Canine Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese stimulation technique that has been used in humans for thousands of years to relieve a variety of medical conditions. It can be used in combination with conventional or other holistic therapies. Its effectiveness in humans has led to the use of acupuncture in animals. During acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into the skin at specific points along a meridian to stimulate or unclog energy flow. Meridians are energy pathways that connect acupuncture points. The book Four Paws, Five Directions (by Cheryl Schwartz) is a seminal guide to Chinese medicine for cats and dogs. This reference includes descriptions of acupuncture, charts of acupuncture/acupressure points, Chinese herbal medicine treatments, and dietary recommendations for a wide range of conditions affecting cats and dogs.  Another source of information on animal acupuncture is online at the Atlantic Points Academy. (https://atlantic-points.com/) where you can find background information, detailed acupuncture charts and treatment protocols for conditions such as anxiety, arthritis and various types of pain.