Acupuncture works not only for humans but also for our animal companions as well. It is absolutely a specialized area of TCM, but the same benefits apply. There are certifications available for acupuncturists and vets alike, and can help bring an integrative approach to veterinary medicine. Many times, our pets’ issues often go unnoticed simply because they cannot speak, but many people notice a big difference after acupuncture treatment in their pet bringing back their vitality and spunk as well as calmness.
Acupuncture has also become much more widely respected as an option for pain relief in animals. Acupuncture for animals is even part of the guidelines published by multiple entities like the American Animal Hospital Association, World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and American Association of Feline Practitioners, all endorsing acupuncture as an efficient therapy adjunctly for pain management in cats and dogs. Same as in humans, not every patient responds to acupuncture treatment, and therefore those expectations need to be set for pet parents.
Veterinary Acupuncture Basics
If you are interested in obtaining certification for veterinary acupuncture, the main thing to know is that it essentially follows the same principals of acupuncture on humans. The main difference is that you are potentially working with multiple species of animals, and therefore acupuncture points may vary. Although acupuncture can and is performed on multiple types of animals such as birds, rabbits, and wildlife, it is most common still in cats, dogs, and horses. In these animals, there are various forms of acupuncture that can be used on animals along with various conditions that are commonly treated.
Types of Acupuncture Used on Animals:
- Acupressure
- Electro-acupuncture
- Dry Needling
- Aqua-acupuncture – this one is not as commonly known amongst the acupuncture treatment options for humans, but can be helpful for animals. Essentially a vitamin-laden water solution is injected at the acupuncture point sites.
Conditions Treated with Acupuncture in Animals:
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Arthritis
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Chronic conditions (liver, kidney, heart)
- Degenerative joint disease or intervertebral disc disease
- Neurological issues
- Digestion issues
- Diarrhea
- Muscle atrophy
- Allergies
- Rashes/skin issues
- Asthma
- COPD
According to TCM, there are 173 acupuncture points discovered in animals, and veterinary acupuncturists, in addition to private practices, often work in different settings such as animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, zoos, farms, kennels, research facilities, and more. This is not easy work as not only are you working with the patient, but also their owner. However, veterinary acupuncture can offer relief for owners knowing that it is a holistic alternative for their pet that is safe and effective adjunctly and on its own.
Veterinary Acupuncture Benefits:
- No side effects on the internal organs unlike with some prescription medications
- Releases endorphins which is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory for the body
- There are no contraindications with other medications that pets may need to undergo in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.
- Increase blood flow and oxygenation
- Boost toxic and metabolic waste removal
- Pain relief both throughout the body and at the site of insertion.
Much like with humans, there may be animals that are resistant to medications whether their body is rejecting that specific medication or if the pet themselves is rejecting it, and acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative. Acupuncture is often integrated in standard veterinary practices these days, and those vets who do perform acupuncture, as well as trained acupuncturists wanting to also perform acupuncture on animals, must obtain a specific certification to do so.
Get Certified to Perform Veterinary Acupuncture
In order to become a veterinary acupuncturist, an associate’s degree in acupuncture is needed at a minimum as well as a specialized certification. There are many states that require licensure for a veterinary acupuncturist, and certification can be obtained with the American Board of Animal Acupuncture (ABAA). This certification also must be maintained with corresponding CEUs, and per the ABAA “the only ABAA authorized program for Animal Acupuncture for acupuncturists is the program at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture in Arizona.” There are other non-profit and university programs that offer a certification in veterinary acupuncture that covers multiple areas of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.
Programs/Certificates Offered for Prospective Veterinary Acupuncturists:
- Chi University – encompasses a total of 178 hours of both online and hands on courses with intimate learning experience of small class sizes.
- Fundamentals of Chinese medicine are taught along with multiple acupuncture techniques, and picking your certificate option of small animal or mixed practice (which is both small animals as well as horses.)
- Comes with 1 year of complimentary membership with the World Association of TCVM (WATCVM) as well as free lifetime case consultation by the Chi University faculty.
- Fundamentals of Chinese medicine are taught along with multiple acupuncture techniques, and picking your certificate option of small animal or mixed practice (which is both small animals as well as horses.)
- American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture – the AVAA is an affiliate of the International Veterinary Acupuncture society, and is a non-profit organization that offers FAAVA certification. They are playing an active role at having a potential future with the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- There are 2 phases: an application which includes “curriculum vitae, a synopsis of clinical practice, peer evaluation forms, documentation of 50 hours of AVAA approved acupuncture/TCM continuing education, and submission of 2 acupuncture clinical case reports.”, and the exam which includes 2 3-hour sections with 150 questions per session.
- There are 2 phases: an application which includes “curriculum vitae, a synopsis of clinical practice, peer evaluation forms, documentation of 50 hours of AVAA approved acupuncture/TCM continuing education, and submission of 2 acupuncture clinical case reports.”, and the exam which includes 2 3-hour sections with 150 questions per session.
- College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies – they have multiple options for certifications as well as a graduate diploma which is for veterinarians who want to enhance and specialize their skills.
- Certifications offered include a certification in veterinary acupuncture, essentials of veterinary acupuncture, certification in equine acupuncture, advanced certification in veterinary neuroacupuncture, certification in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine, IVAS advanced certification in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine, IVAS certification in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative neuroacupuncture. You can learn all the details for each of these certificate options by clicking here.
There is a need for veterinary acupuncturists just as there is for acupuncturists who work on humans. If you or someone you know is interesting in going down this path, it is beneficial to look at all facets of the education needed to determine if it is a proper fit for you. While it is a very specialized field within the TCM realm, it is essential for delivering safe and effective care no matter the species.