Introduction to Equine Tuning Fork Therapy
In the 1960s English osteopath Sir Peter Guy Manners developed Tuning Fork Therapy. He believed sound vibrations could provide comfort and healing for a range of conditions: chronic inflammation, arthritis, and even bacterial infections. This was based on ideas that were common to Western alternative practitioners and traditional Eastern practitioners.
These practitioners argued all created things, including the body, are a network of living energies. These energies could be disrupted and restored by different interventions into this force field.
Since then there has been some therapeutic discussion regarding the use of Tuning Forks for therapy.
There is some evidence to suggest that application of weighted Tuning Forks can help melt fascial adhesions, creating more pliability and movement in the fascia. This is due to the mechanical vibration causing oscillations to occur at a molecular level, resulting in the gel of the fascial matrix turning more watery due to thixotropy and increased hyaluronic acid, making the tissue more pliable allowing release and realignment of the fibres. (Oschman 2012)
The evidence also suggests that mechanical vibration can create heat in tissues aiding circulation and stimulating the healing and pain relief mechanisms.
There is no reason to that these principles cannot be applied to Equine Therapies.
Application
Jess applies Equine Tuning Fork Therapy with a 128Hz Weighted Tuning Fork. (This is the type recommended by the NEHC Academy, which specialises in Tuning Fork Training).
This is gently applied to areas of your horse Jess identifies as requiring this therapy by placing the Tuning Fork directly on the area before tapping it gently with a rubber mallet to create vibration.
Alternatively the Tuning Fork may be used a little away from your horse’s skin to begin with to ensure that they will be happy with the noise and vibration on their body, and then once established that the horse is comfortable with this the Tuning Fork is applied to the area whilst it is vibrating.
Most horses react very well to this therapy, thoroughly relaxing throughout.
Benefits
Equine Tuning Fork Therapy has been shown to:
Stimulate the quick fire mechanoreceptors in the body encouraging the body to realign
Release myofascial tension
Increase of circulation
Stimulate the body’s natural healing response
Stimulate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms
Have a calming effect on the nervous system
Stimulate Acupressure points
