Peripheral neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It most often affects the feet and hands, causing numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness.
What you might notice
- Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the toes, feet or fingers
- Burning, stabbing or electric-shock pain, often worse at night
- Sensitivity to touch, or feeling the ground differently
- Weakness, clumsiness or loss of balance
Common causes
- Diabetes, the most common cause (see our diabetic neuropathy page)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Alcohol, some medicines and chemotherapy
- Kidney or thyroid disease
- Nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a spinal problem
- Infections and autoimmune conditions
- Often no cause is found
Finding the cause matters
Your doctor can arrange blood tests and nerve studies to find the cause, because treating the cause gives the best chance of protecting the nerves.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to medical care. They aim to ease discomfort and support circulation to the hands and feet.
Studies of acupuncture for neuropathy are small and the results are mixed, so we do not promise that nerve damage will reverse.
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 numbness and tingling?
Some people feel less discomfort. The evidence is limited, and we cannot promise that damaged nerves will recover.
Should I be tested first?
Yes, please see your doctor to look for causes such as diabetes or B12 deficiency. Bring your results when you visit us.
Is it safe to take herbs for neuropathy?
Please tell us about every medicine you take. Some herbs can interact with diabetes and other medicines.
See a doctor first if
- Numbness or weakness that comes on suddenly, or spreads quickly. Go to emergency care
- Foot sores, blisters or wounds you cannot feel, especially if you have diabetes
- Weakness, falls or trouble walking
- Numbness that is getting steadily worse
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.