Pet acupuncture is on the rise in Asia — thanks to Western medicine

As the veterinary assistant holds down a year-old black tabby named Miso, she strokes his chin, and he purrs with delight. Dr. Yeumee Song takes the cue and inserts a thin needle on top of Miso’s head. The purring amplifies, and Miso’s eyes scrunch into blissful slits.

“This relaxes cats a lot, who are very strong and resilient creatures,” Dr. Song says as she expertly sticks needles into Miso.

Dr. Song is one of two physicians at Amber Vet in Singapore trained in veterinary acupuncture. The practice has been growing in popularity in the pet world, and more recently in Asian countries outside of China thanks partially to a shrinking globe. Read more...