Acupuncture has been around for centuries in China, being used to treat people for over 5000 years. Over the centuries, modern medicine and its advancements have drowned out all the natural medical procedures. With state of the art technology and daily innovations, people no longer believe in the treatments of the past, deeming them archaic and backward.
The last few decades have witnessed a rise in alternative medicine, mostly due to the harmful and long-term side effects of strong medication and treatment. One such alternative can be found in Malaysia at the Tole Acupuncture-Herbal-Medical Centre, Kuala Lampur. This center has been a family run business for over a century, and it has managed to keep the practice of acupuncture alive. Dato' Master Tole, who was trained as a physician, acupuncturist and herbal healer from a very young age by his father and uncle, currently owns the center.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at key points to help influence the body’s physiological functioning. Besides needles, moxibustion, hand and fingers are also used to administer acupressure. This has been the preferred treatment of the locals for years, gaining international recognition for its curative effects more recently. One branch of this is known as Thetole's Neuro Acupuncture, which involves the same process, except that it is performed on the brain. This is known to treat brain tumors, which are one of the most painful and difficult cancers out there today.
The brain is a very delicate organ overrun by complicated pathways. The slightest damage can leave a patient paralyzed for life, which is why people with brain cancer do not like the idea of surgery to rid them of their problem. Master Tole uses Thetole's Neuro Acupuncture in conjunction with herbal medicines that are to be taken orally and applied to the body on a daily basis.
These medicines are custom-mixed for each patient, keeping their requirements in mind. Besides the medicines, the patients’ diet is also altered during their stay. They are fed herbal meals and juices, while a list of foods is provided to them, which will help with their healing process. These foods are to be incorporated into the patients’ everyday life, making the Tole path a lifestyle change for most patients.
Besides the above-mentioned treatment, the Master stresses greatly on the importance of emotional balance and psychological well-being to combat any type of disease. Patients are encouraged to surround themselves with friends and family that can help and support them during this time. The center counselsthese friends and family on how they must behave around the patient. Emotional break downs and negative talk of any sort is discouraged, because it is believed that how you treat the patient and behave around them will encourage or discourage the effectiveness of the treatment.
Great emphasis is laid on the power of positive thinking, so at the Tole center you are not just treated physically, but are taught to deal with your emotional burdens as well. Support groups are also encouraged so that patients can talk to other people that are going through the same thing, learning from each other’s experience and encouraging one another to get through the day.