Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) for Pets

What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

The four pillars of TCVM

Why Choose RehabVet for TCVM in Singapore

• 01

  Truly integrative approach

  Every TCVM patient receives both a conventional veterinary assessment and a complete TCVM evaluation — tongue and pulse diagnosis, acupuncture point palpation, and pattern differentiation. We integrate findings from both systems for the most complete understanding of your pet's condition.

• 02

  Certified veterinary acupuncturist

  Our TCVM treatments are performed by a qualified veterinary professional with internationally recognised acupuncture certification. All treatments are supervised by our veterinary team led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc.

• 03

  Part of a comprehensive rehabilitation facility

  TCVM at RehabVet isn't offered in isolation — it's integrated with hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, laser therapy, electrotherapy, and other rehabilitation modalities. This multimodal approach delivers superior outcomes compared to any single treatment.

• 04

  Evidence-based practice

  We are committed to transparency. We explain our TCVM diagnosis, the rationale for recommended treatments, expected outcomes, and realistic timelines. We track progress objectively and adjust treatment plans based on measurable data — not guesswork.

• 05

  Dogs and cats

  We have extensive experience treating both canine and feline patients with TCVM. Our therapists adapt techniques for each species' unique physiology and temperament.

• 06

  Personalised treatment plans

  No two pets receive the same TCVM treatment. Every plan is developed based on your pet's specific TCVM pattern diagnosis, constitution, condition, and treatment goals. We reassess and adjust at every visit.

Our TCVM Modalities

• 01

  Acupuncture

  The most well-researched TCVM modality. Fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific anatomical points to stimulate the release of endorphins, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and modulate the nervous system. Includes dry-needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture.

• 01

  Electroacupuncture

  A modern advancement where mild electrical currents are applied through acupuncture needles. Particularly effective for neurological conditions, IVDD, degenerative myelopathy, and severe chronic pain. The electrical stimulation enhances nerve regeneration and muscle activation beyond what dry needling alone achieves.

• 01

  Chinese Herbal Medicine

  Carefully selected, veterinary-grade herbal formulas prescribed to address your pet's specific TCVM pattern diagnosis. Herbal medicine provides ongoing therapeutic support between acupuncture sessions — managing pain, reducing inflammation, supporting organ function, and addressing the root cause of disease according to TCVM theory.

• 01

  Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage)

  A specialised form of Chinese therapeutic massage that works along meridian pathways and acupuncture points. Tui Na relieves muscle tension, improves joint mobility, promotes circulation, and provides gentle pain relief. Particularly well-suited for pets who are needle-shy or as a complement to acupuncture.

• 01

  Food Therapy (Chinese Dietary Therapy)

  Foods are classified by their thermal nature (warming, cooling, neutral), flavour, and therapeutic action in TCVM. We provide personalised dietary recommendations based on your pet's constitution and condition — using everyday foods as gentle, ongoing medicine to support healing and maintain balance.

• 01

  Drug-free pain management

  TCVM — particularly acupuncture — provides significant pain relief by stimulating the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. This reduces dependence on NSAIDs, minimising the risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic side effects.

• 02

  Treats the root cause, not just symptoms

  While Western medicine excels at diagnosing specific diseases, TCVM focuses on identifying and correcting underlying imbalances — the patterns that lead to disease. This complementary approach often addresses issues that conventional treatment alone cannot fully resolve.

• 03

  Reduced inflammation

  Acupuncture downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory mediators. Studies demonstrate measurable reductions in both localised and systemic inflammation — beneficial for arthritis, IVDD, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

• 04

  Accelerated healing and recovery

  By improving blood flow to injured tissues, acupuncture delivers more oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste. Combined with herbal medicine, TCVM accelerates recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.

• 05

  Enhanced neurological recovery

  Electroacupuncture shows particular promise for IVDD, degenerative myelopathy, facial nerve paralysis, and vestibular disease. Electrical stimulation promotes nerve regeneration and helps restore function in paralysed patients.

• 06

  Immune system support

  TCVM herbal formulas and acupuncture can modulate immune function — upregulating a suppressed immune system and downregulating an overactive one. Valuable for autoimmune conditions and immunocompromised pets.

• 07

  Gastrointestinal support

  Acupuncture and herbal medicine regulate digestive function effectively — particularly useful for chronic GI issues such as IBD, chronic nausea, appetite loss, or recurrent diarrhoea.

• 08

  Stress and anxiety reduction

  Acupuncture has a profoundly calming effect on the nervous system. Many dogs visibly relax during sessions. Herbal formulas provide ongoing anxiolytic support for chronically anxious pets.

