Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy for Horses

In the world of equine wellness, non-traditional practices are common with modern veterinary practices. Cupping therapy is making the waves in the equestrian world. This comprehensive approach to healing offers a wide range of benefits for horses and equine sport horses. When we speak about movement medicine, this therapy fits right into many treatment plans for equine athletes.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy uses the application of specialized glass cups that attach to the horse’s skin with a vacuum suction that pulls the tissues upward into the cup. This gentle but firm suction promotes healing and stimulates blood flow by releasing tension to the underlying muscles.

What Are the Most Common Benefits and Why Does It Work?

Pain Relief and Muscle Tension: Cupping therapy is known for its ability to alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension in humans and yes, horses! Whether your horse is an equine athlete, a trail horse, or a senior horse that needs to be comfortable, cupping can target sore muscles, improve circulation, and promote relaxation to the horses.
Enhance Healing and Circulation: The suction created stimulates increased blood flow to the treated areas. Circulation is improved and carries oxygen to the blood to promote the horse’s ability to heal more efficiently. Cupping is especially beneficial for equine athletes and treatments benefit injuries, inflammation, and healing after strenuous training activities.

Immune Support and Respiratory Benefits: Cupping can also be applied to acupressure points related to respiratory health. It is a valuable tool in managing respiratory issues and promotes relief to horses suffering from allergies and other respiratory conditions. The improved blood flow can also aid in strengthening the immune system, making your horse more resilient to infections.
Emotional Well-Being to the Horse: Horses, like human’s experience stress and anxiety. Cupping therapy’s non-invasive approach promotes relaxation and can have a calming effect on the horses. This is especially valuable for horses that experience a lot of pain from training and competing. Equine cupping therapy also benefits nervous equines who stress with horse shows or transportation.

Holistic Approaches

Cupping therapy works well with traditional and non-traditional equine veterinary medicine by treating the whole horse and not just the symptoms and conditions. This therapy complements other modalities such as chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture.

Why Cupping Therapy Works for Horses

Cupping stimulates the horse’s body to promote the natural healing processes. The gentle suction and the release of the fascial restriction promote the balance within the horse’s body. It is a non-invasive approach that can be integrated into your horse’s comprehensive wellness or veterinarian managed rehabilitation program.

Cupping therapy for our equine companions is a versatile and effective medical service of veterinarian care. Its benefits extend beyond muscle relief, touching on aspects of physical, emotional, and holistic well-being. The performance horse world of equine athletes continues to expand the use of alternative healing, as it has proved itself as a valuable addition to the non-traditional treatments for horses. If you are looking to enhance your horse’s overall wellness, consider the power of cupping therapy. You may find your equine athlete happier and his movement better than ever. If you think cupping therapy may benefit your horse, please call us today to schedule a visit.