Acupuncture is much more than just a pain reliever. For dogs and cats, acupuncture can boost the immune system, improve organ functions, and can complement conventional medicines and procedures without dangerous side effects. Special needles are inserted into specific points on an animal’s body. The needles help redirect the body’s energy fields (called chi) back into harmony. Like people, cats and dogs have about 365 key acupuncture points in their bodies. The needles induce the release of endorphins–the body’s feel-good hormone. Endorphins control pain by causing blood vessels to dilate, which increases oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to flow around joints and muscles.