• 09

  Complements Western veterinary medicine

  TCVM is not an alternative to conventional medicine — it is a powerful complement. At RehabVet, we integrate TCVM with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and conventional care.

• 10

  Minimal side effects

  TCVM modalities have an exceptionally low risk of adverse effects when practised by qualified veterinary professionals. Acupuncture needles are fine, sterile, and single-use. Side effects are rare and mild.

Conditions We Treat with TCVM

• 01

  Osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain

  Arthritis is one of the most common and responsive conditions for TCVM treatment. Acupuncture provides significant pain relief while herbal formulas address the underlying inflammation and joint degeneration. Many arthritic pets show measurable improvements in mobility and comfort within 3–4 sessions.

• 01

  Neurological conditions

  Degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), vestibular disease, facial nerve paralysis, and post-surgical nerve injuries all benefit from TCVM. Electroacupuncture in particular can stimulate dormant nerve pathways and promote regeneration.

• 01

  Post-surgical recovery

  Acupuncture accelerates healing after orthopaedic and spinal surgeries by reducing post-operative pain, swelling, and inflammation while promoting tissue repair. Herbal medicine supports the healing process from within. TCVM integrates seamlessly with conventional post-surgical rehabilitation.

• 01

  Chronic pain syndromes

  Pets with chronic pain that is difficult to manage with medication alone — or where medication side effects are a concern — often find significant relief through acupuncture and herbal medicine. The multimodal approach of TCVM can address pain from multiple angles simultaneously.

• 01

  Gastrointestinal disorders

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, and nausea respond well to acupuncture and herbal formulas. TCVM addresses digestive issues by strengthening the Spleen Qi and harmonising the digestive system — a unique perspective that often complements conventional GI treatment.

• 01

  Anxiety and behavioural issues

  TCVM views anxiety as a pattern of imbalance (often Liver Qi Stagnation or Heart Blood Deficiency) that can be addressed through acupuncture, herbal formulas, and food therapy. Many anxious pets show marked improvement in behaviour and stress tolerance with regular TCVM treatment.

• 01

  Geriatric care and quality of life

  Senior pets benefit enormously from TCVM. Acupuncture helps manage the pain, stiffness, and muscle wasting associated with ageing. Herbal formulas support organ function that declines with age. Food therapy recommendations optimise nutrition for the senior constitution. The goal is maintaining comfort, mobility, and quality of life for as long as possible.

How TCVM Works at RehabVet

• 01

  Dual assessment (Western + TCVM)

  Your pet's first visit includes both a conventional veterinary examination and a complete TCVM evaluation — tongue and pulse diagnosis, acupuncture point palpation, and pattern differentiation according to TCVM theory. We also review any imaging, blood work, and surgical reports.

• 02

  TCVM pattern diagnosis

  Based on our assessment, we identify your pet's specific TCVM pattern — the underlying imbalance driving their condition. This is explained clearly to you, along with how it relates to the Western diagnosis. Understanding both perspectives gives us the most complete picture.

• 03

  Personalised treatment plan

  We design a tailored TCVM programme: which modalities (acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na, food therapy), recommended frequency, expected timeline, and how TCVM integrates with any other treatments. All costs are discussed transparently.

• 04

  Treatment sessions (30–60 minutes)

  Acupuncture sessions typically involve 15–30 minutes of needle retention. Electroacupuncture adds electrical stimulation for neurological and severe pain cases. Tui Na may be performed before or after acupuncture. Many pets relax deeply — some fall asleep during treatment.

• 05

  Ongoing management

  Chinese herbal formulas provide continuous therapeutic support between sessions. Food therapy recommendations are integrated into your pet's daily diet. We reassess the TCVM pattern at regular intervals and adjust treatment accordingly — patterns evolve as your pet heals.

What to Expect at Your Pet's First TCVM Session

• 01

  Before the session

  Bring medical history, imaging reports, blood work, and list of current medications. Note changes in appetite, energy, and behaviour — all relevant to TCVM diagnosis.

• 02

  During the session (60–90 min first visit)

  Includes both Western and TCVM assessments. We observe posture and gait, examine the tongue, take the pulse, and palpate acupuncture points. Treatment begins at this visit if appropriate.

• 03

  After the session

  Some pets are deeply relaxed or sleepy — this is normal and a good sign. You'll receive the TCVM treatment plan, herbal prescriptions, food therapy recommendations, and follow-up schedule.

• TCVM consultation + first acupuncture session

  $150 – $200

• Follow-up acupuncture sessions

  $100 – $140

• Electroacupuncture sessions

  $120 – $160

Acupuncture vs Electroacupuncture

Meet Your TCVM Team

What Pet Owners Say About Our TCVM

Frequently Asked Questions About TCVM

QWhat is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)?

