Acupuncture for cats and dogs in China

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Pet owners in China are turning to acupuncture to help soothe the aches and pains of their beloved cats and dogs.

"China is famous for acupuncture. I took the cat here immediately to have a try," said Wang Xijuan, 74, holding the paw of her feline friend during a session at a Shanghai clinic.

After four treatments, Wang said her cat can "walk now, jump and even fight with other cats."

A cat receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, which specializes in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for animals, in Shanghai, China, August 9, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Traditional practitioners believe acupuncture, which involves inserting long, fine needles at specific places, known as meridians, of the body, can stimulate blood circulation to promote healing and relieve some aches and pains.

On its website, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society said acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China "for thousands of years to treat many ailments".

A dog receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, in Shanghai, China, August 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Jin Rishan, a specialist at the Shanghai TCM Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, said they have treated more than 2,000 cats and dogs since the clinic opened four years ago.

A single session costs 260 yuan (39 US dollars) and lasts for about 45 minutes.

A cat receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, Shanghai, China, August 9, 2017. /Reuters Photo

A dog receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, Shanghai, China, August 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Jin said about 80 percent of their patients have shown some improvement after treatment.

"Making a paralyzed and dependent dog stand up is our ultimate goal," Jin said.

A dog receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, August 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo

A dog receives treatment in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, August 9, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Spending on pets in China has dramatically increased over the past few years as more and more families welcome cats and dogs to their homes. It is estimated that the number of pets has amounted to over 100 million.

As a result, the pet market also becomes the center of China's fastest-growing retail sections. Chinese pet owners spent 122 billion yuan (18 billion US dollars) on pets and related purchases, and that figure is expected to rise at a rate of 20.5 percent each year until 2020.

Acupuncture needles for pain killing in Shanghai TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Center, August 16, 2017. /Reuters Photo

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Source(s): Reuters