Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura is a healing sanctuary for elephants. Here, a first-of-its-kind workshop on acupuncture took place from February 14-16, 2025, bringing together some of the world’s leading veterinary experts to delve into this procedure as a healing technique for animals — a path that has so far been less chosen.
For centuries, acupuncture has been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a powerful method of healing, aimed at restoring balance within the human body. Rooted in the concept of energy flow, or ‘Qi’, this practice involves stimulating specific points along meridians—channels through which vital energy flows. By inserting fine needles or applying pressure, acupuncture is believed to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve overall health.
- Commonly used as a treatment technique for humans, acupuncture has also gained recognition in veterinary sciences for its effectiveness in pain management and neurological disorders. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Anil Pacharne]
A Historic First for India
For the very first time, acupuncture has been formally introduced as a veterinary treatment for animals in India. The workshop was specifically aimed at testing and demonstrating the efficacy of veterinary acupuncture as a means of treatment on animals rescued from distress with grave physical injuries. A special focus was given to the young elephant calf, Bani, who was rescued after a devastating train accident that left her partially paralysed and orphaned. She is being given specific medical attention that includes laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy. This workshop has brought in a big step to address her lame hindlimb, as leading veterinarians gathered together to also implement acupuncture for her treatment.
A Meeting of Minds: Experts in the Field
The event featured an esteemed panel of veterinary acupuncture specialists. These included Dr. Huisheng Xie, Founder of Chi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from USA, Dr. Porrakote Rungsri, Veterinary Acupuncture Specialist in Chiang Mai University of Thailand, Dr. Akshay Shah, AcuVet Veterinary Specialty Clinic, Mumbai, and Dr. N. S. Manoharan, former Additional Director of Veterinary Services, Tamil Nadu.
- Expertise and insights provided by the panel of renowned visiting doctors provided Wildlife SOS veterinarians with invaluable knowledge on the practical applications of acupuncture for animals. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Anil Pacharne]
Day 1: Grasping the Basics
The event kicked off with a presentation on the fascinating world of acupuncture, guided by Dr. Huisheng Xie. He unraveled the intricate concepts of meridians and the theory of nature’s five elements — wood, fire, earth, water and metal — that form the backbone of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), a medical system that has been followed in China for thousands of years.
- Dr. Huisheng Xie, a revered veterinarian and a leading authority in animal acupuncture, explained how elements of the universe are associated with body organs, informing us of another approach towards animal treatment. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Kumar Singh]
The discussion was nothing short of enlightening, unraveling how acupuncture interacts with the nervous system, enhances blood flow, and eases chronic pain in animals. A hands-on approach was undertaken through practical experience that followed the interactive session. Medical experts from the panel and Wildlife SOS rolled up their sleeves to practice the acupuncture technique on an elephant stuffed toy that was as big as Bani.
- Dr. Porrakote Rungsri, a veterinary acupuncture specialist from Thailand, demonstrated the dry needle technique on a Bani-sized stuffed toy. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Kumar Singh]
Dr. Porrakote Rungsri was among the international medical experts who had visited Bani earlier last year and provided an electro-acupuncture session to help her. During the current session, she demonstrated the dry needling technique, in which needles were pricked in apt places to relieve muscle tension and boost healing processes in large mammals. These acupuncture points were carefully marked on the dummy elephant, which made it easier for veterinarians to visualise the process and become aware of all meridian locations.
Day 2: Delving Deeper
On the second day, the participants took a deeper dive into TVCM’s five elements to see how acupuncture can work in alliance with other healing methods. Dr. Xie presented an in-depth lecture on pain management, explaining how the usage of electro-acupuncture and aqua-acupuncture could aid in the control of osteoarthritis and constant conditions in animals.
- Our veterinary team carefully observed the entire demonstration on the dummy as the topic of electro-acupuncture was covered. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Anil Pacharne]
The time that everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived — Bani’s first acupuncture session. With skillful hands, the team demonstrated the new techniques by marking the meridian points using toxic-free chalks on her skin. Bani remained calm during the treatment, showing no signs of discomfort, which, according to Dr. Xie, indicated that she was responding to acupuncture in a positive manner.
- Bani responded well to the acupuncture therapy, and was given sugarcanes, melons and cucumbers as positive reinforcements to keep her motivated. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Kumar Singh]
Day 3: Neurological Healing & Trauma Care
The grand finale of the workshop zeroed in to the remarkable role acupuncture plays in tackling neurological disorders, aiding trauma recovery, and facilitating wound healing. Dr. Xie elaborated on the ways acupuncture promotes nerve regeneration, diminishes inflammation, and speeds up the healing process after injuries. This was particularly poignant for Bani, who has endured nerve damage from a harrowing train collision.
- Our medical team was guided on acupuncture techniques that can support the health of rehabilitated elephants under our care. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Anil Pacharne]
In a practical session, veterinarians from Wildlife SOS took charge under Dr. Xie and Dr. Rungsri’s encouraging guidance. To implement electro-acupuncture among resident elephants, the two pinpointed the most effective acupuncture points to target. The day concluded with an emotional discussion about weaving together traditional healing techniques with cutting-edge veterinary science—a blend that could very well revolutionise animal health care.
- For Bani and the elephants at our centres, the introduction of acupuncture marks a major stride forward in their journey towards a healthier life. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Kunal Malhotra]
This workshop transcended mere training; it marked a significant leap towards transforming wildlife care across India. By empowering veterinarians with sophisticated knowledge of acupuncture, Wildlife SOS is enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive treatment for elephants and other animals grappling with chronic pain, mobility challenges, and neurological impairments.
At the core of this initiative lies Bani. As she has begun to steadily move—albeit at a measured pace—the integration of acupuncture into her rehabilitation brings forth an exciting new avenue in her treatment plan.
- With consistent sessions, we are optimistic and hopeful about witnessing Bani gaining strength for mobility. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Kunal Malhotra]
Looking Ahead
The insights gained from this three-day gathering have set the stage for moving forward with acupuncture treatments at Wildlife SOS. Plans are already in motion for further research, engaging training sessions, and collaboration with veterinary experts from around the globe. The goal? To fine-tune this technique and weave acupuncture more deeply into the fabric of animal healthcare.
The official launch of acupuncture at the Elephant Hospital Campus isn’t just a small step; it’s a monumental shift that could transform wildlife healthcare practices across India. If you wish to be a part of this change, consider donating towards the medical care of elephants at our centres.
Feature image: Vineet Kumar Singh/ Wildlife SOS