TCVM is a comprehensive medical system that has been used to treat animals for over 3,000 years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), and food therapy. Modern TCVM integrates this ancient knowledge with contemporary veterinary science — using traditional diagnostic methods alongside conventional diagnostics to create a complete understanding of each patient’s condition.

QHow does TCVM differ from conventional veterinary medicine?

Conventional (Western) veterinary medicine focuses on identifying and treating specific diseases. TCVM focuses on identifying underlying patterns of imbalance that lead to disease — addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. At RehabVet, we view them as complementary systems: Western medicine excels at acute care, diagnostics, and surgery; TCVM excels at chronic disease management, pain control, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Together, they offer the most comprehensive care possible.

QIs veterinary acupuncture safe?

Yes — veterinary acupuncture is remarkably safe when performed by qualified practitioners. The needles are extremely fine (much thinner than injection needles), sterile, and single-use. Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well — many relax visibly, and some fall asleep during treatment. Adverse reactions are rare and typically limited to mild, temporary drowsiness. Our veterinary acupuncturist is certified and experienced with both dogs and cats.

QHow much does TCVM cost in Singapore?

At RehabVet, initial TCVM consultations are $150–$200, which includes a comprehensive assessment (both Western and TCVM evaluation) and your first acupuncture session. Follow-up acupuncture sessions are $100–$140. Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed separately. Package rates are available for ongoing treatment plans. Many pet insurance policies now cover acupuncture — we recommend checking with your insurer.

QHow quickly does acupuncture work?

Many pets show improvement after just 1–2 sessions, though the timeline depends on the condition. Acute pain conditions may respond within the first treatment. Chronic conditions typically require 4–6 sessions before significant improvement is seen. We reassess progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan based on your pet’s response. For chronic conditions, ongoing maintenance sessions every 2–4 weeks help sustain benefits.

QDoes acupuncture hurt?

Most pets barely notice needle insertion — the needles used in veterinary acupuncture are extremely fine (0.16–0.30mm diameter), much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws. The vast majority of dogs relax during treatment, and many fall asleep. Cats can be more sensitive but generally tolerate acupuncture well with gentle handling. If your pet is particularly needle-shy, Tui Na massage can be used as an alternative.

QCan cats receive TCVM treatment?

Absolutely. Cats are excellent candidates for TCVM. Acupuncture is particularly effective for feline arthritis, chronic kidney disease support, GI issues, and anxiety. Our therapists are experienced with feline patients and use appropriately sized needles and gentle techniques. Herbal formulas are available in palatable forms for cats. Tui Na massage is also well-tolerated by most cats.

QWhat should I expect at my pet's first TCVM appointment?

The first visit (60–90 minutes) includes both a conventional veterinary assessment and a complete TCVM evaluation — tongue and pulse diagnosis, palpation of acupuncture points, and TCVM pattern differentiation. We discuss your pet’s history, diet, behaviour, and environment. Treatment begins at this first visit if appropriate. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the TCVM diagnosis, recommended treatment plan, and expected timeline.

QHow often should my pet receive acupuncture?

For acute conditions, we may recommend 2–3 sessions per week initially. For chronic conditions like arthritis, weekly sessions for 4–6 weeks is typical, transitioning to every 2–4 weeks for maintenance. Severe neurological cases (IVDD, DM) may benefit from more frequent treatment initially. Your veterinary team will recommend a specific schedule based on your pet’s condition and response.

QAre Chinese herbal medicines safe for pets?

Yes, when prescribed by a qualified veterinary practitioner. We use veterinary-grade herbal formulas from reputable suppliers with quality controls and testing. Herbs are selected based on your pet’s specific TCVM diagnosis and are prescribed at appropriate dosages. We monitor for any adverse reactions and adjust formulas as needed. It’s important to always inform us of any conventional medications your pet is taking to avoid interactions.

QCan TCVM replace conventional veterinary medicine?

We don’t recommend replacing conventional veterinary care with TCVM. At RehabVet, our approach is integrative — we combine the best of both systems. TCVM excels at chronic pain management, supporting recovery, addressing conditions that respond poorly to conventional treatment alone, and reducing medication dependence. Conventional medicine excels at acute care, diagnostics, and surgery. Together, they provide the most comprehensive care for your pet.

QWhat is the difference between acupuncture and electroacupuncture?

Standard (dry-needle) acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points and leaving them in place for 15–20 minutes. Electroacupuncture adds mild, pulsed electrical currents between pairs of needles — enhancing the therapeutic effect. Electroacupuncture is particularly effective for neurological conditions (IVDD, degenerative myelopathy), severe pain, and muscle atrophy. Your veterinarian will recommend which type is most appropriate for your pet’s condition.