Albino alligator who has lived with back pain for eight years is given acupuncture by vets Bino the alligator has lived at Sao Paulo Aquarium in Brazil since 2007 He's suffered from hunchback and scoliosis since birth eight years ago Vets say treatment is working and he's already able to twitch his tail Vets have found a novel way of treating an albino alligator who suffers from back and leg problems. Bino was born eight years ago with the apparently incurable ailments of hunchback and scoliosis - but he is now receiving acupuncture at the Sao Paulo Aquarium, where he has lived since 2007. Once a week, several needles are inserted into Bino's back - and the treatment is working. He is already able to twitch his tail again and move his back legs, which until recently he was unable to do. Scoliosis sufferer: Bino, the albino alligator, receives acupuncture treatment. Veterinarians at the Sao Paulo Aquarium in Brazil decided on the novel treatment for Bino, who suffers from hunchback and scoliosis In early 2011 veterinarians at the aquarium in Brazil decided to see if acupuncture might help Bino, as it has with other animals living at the aquarium. "The acupuncture will ... alleviate his pain and keep all his vital functions going," said Rafael Gutierrez, a biologist at the aquarium of Sao Paulo. He added that the 30-minute weekly treatments would continue indefinitely, as long as they kept showing solid results. Acupuncture on animals is becoming increasingly common around the globe, the biologists at the Sao Paulo aquarium said, especially with pets such as cats, dogs and horses. The use of acupuncture on animals began thousands of years ago in China. Technique: This is a file picture of acupuncture needles in a person's leg. The ancient treatment was first practised in China around 1,000 years ago, and arrived in Europe in the 17th century In the US, the number of veterinarians who hold membership in the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture has jumped 50 per cent in the last few years to 900 doctors, said Simon Flynn, the executive director of the academy that is based in Glastonbury, Connecticut. What is acupuncture? An ancient treatment first practised in China around 1,000 years ago. It arrived in Europe in the 17th century, but there has only been strong public interest in it since the 1970s. How does it work? The traditional Chinese view is that energy - or 'Qi' - flows directly through 12 main channels, called meridians, in the body and if the flow is interrupted it can cause ill-health. Inserting tiny needles and manipulating them at 'trigger points' restores the flow of energy. It is believed the needles stimulate skin and muscle nerves, releasing the body's natural painkillers - endorphins and serotonin - into the pain pathways of the spinal cord and the brain to modify the way pain signals are received. What is it used to treat? Some people have acupuncture to 'strengthen' their constitution. But it is commonly used for anxiety, asthma, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, skin conditions and ulcers. "There are many zoo veterinarians who use acupuncture, a number of equine practitioners who treat race horses with acupuncture, it's proven to be a useful treatment," Mr Flynn said. It's common with dogs and it's becoming increasingly common with cats. More veterinarians are seeing the worth of the treatment. Typical ailments treated by acupuncture include neck and back issues, skin problems and pain in general, among other complaints, he added. Bino requires a few precautions not needed with your average house cat. Inserting the needles into Bino's back requires the important first step of taping shut his lock-tight jaws full of sharp teeth. Bino wrestles around a bit as the tape is applied, but soon calms down. Vet Daniela Cervaletti then slides behind Bino, firmly pressing the needles into his leathery white and yellow hide. The needles are inserted along his spine and around the area where the animal developed a hunchback. Bino does not move at all as nearly a dozen needles go in. Ms Cervaletti gently strokes the side of Bino's neck after she applies them all, then waits several minutes before removing them. The treatment complete, handlers help Bino back into a display pool, his white skin stark against brown fake rocks painted with foliage. He moves easily and swishes his tail, gliding along the water as a group of schoolchildren in matching uniforms squeal in delight, faces pressed up against the glass separating them from Bino.