Chinese Medicine and Animal Health: Acupuncture for Pets

In recent years, more pet owners are exploring Chinese medicine and animal health as a way to help their furry companions live longer, healthier lives. While acupuncture for humans has been practiced for thousands of years, its use in veterinary medicine is a relatively new and growing field. Today, veterinarians across the United States—and even here in North Carolina—are learning how ancient healing methods can bring comfort and relief to dogs, cats, and horses suffering from pain, arthritis, anxiety, and other chronic conditions.

We don’t provide acupuncture for animals at our clinic, but many of our patients tell us that their pets have benefited from treatments performed by veterinarians trained in animal acupuncture. In fact, the NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine offers specialized training, including opportunities for students to study in China, to better understand the principles of Chinese medical theory as it applies to animals.

The Rise of Veterinary Acupuncture

Interest in Chinese medicine and animal health has expanded rapidly as more people seek natural, non-pharmaceutical ways to manage pain and improve quality of life—for themselves and their pets. Veterinary acupuncture follows the same general principles as traditional Chinese acupuncture for humans: it’s based on balancing the body’s vital energy, or Qi, to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

In animals, acupuncture points correspond to nerve clusters, blood vessels, and connective tissue junctions. When stimulated with fine sterile needles, these points can release endorphins, improve blood flow, and relax tight muscles. Dogs and cats with joint pain often respond particularly well, regaining mobility and reducing their dependence on pain medication. Horses have also shown remarkable results for conditions such as tendon injuries and performance-related stress.

While the evidence base is still growing, scientific studies have already demonstrated measurable benefits. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain responses, lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and stimulate nerve regeneration in injured animals—all without the side effects of conventional drugs.

A Case Study: Bella the Golden Retriever

One of our long-time patients, a woman named Anne, shared the story of her 11-year-old golden retriever, Bella. After years of loyal companionship, Bella developed severe arthritis in her hips and struggled to stand up or climb stairs. Pain medications helped temporarily, but they also upset her stomach.

Following a recommendation from her vet, Anne began taking Bella to a local veterinarian trained in animal acupuncture through NC State’s Chinese veterinary medicine program. After the first few sessions, Anne noticed subtle changes—Bella seemed calmer, rested more comfortably, and wagged her tail more often. After six weeks of consistent treatment, Bella was walking more smoothly, and her need for pain medication had decreased significantly.

Anne described it best: “I was skeptical at first, but I could see the difference. She was herself again—happy, comfortable, and playful.”

Bella’s story mirrors that of countless pets whose owners are discovering the possibilities of Chinese medicine and animal health. It’s not a magic cure, but rather a supportive therapy that helps the body heal itself in gentle, natural ways.

How Veterinary Acupuncture Works

Veterinary acupuncturists receive specialized training to understand animal anatomy and how energy pathways, or meridians, adapt across species. For example, a point on a dog’s leg may align differently from a human’s, but the underlying energetic function—say, improving circulation or easing joint pain—remains consistent.

Sessions are typically calming and comfortable. Most animals tolerate the needles well, and some even relax so deeply they fall asleep during treatment. The number of sessions varies depending on the condition, but chronic issues like arthritis may benefit from ongoing care every few weeks or months.

Importantly, veterinary acupuncture should always be performed by a licensed veterinarian who has completed formal training in acupuncture. This ensures both safety and effectiveness. In North Carolina, several veterinarians have completed advanced coursework through NC State University’s Veterinary Medicine program, which collaborates with Chinese institutions to provide authentic instruction and clinical experience.

A Growing Bridge Between East and West

The growing acceptance of Chinese medicine and animal health reflects a broader trend in veterinary care—a recognition that Eastern and Western approaches can work hand in hand. Acupuncture is often used alongside physical therapy, laser treatments, and conventional medications, creating an integrative model that honors both science and tradition.

Pet owners are increasingly drawn to this holistic philosophy, not out of rejection of modern medicine, but because they see how their pets respond when given gentler, complementary options. For aging animals, acupuncture often restores a measure of vitality that helps them enjoy their remaining years in comfort.

As research continues and more veterinary schools include acupuncture in their curriculum, the bridge between ancient wisdom and modern animal care will only strengthen.

The Takeaway

If your pet struggles with chronic pain, stiffness, or anxiety, you may want to explore whether a licensed veterinary acupuncturist could help. We don’t offer animal acupuncture ourselves, but we love sharing information that benefits the health and happiness of our patients—and their pets.

Veterinary acupuncture is a fascinating example of how Chinese medicine and animal health can intersect for the good of all creatures. It’s a gentle reminder that healing is not just about medicine, but about compassion, balance, and respect for the life in every living being.

Book an appointment online (see below) for “human” acupuncture and explore case and research studies with the links at the bottom of this page. Relief is possible, and we would be honored to help you take the first step toward lasting wellness.

About Raleigh Acupuncture

At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.