AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Dorsolateral Classical and Bladder Channel Acupoints of Pigs and Adaptations for Varying Thoracic Vertebrae Numbers

Juan V. Boadas DVM

Abstract

Extensive acupuncture experience in pigs has accumulated because pig production has been important economically in China for many years. As the popularity of miniature pigs as pets continues to grow, small, large and exotic animal traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) practitioners can expect increasing requests for acupuncture and other TCVM treatments for pet pigs. Classical and transpositional acupoints along the dorsolateral aspect of the porcine thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions have powerful local, systemic and internal effects and are readily accessible for dry needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture, moxibustion and other TCVM treatments. The names, numbers and locations of the dorsolateral classical, Bladder Channel and Back Shu Association points from five experienced authors are compared and contrasted. Besides inconsistencies in names, numbers and locations among authors, pigs may have thirteen-sixteen thoracic vertebrae and ribs and six or seven lumbar vertebrae, which can make acupoint localization challenging. A method, referred to as the “accordion strategy”, is proposed to adapt the location of these dorsolateral thoracic acupoints to pigs with different numbers of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The locations of acupoints of the inner Bladder Channel in pigs has not been well described and the location for these is proposed to stimulate discussion on the location of these useful acupoints for Zang-fu disorders and local back problems in pigs.

Keywords
Citation
Boadas J. Dorsolateral Classical and Bladder Channel acupoints of pigs and adaptations for varying thoracic vertebrae numbers. Am J Trad Chin Vet Met 2011; 6(1):43-60

Dorsolateral Classical and Bladder Channel Acupoints of Pigs and Adaptations for Varying Thoracic Vertebrae Numbers

Juan V. Boadas DVM

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