref with you, Cedric the Entertainer, and Jason Alexander on Hulu
http://www.hulu.com/watch/136052/the-marriage-ref-cedric-the-entertainer-martha-stewart-jason-alexander
It was a very funny show and I would watch all the time if the three of you were on it. Your dry sense of humor is hysterical because it catches people off guard all the time.
Posted by: Sonya W. | March 19th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I simply love these pictures. Meindert and Ramon are so beautiful. I hope that Meindert heals well and quickly.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | March 19th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I just cannot, cannot, cannot get over those stalls. The whole barn is beautiful. If you'll excuse me, I have to go cry now.
Posted by: TheArtofDoingStuff | March 20th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Martha, as a human who has successfully used and has seen the wonders of acupuncture on both humans and animals, I am happy to know that your valued pet is receiving this beneficial treatment. I happen to go to a teacher of acupuncture, and Dr. Kim knew from day 1 my ailments, my diet (without having to tell him), how to change my diet and what would work best for me. The acupuncturists are a wonderful group of mysterious medicine men and women.
Posted by: Mary Donaldson | March 20th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Martha - my dog has had acupuncture for his back -
it worked wonders!
Posted by: Cheryl | March 20th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Our horses are treated by a veterinarian with training in acupuncture and chiropractic. Both of them head for the hills when our traditional vet or the shoer comes to work on them, but they stick around the barn when they see that the holistic vet has come to call. Like Meindert, they actually fall asleep in the crossties because they're so relaxed!
Your barn is spectacular -- any space you could devote to it in the magazine would be most appreciated!
Posted by: Kerry | March 20th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Martha, have you tried acupuncture yourself?
I certainly understand how it can benefit problems with muscles and nerves but I am having a difficult time seeing how it can help w/ so many other ailments.
I've been reluctant to try it myself and so was wondering what you thought about it.
Posted by: maureen | March 20th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new cookbook. And that is the first time I have ever proclaimed that in my entire life! I love it so much I have offered to get it for a couple of friends and of course, had to blog about it. The peanut-crusted chicken, the goat cheese asparagus pasta and the recipe right there on the front of the book are AWESOME and my fam chowed!
Posted by: LeadHership | March 21st, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Hi Martha, What an absolutely fascinating and informative blog about veterinary acupuncture that was used by Dr. Rosemary Ganser to help Meindert with his joint pains. I have never seen it used on animals, but it certainly helps my brother, neighbor and obviously you when you had it done on your TV Show. Meindert looks so relaxed and I can see that it is helping him, too. I'm sure Betsy is happy that he is doing better. Please let her know my thoughts and prayers are with Courtney and her family. Are you going to get another friesian after visiting the geldings near Toronto?! Your farm is like my place-there is always room for one more! Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 21st, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Hy Martha. I'm from Romania (Europe) and I can see your beautiful show even here and I'm really happy. I love all your recipes...they are great! You are really beautiful and all your staff it's amazing! I watch every day your show and I'm so excited! I love you!!! Greetings from Romania
Posted by: Magdalena DAVID | March 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Ms. Martha,
I was pleased to see the acupuncture being used for your horse. I was not surprised at all to learn that you have that done. You are so open minded and open to new ideas,it is a pleasure to watch you every day, which I do. I also get your magazines and, obviously follow you online and, yes Twitter too.
I was wondering what breed of horse he is. He's really beautiful. I love the extra hair/fur at his jaw-line and around his ankles (?)
Kathleen/NoniKat
Posted by: Kathleen Valentin | March 23rd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
SUCH a beautiful horse! Happy to hear this natural route is working out well for him
Posted by: Annie | March 23rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Dear Martha,
Just wanted you to know how pleased I am that you have accorded some recognition for my daughter, Dr. Rosemary Ganser, holistic practice on horses.
Belinda
Posted by: belinda | March 26th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Dr. Ganser is a wonderful vet. I have used her on my horse in the past. She has studied with Dr. Joyce Harman on of our mentors and consultants at Holistic Horse Magazine.
Posted by: Karen Tappenden | March 31st, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Great acupuncture blog. Nice to add this important health prop!
Posted by: Denver Chiropractor Dr. Scott Brown | June 10th, 2011 at 11:09 am