Understanding Canine Korean Medicine (Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine)

JointQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled evidence-based veterinary insights on the principles, applicable conditions, treatment process, and how to choose a clinic for canine Korean medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine).

Is Canine Korean Medicine Really Effective?

A dog comfortably receiving acupuncture treatment at the veterinary clinic.

Canine Korean medicine is a complementary therapy that uses acupuncture and herbal remedies to reduce pain and boost the body’s natural healing abilities. It doesn’t replace Western veterinary care; instead, it works alongside conventional treatments to enhance their effectiveness. As recent veterinary studies have scientifically confirmed acupuncture’s pain-relieving benefits, more animal hospitals are offering it as a supportive treatment for dogs with joint or neurological conditions. Before seeking out a veterinary Korean medicine clinic, it’s helpful to first understand which treatments are best suited for your dog.

Which Dogs Benefit from Korean Medicine Treatment?

Acupuncture and herbal therapies can serve as helpful complementary treatments for a variety of conditions, particularly in managing chronic pain and supporting recovery after surgery.

Joint disorders: Helps alleviate chronic joint pain associated with conditions such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis.

Neurological disorders: Electroacupuncture is used to address paralysis and pain caused by intervertebral disc disease.

Musculoskeletal injuries: Assists with pain management during the recovery phase following ligament injuries or fractures.

Post-surgical pain: Helps manage pain while reducing the need for anesthetic medications.

Senior dog care: Can complementively help ease age-related chronic pain and reduce musculoskeletal discomfort.

If you’d like to learn more about the signs of patellar luxation, check out our Patellar Luxation Symptoms Guide.

Principles and Types of Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into specific acupoints to stimulate nerves and relieve pain. Although acupuncture originated in Eastern medicine, it is increasingly gaining credibility as a complementary therapy in Western veterinary medicine, thanks to ongoing research that objectively validates its effects using imaging techniques such as thermography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Body Acupuncture (Dry Needling): This is the most fundamental approach, involving the insertion of fine filiform needles into acupoints to elicit the desired therapeutic response, known as De-Qi.

Electroacupuncture: Electrical leads are attached to the needles to deliver continuous electrical stimulation, providing stronger and more sustained analgesic effects. According to a study by Jeong et al. (2002), electroacupuncture was shown to reduce the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) required for inhalant anesthetics.

Aquapuncture: This technique involves injecting a specific solution into acupoints to prolong the duration of stimulation. Along with electroacupuncture, it is a representative method for extending the duration of acupuncture stimulation.

A close-up of acupuncture needles placed on a dog’s back

How Do Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Differ?

Item	Acupuncture treatment	Herbal medicine treatment
Mechanism of action	Neural regulation and pain relief through acupoint stimulation	Systemic supportive treatment through herbal combinations
Main applications	Relief of joint and nerve pain	Chronic inflammation and systemic supportive treatment
Treatment time	Varies by treatment method and condition	Varies by prescription
Perceived effect	May vary by individual and condition	Consistent administration is recommended
Risk of side effects	Generally low, but requires a professional practitioner	Risk of toxicity with an incorrect prescription

Representative Herbal Prescriptions and Research Evidence

According to veterinary textbooks, herbal medicine is a complementary therapy that combines various herbs to help manage your dog’s pain and inflammation. It is a well-established complementary approach often used alongside acupuncture, with clinical applications reported for joint and nervous system conditions.

Anti-inflammatory prescriptions: Herb combinations with expected anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects may be used to alleviate arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.

Circulation and muscle relaxation prescriptions: Herb combinations aimed at improving blood circulation or relaxing muscles may be used to relieve musculoskeletal pain.

Edema and spasm relief prescriptions: Specific herb combinations may be used to reduce swelling and ease muscle spasms.

According to a 2022 study by the Miscioscia research team, these complementary therapies can be used in an evidence-based manner for orthopedic conditions. However, the specific formulation and dosage must always be determined by a veterinarian after a thorough diagnosis.

