Acupuncture Protocol for Sea Turtle Resuscitation 2006

Dr. Steve Canion, Biologist, Acupuncturist and Philip Rogers D.V.M., MRCVS, Veterinary Acupuncturist

A turtle found stranded or caught in a net may appear to be dead, in a
coma, or in shock; having lost or suppressed reflexes and showing no
signs of breathing.
Most turtles caught by shrimp trawlers, under conditions of forced
submergence, are not drowned but in a coma (ref.1, The Decline of the
Sea Turtle, 1990. A 1989 study by NMFS of 7 research projects spanning
12 years during which 4,397 turtles were caught in trawler nets found
that for most tow times, there were more comatose than dead turtles.)
Although a comatose turtle may revive on its own after several hours
on dry land, the fate of a comatose turtle directly returned to the sea
is unknown. It is reasonable to assume that they will die (Kemmerer
1989). Applying the Acupuncture Protocol for Sea Turtle Resuscitation
should revive the turtle in 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the
circumstances of the individual trauma.
The acupuncture points recommended here have been used to
resuscitate humans and animals in acute emergencies including shock,
coma, cardiac arrest, asphyxia, respiratory failure, and drowning. (ref.
2, Emergency Acupoint Renzhong (GV26), A bibliography and review
from textbook sources, Phillip Rogers, D.V.M., MRCVS, and Roman
Skarda D.V.M..)
Please report all intervention outcomes to:
Turtle Emergency Resuscitation Trial at www.casatortuga.org
Dr. Steve Canion/Turtle Rescue Ops, energetic@centurytel.net
Karen Comstock/Executive Director, turtles@casatortuga.org
Or send to:
Casa Tortuga Inc., P. O. Box 60, Port Aransas TX 78373

Acupuncture Protocol for Sea Turtle Resuscitation

shoulder
If the turtle appears to be in shock, coma,
PC06 elbow
respiratory and/or cardiac arrest, appears
drowned or has been pronounced clinically wrist
dead, use this procedure.

All needle insertions are perpendicular

to the surface and applied bilaterally.

1. Insert a needle (acupuncture needle,

sewing needle, straightened fish hook, or
other sharp implement) 1/4 to 1/8 inch
into point GV26 shown in Diagram B.
Stimulate the point by rotating the needle
vigorously for 30 seconds.
PC09 GV26
2. Insert a needle (or other sharp
implement) into the Tail Tip point shown K01
in Diagram A and stimulate vigorously for
30 seconds. Tail Tip Point
Diagram A Diagram B
If the turtle appears revived, stop stimulating
the points and remove the needles from the
Recommended Acupuncture Points for Resuscitation Trial
GV26 and Tail Tip points after 10 minutes.
(All needle insertions are perpendicular to the surface and applied bilaterally.)
3. If vital signs do not return within 1. Gv26 center of the horizontal line joining the lower edge of the nostrils
30 seconds, leave the needles inserted 2. Tail Tip point underside of the tip of the tail
at GV26 and Tail Tip, but add needles 3. PC09 tip of both front flippers
bilaterally at cardioactive points, such 4. PC06 underside of both front flippers 1/6 distance between
as PC06 or PC09, and continue vigorous elbow and wrist (midline between radius and ulna)
twirling/“sparrow-pecking” stimulation 5. K01 middle of the underside of both rear flippers
intermittently for up to 30 minutes. (alternate point for consideration in drowning)