Acupuncture Treatment for Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture, a practice of traditional Chinese medicine, has been practiced on people for several thousand years but you may not be aware that, in recent years, some veterinarians have been applying this practice to small animals. If you are not familiar with acupuncture theory there are resources online, both general and specific to pets, that provide in-depth descriptions. But here it is in a nutshell: qi (pronounced chee), the body's vital energy, circulates along channels (meridians). If this circulation becomes unbalanced or blocked, the illness results. Health is restored by treating specific points (generally by inserting needles) along the channels and restoring balance and flow.

Many veterinarians lack confidence in acupuncture treatment because it has not been tested in extensive clinical trials using traditional research methods. But if you would like to explore this option for your pet visit The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture where you can search the directory for a veterinary acupuncturist in your area.

If you want to learn more you can view acupuncture point charts for cats or for dogs. The photo shows a cat acupuncture model that you can buy. It stands on a wooden base and an accompanying booklet will give you a guide to the feline meridians. But please note that this model is decorative only -- you weren't thinking about practicing on it were you?