A table neatly arranged with herbal medicine ingredients, and a dog curiously watching from the side.

Do Not Discontinue Current Treatments

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are complementary treatments. Stopping your pet’s current veterinary care in favor of traditional Korean medicine alone could worsen their condition. In particular, delaying necessary surgery to pursue traditional Korean medicine may cause you to miss the optimal treatment window. Always consult your veterinarian before deciding whether to combine these approaches.

Treatment Process — From the First Visit to Follow-up Monitoring

When starting traditional Korean veterinary treatment, the process typically follows these steps:

Initial Diagnostic Visit: We conduct basic tests such as blood work and X-rays alongside traditional Korean veterinary diagnostics to assess your dog’s overall health.

Treatment Plan Development: Based on the diagnostic results, we create a personalized plan that may include acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, or complementary therapies.

Treatment Administration: Most dogs visit the clinic once or twice a week for acupuncture sessions, while herbal medications are usually administered daily at home.

Progress Monitoring: After four to six weeks, we evaluate your dog’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Chronic conditions may require longer-term care.

How to Choose a Canine Korean Medicine Clinic?

Here are key points to check when choosing a veterinary clinic that offers traditional Korean medicine or acupuncture for dogs.

Verify the veterinarian’s credentials: Make sure the veterinarian performing traditional treatments has completed relevant training, such as veterinary acupuncture.

Clinics that prioritize diagnosis: It’s best to choose a clinic that conducts basic Western veterinary examinations before starting traditional treatments.

Clear treatment plan: Clinics that provide advance information on the expected number of treatment sessions and costs are more trustworthy.

Availability of combined therapies: Clinics that offer both Western veterinary medicine and traditional Korean medicine provide a safer and more systematic approach.

A pet owner and their dog consulting with a veterinarian at an animal hospital.

Do Not Feed Human Herbal Medicine to Dogs

Administering remedies found online or human herbal medicines to your dog without veterinary guidance can lead to liver damage or poisoning. Some ingredients in traditional herbal formulas are toxic to dogs, so it is essential to obtain a prescription from a veterinarian.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture treatment hurt dogs?

Veterinary acupuncture uses very fine filiform needles. While pets may feel tense at first, they typically become calmer as the treatment progresses.

How can I find out the cost of traditional Korean veterinary treatment?

Costs vary significantly depending on the clinic, as well as the type and number of treatments required. During your initial visit, we’ll provide a comprehensive treatment plan along with an estimated cost breakdown, so we recommend calling ahead to schedule a consultation.

Can Korean herbal medicine alone completely cure a disease?

Korean herbal medicine is a complementary therapy, so it’s difficult to use it alone to completely cure a disease. The best results are achieved when it’s used alongside conventional veterinary treatments.

Can my pet receive acupuncture treatment after surgery?

Yes, acupuncture is sometimes used alongside surgery to help manage pain and promote recovery. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian and begin treatment only after the surgical site has stabilized sufficiently.

Can any breed receive Korean herbal medicine treatment?

Yes, Korean herbal medicine can be applied to a wide variety of dog breeds, not limited to specific ones. However, the method of acupuncture stimulation may vary depending on the individual dog's body type and condition. In all cases, it is crucial that the treatment is performed by a veterinarian who has received specialized training in veterinary medicine. The treatment approach may differ based on the dog's condition and individual characteristics.

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References

[1] Jeong SM. Effects of electroacupuncture on minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane and cardiovascular system in isoflurane anesthetized dogs. Journal of Veterinary Science, 2002;3(3):193-201

[2] Miscioscia E, Repac J. Evidence-based complementary and alternative canine orthopedic medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America, 2022;52:925-938

[3] Roynard P, Frank L, Xie H, Fowler M. Acupuncture for small animal neurologic disorders. Veterinary Clinics of North America, 2018

[4] Ko JC (ed.). Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management: A Color Handbook, 3rd Edition. CRC Press