Herbs can be used to stimulate the immune system, improve circulation or ease gastrointestinal distress. One of the problems associated with herbology is the lack of standardization. Dosages may vary from one product to another. Although herbs seem to be more gentle than drugs, in large enough doses,they can be toxic. Although it can be used alone, massage is often preceded by some other modality such as hot packs, deep ultrasound, or cold packs.
Massage is used frequently to heal damaged muscle fiber.
Muscle injury may occur as a result of injury, overuse, overstretching, cooling down rapidly, improves circulation which provides for more rapid elimination of waste products and an increase in nutritive elements. This technique reduces edema and induration of tissue, stretches contracted tendons increasing the range of motion and elasticity. It also can have a sedative effect on the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. Conditions in the horse where a favorable response to massage would be seen include contracted tendons, strains of ligaments and muscles, chronic inflammatory conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, scar tissue and chronic edema. Generally the strokes are performed in the direction of venous blood flow, in other words, as blood flows towards the heart.