Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is when the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, so breathing pauses. It causes loud snoring, broken sleep and daytime tiredness, and it raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and accidents. It is common and often undiagnosed.
Signs of sleep apnoea
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Waking gasping or choking, or with a dry mouth or headache
- Daytime sleepiness, poor concentration and irritability
- Getting up at night to pass urine
Medical care
A sleep study confirms the diagnosis. Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side and a CPAP machine are the main treatments. Dental devices or surgery are options for some people.
What The Tole can offer
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be offered for general wellbeing and healthy habits alongside medical treatment. We do not claim to cure sleep apnoea or replace CPAP. Evidence for acupuncture in sleep apnoea is limited. Please tell us about any sedatives or sleeping pills.
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
Is snoring always sleep apnoea?
No, but loud snoring with pauses and sleepiness needs checking.
Can acupuncture replace CPAP?
No. CPAP is the proven treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea.
Is it dangerous?
Untreated, it raises the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and accidents from drowsiness.
See a doctor first if
- Falling asleep while driving or at work
- Pauses in breathing noticed by others
- Morning headaches with high blood pressure
- Heavy snoring in a child
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.