This beautiful illustration, from a 19th century Chinese veterinary manuscript, has absolutely nothing to do with acupuncture!
The history of veterinary acupuncture has been almost completely distorted by advocates of veterinary acupuncture. Emerging historical evidence shows that veterinary acupuncture is a recent invention, and NOT part of the historical practice of veterinary medicine in China. Furthermore, “Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine” (TCVM), as presented by these same advocates, is nothing more than historical fiction.
Whatever people claim to be the effectiveness of acupuncture, that’s no excuse to distort the facts. Proponents may claim that since acupuncture has been around for “thousands” of years, it must be effective; that’s wrong on two counts. First, just because something has been around for a long time doesn’t mean it’s effective (see, for example, astrology); second, acupuncture hasn’t been around a long time! Read on for some eye-opening facts.
ARTICLES ON VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE HISTORY
In 2004, Dr. Ramey and Dr. Paul Buell, PhD, published one of the first articles in the veterinary literature on a factual history of veterinary acupuncture.
Acupuncture and ‘traditional Chinese medicine’ in the horse.
In 2010, Dr. Ramey, Dr. Paul Buell, PhD, and Dr. Tim May, PhD, published the first detailed examination of veterinary medicine in China in the historical journal Sudhoff’s Archives.
Greek and Chinese Horse Medicine: Déja Vu All Over Again
SLIDE PRESENTATION ON VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE HISTORY
Dr. Ramey has presented information about the true history of acupuncture in veterinary medicine to the Veterinary History Society, the Australian Veterinary Association, and will be speaking on the subject at the 2011 meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A PDF of the slide show can be viewed or downloaded here.
