06/18/2026
Let’s talk about the method of acupuncture we use and why!
There are two styles of acupuncture, Chinese and Japanese. With Chinese acupuncture, the needles are thicker and rougher when they are made because the style of acupuncture relies on something called the arrival of Chi being a vigourous sensation. When you put a needle into the acupuncture point there is a feeling that is called the arrival of the Chi and in Chinese philosophy the belief is that a strong arrival of chi can be contributory to the healing process.
In veterinary medicine we use the Japanese method because this practice uses painless needling techniques. The Japanese needles are silicone coated so that they’re very, very smooth and easy to go in. With animals we have to use Japanese needling techniques as opposed to Chinese needling techniques because we don’t want a painful treatment. A dog won’t tolerate a painful treatment, if their experience is negative they won’t relax, and they won’t want to come back.
It is important that each session is set up so the animal experiences only positive or neutral feedback from the experience.
