Can animals also receive acupuncture treatment?

The use of traditional Chinese medicine to treat animals is not new. There are records of using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat animals in ancient documents. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, "Bole" (formerly known as Sun Yang) studied acupuncture techniques to treat horses, and wrote the "Bole Acupuncture Classic" which records the twelve meridians of horses. Later, around the Han Dynasty, "Shen Nong's Materia Medica", a medicinal classic for both humans and animals, was published.

Modern animal Chinese medicine and acupuncture emerged from the West. In 1974, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) was established in the United States to promote animal acupuncture technology. Subsequently, veterinary acupuncture societies were established in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada and Brazil.

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on regulating imbalances in the internal environment. It uses "look, smell, ask, and feel" to make a diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan. In addition to humans, animals such as cats and dogs can also use acupuncture to regulate their bodies, which can help identify hidden diseases early and delay aging. In recent years, animal medicine has often advocated the combination of Chinese and Western treatments, and acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

Before acupuncture treatment for animals, doctors will use the theories of yin and yang, five elements or internal organs, use corresponding meridian acupoints, and regulate the body through acupuncture stimulation to achieve the effect of balancing yin and yang and unblocking the meridians. The veterinarian will insert small needles (filiform needles) into the animal's acupuncture points to promote blood circulation. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on the condition of the sick animal, the number of needles administered each time will be different.

Modern animal acupuncture treatment is mainly used on cats, dogs and horses. Acupuncture has remarkable effects on some problems caused by abnormal twitching of joints, fascia and muscles. If an animal suffers from an emergency, it needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian and undergo surgery. It cannot rely on traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. Other non-emergency conditions, such as problems or chronic diseases caused by emotions, gastrointestinal, skin, joints, etc., can be treated and improved with acupuncture combined with acupoint pressure, traditional Chinese medicine, and diet.

Before performing acupuncture or moxibustion on pets, doctors try to reduce the volume and noise, and use snacks and pheromone products to soothe their emotions and reduce their fear. If the pet is still afraid and unable to receive acupuncture or moxibustion, dietary therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, laser treatment, etc. can be used instead.

Because pets cannot speak and have a strong pain tolerance, it is often too late when owners discover they are sick. Elderly animals can live a more comfortable life, more effectively prevent early diseases, and extend their lifespan through examinations and prevention programs.