Arthritis means inflammation or wear in the joints. It causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling, and it is one of the most common causes of long-term pain.
Common types
- Osteoarthritis: gradual wear of the joint cartilage, most often in the knees, hips, hands and spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune condition that inflames the joints, often on both sides of the body
- Gout: sudden, painful attacks caused by uric acid crystals (see our gout page)
What you might notice
- Joint pain that is worse after activity (osteoarthritis) or after rest
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling, warmth or reduced movement in a joint
- Aching that changes with the weather
Managing arthritis
Keeping active, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening exercises and heat can all help. Doctors may use pain relievers or, for inflammatory arthritis, medicines that slow the disease. These should not be stopped without medical advice.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to medical care. They aim to ease pain and stiffness and support circulation to the joints.
Some studies and guidelines support acupuncture as an option for pain in knee osteoarthritis, while evidence for other types is limited. We do not promise a particular result.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in the way developed by our founder, Dato’ Leong Hong Tole. Master Tole is the founder of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder, and the treatment is based on his own technique and on the family’s ancestral formulas. His team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs.
Treatment at The Tole is used together with your medical treatment, to support your recovery. We never ask anyone to stop the care their doctor has advised.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
Please consult before you buy. Before you purchase any TheTole herbs, including TheTole neuro brain powder, we recommend consulting Dato’ Tole or his team first, so that you receive the correct prescription for your condition.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- Founded by Dato’ Master Leong Hong Tole, creator of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
Can acupuncture help arthritis pain?
Some people find it eases joint pain and stiffness, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. It does not repair damaged cartilage, and results vary.
Can I take herbs with my arthritis medicines?
Please tell us every medicine you take, and tell your doctor about any herbs. Some herbs can interact with medicines, and some medicines for rheumatoid arthritis need regular blood tests.
Which type of arthritis do I have?
Only your doctor can diagnose this, usually with an examination, blood tests and imaging. Please bring any reports you have.
See a doctor first if
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever. This can be an infection or gout
- Joint stiffness in the morning that lasts more than 30 minutes, or affects several joints
- Sudden severe joint pain, or being unable to move or bear weight on a joint
- Before you change or stop any arthritis medicine
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Used together with your doctor’s treatment, it aims to support your recovery. Responses vary from person to person, and no particular result can be promised. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.