The Small Animal Acupressure Certification is a comprehensive, practitioner-level program designed to teach you how to confidently and safely apply acupressure to dogs and cats.
Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and supported by modern observation and assessment skills, this certification goes far beyond simple point location. Students learn how to read the animal, understand energetic patterns, and apply thoughtful, intentional acupressure sessions that support the whole body.
This course is ideal for both emerging and established practitioners who want to expand their skillset with a gentle yet powerful modality that supports:
• Mobility and comfort
• Emotional balance
• Nervous system regulation
• Digestive and immune function
• Senior and maintenance care
• Whole-body energetic balance
Designed with real-world application in mind, this certification bridges theory with hands-on confidence so you can integrate acupressure into your holistic practice or advanced home care routine.
✨ 2026 Course Upgrade
This certification has been thoughtfully expanded for 2026 to provide deeper clinical relevance and practitioner confidence.
New and enhanced features include:
• Expanded nervous system integration concepts
• Improved palpation and point-location guidance
• Additional case-based learning support
• Refined protocols for common canine and feline concerns
• Enhanced practitioner application focus
• Updated learning materials for greater clarity and usability
These upgrades ensure the program continues to evolve alongside modern holistic practice standards while maintaining strong TCM roots.
What You Will Learn
Throughout this certification, you will develop the skills to:
• Understand core Traditional Chinese Medicine principles
• Navigate the meridian system in dogs and cats
• Accurately locate and stimulate key acupoints
• Read tissue and behavioral responses
• Build effective, individualized sessions
• Support common clinical presentations
• Integrate acupressure into professional practice
Curriculum Breakdown (Basic concepts are showcased here, there is SO MUCH MORE in the course)
Module 1 — Foundations of Acupressure
• History and philosophy of acupressure
• Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Yin–Yang theory
• Five Element theory
• Understanding Qi and energetic flow
• Safety and scope considerations
Module 2 — Meridian System for Small Animals
• Overview of the meridian network
• Major meridians in dogs and cats
• Meridian functions and pathways
• Extraordinary vessels introduction
• Recognizing energetic imbalances
Module 3 — Acupoint Location & Palpation
• Landmark anatomy for dogs and cats
• How to accurately locate acupoints
• Palpation skill development
• Pressure application methods
• Reading tissue response
• Developing sensitive hands
Module 4 — Assessment & Observation
• Intake and health history review
• Postural and behavioral assessment
• TCM pattern recognition
• Excess vs deficiency patterns
• Session planning fundamentals
• When to treat vs when to refer
Module 5 — Core Acupressure Application
• Tonification vs sedation methods
• Session flow and timing
• Working with sensitive animals
• Species-specific considerations
• Supporting the nervous system through acupressure
• Building effective treatments
Module 6 — Condition-Based Protocols
Step-by-step protocols for common concerns such as:
• Anxiety and stress support
• Mobility and stiffness
• Digestive balance
• Immune support
• Senior animal support
• Maintenance and performance care
Module 7 — Professional Integration
• Structuring an acupressure session
• Client communication skills
• Documentation basics
• Ethical considerations
• Scope of practice
• Building practitioner confidence
Module 8 — Case Studies & Practical Application
• Guided case examples
• Real-world adaptations
• Reading animal feedback
• Troubleshooting sessions
• Clinical thinking development
Module 9 — Certification Requirements
To earn certification, students complete:
• Knowledge assessments
• Practical assignments
• Case study submission
• Final evaluation
And more bonus modules on learning advanced modalities with acupressure such as Photopuncture, Acu-cupping and more!
Upon successful completion, students receive their:
Small Animal Acupressure Certification
Learning Experience
This program includes:
• Structured, self-paced online learning
• Demonstration videos
• Downloadable reference materials
• Extensive protocol library
• Lifetime access (if applicable — adjust if needed)
• Ongoing educational support
The course is designed to build confidence progressively while remaining flexible for busy professionals.
