Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in a joint. It typically causes a sudden attack of severe pain, redness and swelling, most often in the big toe.
What a gout attack is like
- Intense pain that often starts at night
- A hot, red, swollen joint that is too tender to touch
- Most often the big toe, but also the ankle, knee or wrist
- Attacks that settle in days but tend to come back
Common triggers
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Red meat, organ meats and some seafood
- Sugary drinks
- Being overweight, and dehydration
- Some medicines, such as certain water tablets
- Kidney problems
Medical care comes first
Gout attacks are treated with medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine, and long-term medicines can lower uric acid and prevent attacks. Please do not stop or change these without your doctor’s advice.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to medical care. In the traditional view they aim to ease pain and support the body’s balance. Research on acupuncture for gout is limited, so 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 a gout attack?
Some small studies suggest it may reduce pain, but the research is limited. It should never replace the medicines your doctor prescribes.
Is it safe to take herbs with gout medicines?
Please tell us about every medicine you take, including allopurinol and colchicine, and tell your doctor about any herbs you use.
Can gout be cured?
Gout can be controlled with medicines and lifestyle changes, but we do not claim to cure it.
See a doctor first if
- A first attack of severe joint pain, or a hot swollen joint with fever. It could be an infection
- Attacks that keep coming back
- Lumps (tophi) under the skin near joints, or kidney stone pain
- Before you start any herb alongside gout 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.