Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can cause side effects such as nausea, tiredness, mouth sores, numb fingers and toes, hot flushes and poor sleep. Your oncology team can treat many of them. Acupuncture is one of the few complementary therapies with reasonable evidence for some of these symptoms.
Where acupuncture may help
- Nausea and vomiting: supported by research and recognised in guidelines
- Pain and joint aches, including from hormone therapy
- Dry mouth after radiotherapy to the head and neck
- Hot flushes and sleep problems
- Tiredness: some benefit in studies
- Numbness and tingling (neuropathy): evidence is limited
How we keep it safe
We check your blood counts and treatment schedule, use fresh single-use needles, avoid needling areas with infection risk or lymphoedema, and may time sessions away from the lowest-count days. Herbs are used only with your oncologist’s agreement.
What to bring
Your treatment plan, the names of your drugs, and recent blood results. Please tell your oncology team that you are having acupuncture.
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 acupuncture safe during chemotherapy?
It is generally considered safe when blood counts are adequate and the practitioner is experienced. We confirm this with you each time.
Will it reduce the chemotherapy’s effect?
Acupuncture needles are not known to reduce chemotherapy. Herbs may, which is why we are careful.
Can it replace anti-sickness tablets?
No. Keep taking prescribed medicines. Acupuncture can be used alongside them.
See a doctor first if
- Fever above 38 degrees, chills or feeling very unwell
- Vomiting that prevents you from drinking, or signs of dehydration
- Bleeding, bruising, or new breathlessness
- Mouth sores that prevent eating
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.