Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used to diagnose and treat animals for over three millennia. It encompasses four major branches: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), and food therapy (Chinese dietary therapy).
At its core, TCVM views the body as an interconnected system where health depends on the balanced flow of Qi (vital energy) through a network of meridians. Disease arises when this balance is disrupted — by injury, environmental factors, emotional stress, or constitutional weakness. TCVM diagnosis identifies the specific pattern of imbalance, and treatment is directed at restoring harmony.
Modern veterinary research has validated many of TCVM’s clinical observations. Studies published in Veterinary Surgery, the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine demonstrate that acupuncture produces measurable physiological responses — including endorphin release, modulation of inflammatory pathways, improved blood circulation, and nerve stimulation.
At RehabVet, our approach to TCVM is integrative and evidence-based. We don’t view TCVM and Western medicine as competing philosophies — we see them as complementary systems that, together, offer the most comprehensive care possible for your pet. Every TCVM patient receives both a conventional veterinary assessment and a complete TCVM evaluation, ensuring nothing is missed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have extensive experience treating both canine and feline patients with TCVM. Our therapists adapt techniques for each species' unique physiology and temperament.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine regulate digestive function effectively — particularly useful for chronic GI issues such as IBD, chronic nausea, appetite loss, or recurrent diarrhoea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bring medical history, imaging reports, blood work, and list of current medications. Note changes in appetite, energy, and behaviour — all relevant to TCVM diagnosis.
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.
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.
Pricing varies based on session duration and additional modalities. Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed and priced separately. Package rates are available for ongoing treatment plans.
Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover acupuncture as part of rehabilitation. We recommend checking with your insurer before your first appointment. We provide itemised invoices for insurance claims.
For a personalised quote based on your pet’s condition and treatment plan, WhatsApp us at +65 8798 7554.
RehabVet offers both dry-needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture. The choice depends on your pet’s condition, severity, and treatment goals.
| Feature | Dry-Needle Acupuncture | Electroacupuncture |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Fine needles inserted at acupuncture points, retained 15–20 minutes | Needles + mild electrical stimulation via connected wires |
| Best for | Chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, GI issues, general wellness | Neurological conditions (IVDD, DM), severe pain, muscle atrophy |
| Sensation | Minimal — most pets relax or sleep | Mild tingling — still well-tolerated by most pets |
| Session length | 20–30 minutes (needle retention) | 20–30 minutes (electrical stimulation) |
| Evidence | Extensive — endorphin release, anti-inflammatory effects well-documented | Strong evidence for nerve regeneration and neuromuscular activation |
| Ideal patients | All species and temperaments | Paralysis, severe disc disease, post-surgical nerve recovery |
Qualified rehabilitation specialists with TCVM expertise. Led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc.
