Abstract

Acupuncture points have been described in horses, cattle, dogs and cats.^1-4 Acupoints transposed from human and canine charts have been proposed for birds, fish and turtles and used to treat disease in these species.^5-7 Very little information is available on acupuncture points in marine mammals with only one publication on the location of acupoints in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).⁸ The objective of this study was to locate through dissection the acupoints on the pectoral fins of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins based on the anatomical descriptions of these acupuncture points in human and canines. Pectoral fins from dead stranded Atlantic bottlenose dolphins were preserved in 10% buffered formalin, radiographed then dissected to reveal the anatomy. External landmarks were left on dissection to assist the TCVM practitioner in identifying the proposed points on a live dolphin. Using anatomical descriptions of acupoints found in human and canine literature, the points were identified.^1-3 Emphasis was placed on the pectoral fin because the flipper is easily accessible to the practitioner, the overlying tissue is minimal and distal points are considered very powerful.^9,10 Therefore, non-invasive techniques, such as laser and Tui-na can potentially be employed. Hopefully this will encourage practitioners to start using the acupoints giving us information as to the actual locations of the acupoints and if the actions seen in other species correlate to dolphins.¹¹

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank the staff at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies for acquiring the specimen, Megan Chevis who helped with the dissection and Dr. Ron Hunt for digital radiographs.

References

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