Can acupuncture benefit stroke recovery?

Doctor's Answers 1

In TCM perspective, it is believed that stroke is a result of a deficiency, manifested as an excessive syndrome. In this case, the deficiency is mostly referred to as insufficient blood and qi, and liver and kidney deficiency. On the other hand, excessive syndrome refers to the blockage of meridians caused by phlegm and poor blood circulation.

Acupuncture is useful for stroke recovery and extensive clinical studies have supported the use of acupuncture for stroke patients' rehabilitation, especially during the acute and early stages of stroke.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into acupressure points to stimulate them to elicit a healing response. In the case of a stroke, needles may be inserted mainly on the paralyzed side of the body. The needles on the face can help to improve blurry speech, muscle weakness in the face and droopy eyelids which are common symptoms after a stroke. The needles inserted on the affected limbs can help to improve the localized blood and qi circulation which can then improve the patients’ mobility. Other acupressure points inserted are chosen based on the patients’ condition, such as to replenish blood and qi, strengthen liver and kidney, eliminate phlegm or improve overall blood circulation. Scalp acupuncture is also useful for stroke recovery, especially in improving motor functions.

Similar Questions

Does acupuncture for fertility really work?

Thanks for the D2D. Yes, acupuncture is effective for fertility. Acupuncture treatment which involves inserting needles at specific acupoints along the meridians, regulates the flow of qi and blood and restore healthy balance of yin and Yang. It serves to tonify where there is deficiency, drain where there is excess, and promote free flow where there is stagnation. Acupuncture can help to normalize hormones, regulate ovulation, and facilitate implantation by increasing blood flow to the uterus. Studies have also shown that acupuncture improves pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human
TCM

How does TCM or acupuncture help with hair loss?

Thanks for your query and interest in understanding the science behind TCM for your hair loss problems. I will attempt to generate a few scenarios to better answer your question. Firstly, if your hair loss results from menstrual irregularity or postpartum, there is usually a hormonal imbalance associated with the signaling of hair follicles and thus the hair growth cycle, I. e. rate of hair loss is higher than rate of hair growth thus the observance of net hair loss. This in TCM is translated to the main hormone producing organ system- the “Kidney” system.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox