Acupressure & Photopuncture (Red Light Acupuncture)
Acupressure is a gentle yet powerful modality rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is increasingly recognized for its ability to support whole-body balance and well-being in animals. It is closely related to acupuncture and is often used alongside both holistic and Western approaches to care.
Rather than using needles, acupressure applies intentional pressure to specific acupoints located along meridian channels throughout the body. These meridians are pathways through which energy (Qi) and blood flow. When points are stimulated appropriately, circulation may improve, restrictions can soften, and the body’s natural regulatory systems are supported.
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From a TCM perspective, the body is an interconnected system—when imbalance occurs in one area, it can influence the whole. Acupressure works to restore balance by supporting energy flow, calming the nervous system, and encouraging the body’s innate ability to heal and regulate itself.
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Physiologically, acupressure may help reduce pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endogenous opioids and influencing stress-related hormones such as cortisol, making it both a physical and nervous-system–supportive therapy.
Benefits of Acupressure
Acupressure may be supportive for animals experiencing a wide range of physical, emotional, or systemic concerns. Potential benefits include:
• Immune system support
• Improved mental clarity and alertness
• Promotion of calm and nervous system regulation
• Support for muscles, joints, tendons, and bones
• Reduction of pain and inflammation through natural opioid release
• Improved circulation and lymphatic movement
• Support for organ system function
• Assistance with detoxification and energetic balance
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Acupressure can be used as part of a general wellness routine, to support specific health challenges, or as a gentle option during times when more invasive therapies are not appropriate.
Why Choose Photopuncture Over Manual Acupressure?
Photopuncture may be preferred in cases where: • The animal is highly sensitive, reactive, or guarded with touch • There is acute pain, inflammation, or injury, and direct pressure is not tolerated • The animal is neurologically overwhelmed or stressed • Specific acupoints need stimulation without engaging surrounding tissues • Sessions need to remain brief while still providing effective support Laser stimulation can penetrate tissue layers without mechanical pressure, making it especially useful for deep acupoints, acute conditions, or animals with strong pain responses.
How Photopuncture Supports the Body
Photopuncture combines the energetic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the physiological benefits of light therapy. When applied to acupoints, it may: • Stimulate Qi and blood flow along meridians • Support nervous system regulation • Reduce pain and inflammation • Encourage cellular repair and circulation • Promote calming effects without overstimulation Because it does not rely on touch, photopuncture is often ideal for animals who are early in their healing process, recovering from injury, or building trust with therapeutic work.
Session Investment
Initial Assessment & Treatment – $100 CAD
The initial appointment includes a comprehensive examination, hands-on palpation, detailed history review, and a basic lameness evaluation. This session allows adequate time to fully assess movement patterns, areas of restriction, and contributing factors, and typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Follow-Up / Re-Treatment Sessions – $75 CAD
Re-treatment sessions are designed to build upon findings from the initial assessment and focus on continued therapeutic support and progression.
Package Options & Savings
Multi-Horse Booking Discount
Receive $10 off per horse, per session when three or more horses are treated at the same location (maximum of five horses).
For larger groups, please contact me directly for custom
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Acupressure is most effective when applied consistently and strategically. Depending on the treatment goals, some animals benefit from more frequent sessions initially—often 2–3 times per week for the first one to two weeks—before gradually transitioning to less frequent, maintenance-based sessions.
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Because each animal’s needs are unique, acupressure packages are offered on a custom basis only, and are created following an initial assessment. This ensures that session frequency and duration are appropriate for your animal’s presentation, comfort, and progress.
Clients who choose to pre-book and pay in full for a planned series of acupressure sessions receive a 25% savings on the total package investment.
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Custom packages are designed around your horse’s individual treatment goals and may be adjusted as progress is made.
What an Acupressure Session Includes
​An initial acupressure appointment includes a full assessment and palpation, allowing the session to be tailored to your animal’s specific needs and preferences. Acupoints are selected based on both physical findings and TCM principles, and sessions may also include gentle meridian massage to support flow and relaxation.
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Each session is adapted to the individual animal, respecting sensitivity, consent, and comfort throughout.
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Session Length: approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the animal and treatment focus.