Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments such as acupuncture, long used on humans, are now being applied to pets, gaining popularity in specialist pet wellness centers. These methods are used to cure diseases and offer various health benefits for dogs and cats.
A typical animal acupuncture session costs about 200 yuan (US$28) and provides benefits like improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation and pain, and enhanced immune function. Practitioners have reported remarkable successes, such as curing a corgi dog of paralysis using acupuncture.
In June, a golden retriever in Yantai, Shandong province, showed significant improvement from facial paralysis caused by overexposure to air conditioning after three days of acupuncture treatment.
Animal acupuncture dates back to China’s Spring and Autumn period (770-481 BC), originally used on horses. Today, nearly 100 effective acupuncture points have been identified for cats and dogs, compared to over 2,000 in the human body.
The therapy begins with a diagnostic process involving four traditional examinations: observation, smell, questioning, and pulse-taking. Vets assess a pet’s health by observing nasal mucus, gums, saliva, and tongue coating, as well as smelling for abnormal odors and inquiring about daily routines. Unlike humans, where the pulse is taken at the wrist, veterinary surgeons use the inner thighs of cats and dogs, or the tail for larger animals like horses and cows.
During treatment, pets are gently secured to keep them still while acupuncture needles are swiftly inserted at identified points, followed by electrical stimulation. Many pets remain calm during sessions, and some appear so relaxed they almost fall asleep. Overall, dogs tend to be more cooperative than cats.
Wei Jiayu, a practitioner, shared a success story involving a paralyzed corgi whose owner chose acupuncture over surgery due to cost. After six acupuncture sessions, the dog could hop like a rabbit. This approach is gaining traction among pet owners for its affordability and effectiveness.
One TCM enthusiast, surnamed He, shared her experience of treating her British shorthair cat with acupuncture for epilepsy symptoms. Veterinary checks and surgeries can be expensive, costing thousands of yuan, while acupuncture sessions are more economical.
TCM for pets has sparked curiosity on social media, with many expressing surprise at its effectiveness and considering it a potential career focus.