Ear Acupuncture in Cats

by Gabby
(Whittier, CA, USA)

I have a polydactyl cat, she has two extra thumbs on both of her thumbs. One blue eye, one green eye and all white coat. Her name is Katira.

Lately, she just wants more attention, more food, more water. She is skiddish, but lately she's extra skiddish. I haven't checked her stools, since she's half indoors, half out doors and very good about going outdoors.

I personally am studying acupuncture and although I've been practicing needling I am still hesitant to needle points on her.
But I was curious to do ear acupuncture on her and stick a seedling in the "shen men" on her ear.
Would this help calm her down a bit? Or is this also too invasive and sensitive for her?

And if acceptable, where is the point shen men located?

Thank you,
Gabby

Answer

Hello Gabby!

Veterinary ear acupuncture is a very interesting field that demands a lot more research to be done, and there are not many reports available where therapeutic effects of auricular acupuncture in animals are described.

Point locations have been described in horses, cattle and dogs, but there is a considerable variation in point locations amongst different authors.

Needling points in the ear causes usually quite heavy reflex responses and can be very painful.
And, not to forget, the feline ear cartilage is only covered with subcutis and skin, so there is not much of anatomic substrate there. Needles can easily cause damage to blood vessels and an auricular haematoma usually needs surgical treatment.

Cats respond normally very well to stimulation of body acupuncture points and I would suggest to try GV14 to help your cat to calm down and relax.

It is also a good idea to let your vet examine Katira, because symptoms you described, like demanding more food and water and restlessness, are often caused by problems of parts of the endocrine system and may need also to be treated conventionally.

The point "Shen men" is according to acupuncture literature the same as HT-7, a source point and sedation point.

Best Wishes,

Dr Ellen Schmidt, MRCVS

This is only educational advice. It is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above answer cannot replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as he/she has the ability to evaluate your pet in person.