Stroke can be a life-threatening condition with a high risk of recurrence. However, stroke recovery with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown significant effectiveness in both speeding up recovery from strokes and preventing their recurrence. Dr. Zhu Yizhi, a skilled physician from Taiwan’s Ming Yue TCM Clinic, shares insights on how acupoint massage can aid in stroke recovery and prevention.
Recognizing early signs of stroke
Strokes often occur suddenly, with warning signs that are frequently overlooked. Dr. Zhu highlights that if you notice involuntary twitching of your thumb and index finger, it may be an indication of potential cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction within three years.
This is because the thumb and index finger are related to the lung and large intestine meridians. The lung and large intestine are interconnected organs responsible for energy flow and waste elimination in the body. If these functions are disrupted, circulation worsens, and waste builds up, significantly increasing the risk of stroke.
Although slight hand trembling doesn’t always indicate a stroke, as it may result from factors like excessive cold food intake by young individuals, it is crucial to recognize and address these signs early.
Rehabilitation after a stroke
Strokes typically present with symptoms such as spasms of the limbs, facial asymmetry, or contraction of one side of the body. Urgent treatment within the first three hours of onset is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications. In TCM, acupuncture and medicinal therapies are commonly used to address stroke. Various acupuncture techniques regulate the meridians of the affected limbs, thereby promoting circulation and improving function; scalp acupuncture stimulates specific areas to enhance brain function recovery directly.
Dr. Zhu suggests treating symptoms like involuntary twitching of the thumb and index finger, numbness, general weakness, or weakness on one side of the body with the “Qiang Huo Yu Feng Tang” formula, continuing until the hand ceases to twitch, typically for about three months.
Early treatment can significantly shorten the recovery period after a stroke. Acupuncture within a week of the stroke, continued for three to five months, often results in substantial improvements in limb mobility. However, starting acupuncture treatment a month after the stroke may require six months to a year for optimal recovery.
Dr. Zhu recounts a case of a woman in her 60s who discovered left-side paralysis, diagnosed as ischemic cerebral infarction, during COVID-19 treatment. After weekly acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies, noticeable improvement in hand tension and leg strength was observed within three weeks. Initially, two to three acupuncture sessions per week are more effective.
Rehabilitation becomes more challenging in cases where stroke coincides with dementia. Dr. Zhu recommends active muscle training for older patients to restore muscle strength and lifestyle adjustments to improve spleen and stomach function. This approach can enhance overall circulation and improve bodily functions.
Acupressure massage for self-help rehabilitation
Dr. Zhu advises stroke patients to massage these four acupoints:
He Gu (LI 4): Located on the back of the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones, closer to the index finger. Massaging this point helps open the body’s circulation, improving blood flow and alleviating hand numbness or weakness.
Tai Chong (LR 3): Found on the foot between the big toe and second toe, approximately a thumb’s width upward. Massaging Tai Chong can reduce inflammation, enhance foot circulation, and promote overall blood and energy metabolism.
Yang Ling Quan (GB-34): Situated on the outer side of the calf, in the recess anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula, best accessed with a bent knee. Massaging this point helps alleviate nerve tension, relieve cramps, and improve muscle and joint stiffness or weakness.
Tai Xi (KI 3): Located on the foot’s inner side, in the hollow between the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon. Massaging Tai Xi nourishes the kidneys and brain, addressing stroke-related brain issues. It can also boost mental alertness for those who frequently stay up late.
Research-based evidence of stroke recovery with traditional Chinese medicine
The study “Therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicines for post-stroke recovery: A traditional and network meta-analysis” by Shi-You Han et al., published in PMC, meticulously examines the impact of Chinese herbal patent medicines on stroke recovery. According to the research findings: “Chinese patent medicines significantly improved the neurological function defect scores, BI scores, and FMA, demonstrating their effectiveness in aiding stroke recovery.”
This statement underlines the positive influence of these medicines, highlighting the roles of MLC601 (NeuroAiD, Danqi Piantan Capsule), Shuxuetong, and Buchang Naoxintong as notably effective in promoting recovery without acupuncture. Conversely, Mailuoning, Xuesaitong, and Buchang Naoxintong were identified as more beneficial when paired with acupuncture.
The study brings attention to MLC601 or NeuroAiD, which is composed of a blend of nine herbs and five animal components. This affirms the role of TCM-based medicine in the recovery process. This is particularly noteworthy in light of a recent meta-analysis suggesting that MLC601’s effectiveness was comparable to a placebo.
This distinction underscores the essential contribution of TCM, in both herbal and acupuncture forms, as a crucial medical resource for stroke rehabilitation. It demonstrates the holistic effectiveness of practices in post-stroke treatment.
Preventing a second stroke
Dr. Zhu recommends lifestyle changes to prevent a second stroke:
- Control the “Three Highs”: High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high lipids can lead to fat deposits or thrombus increase in blood vessels, contributing to stroke occurrence and recurrence.
- Avoid high-salt, high-fat diets: High salt and fat consumption is a leading reason for a lot of the cardiovascular degradations that may cause metabolic and h
- Limit smoking and alcohol, and exercise regularly: Smoking, excessive drinking, and lack of exercise increase stroke risk. Moderate exercise enhances circulation and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Combining TCM acupoint massage with healthy habits can help with comprehensive stroke recovery and prevention.
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