Acupuncture for Stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your brain does not have enough blood flow. The lack of blood flow is caused by blocked arteries and vessels or bleeding in the brain. Strokes are like heart attacks and require immediate medical attention to prevent disability or death. According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), stroke is the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined in the world.

Different areas of the brain control different body functions, so distinct stroke symptoms depend on the affected area. Some general symptoms include:

Weakness or paralysis
Aphasia, which is difficulty speaking or loss of speaking ability
Dysarthria or slurred speech
Partial or total loss of one or more senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell)
Ataxia or loss of coordination
Headaches and migraines
Seizures
Coma

While there are many treatments for stroke, we highlight how the use of acupuncture can help stroke patients with their recovery.

Acupuncture is originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body’s meridians or the acupoints. Inserting needles into the acupoints along the body promotes circulation of the ‘qi’ or vital energy.

There are many benefits of natural treatment acupuncture. Eastern countries find that acupuncture is an effective treatment for stress and anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, and improving overall well-being. On the other hand, Western countries use acupuncture to treat long-term chronic pain such as arthritis and menstrual cramps, making it one of the ideal treatment options to aid patients with stroke recovery or survivors who struggle with stroke paralysis and spasticity after stroke.

Various studies have found a connection between acupuncture and stroke recovery. Numerous studies find that acupuncture can aid in dilating blood vessels to prevent clotting, improve the blood oxygen supply of damaged nerve tissues, and improve cerebral circulation, among others.

During an acupuncture treatment, a professional acupuncturist will insert needles at different depths of the affected area, and the needles will be left to sit for up to 20 minutes. The needles will stimulate your body’s central nervous system and immune system to do the following:

React to an illness or symptoms of an illness.
Bring balance to the body.
Trigger the release of natural chemicals such as the body’s natural painkillers, which are endorphins, and chemicals that control nerve impulses like neurotransmitters.

When combined with other treatment options like medication and therapy (cognitive, physical, occupational, and speech), acupuncture can help stroke survivors improve mobility, enhance muscle strength, and promote stable recovery.

There are two types of acupuncture procedures: traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture. While traditional acupuncture utilises the insertion of one needle at a time to treat one acupoint, electroacupuncture uses two or more needles to transfer electric current signals simultaneously.

Electroacupuncture procedures include stimulating specific points in the body with gentle electric currents. Professional acupuncturists may target the affected muscles or choose other acupoints on the body. Both traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture help stroke survivors regain body balance and mobility after a stroke.

Acupuncture is a natural treatment for stroke recovery which is ideal for stroke patients and survivors looking for non-conventional medical procedures. When done together with other recovery methods such as the consumption of Chinese herbs and acupressure, (a type of massage that applies pressure to acupoints for balanced energy), patients can experience a more enhanced stroke recovery.

Acupuncture provides many benefits for stroke survivors and recovering patients.

Regaining body balance

Acupuncture stimulates and strengthens damaged nerves, which helps stroke patients regain body balance and reduce the risk of falling.

Reducing spasticity

Spasticity is one of the many effects of stroke, which refers to the uncontrolled stiffening of the muscles. Combining electroacupuncture and therapy can reduce the spasticity of stroke survivors, promoting relaxation of the muscles.

Improving muscle strength

Another common effect of stroke is muscle weakness, which limits movement. Regular electroacupuncture treatments can help improve muscle strength, particularly in the legs.

Improving mobility

Performing acupuncture on the scalp may help a stroke survivor recover some motor functions. For instance, when the area of the brain responsible for moving your legs is damaged, you will not be able to move them as you would normally. Your legs will instead hang and drag on the ground, which can make you trip. Acupuncture treatment can stimulate motor functions in the brain to coordinate movement.

Acupuncture therapy can enhance recovery for stroke survivors who are living with the effects of the medical condition. At Yi TCM, we provide house-call services for stroke patients who may not be mobile. Our physicians will visit you and provide relaxing acupuncture sessions in the comfort of your own home.

Book an acupuncture session with us today to achieve overall wellness of the body and improve the quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Acupuncture a safe procedure?

Yes, acupuncture is a safe medical procedure. We use one-use needles that come in various lengths and thicknesses from local suppliers, licensed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Singapore. The needles are non-toxic and sterile, ensuring safety and hygiene with every acupuncture session, and are disposed of in biohazard containers.

How often do I need to do acupuncture to see results for stroke recovery?

Acupuncture does not automatically relieve you of post-stroke pain. Instead, it helps alleviate the pain and stimulate motor functions of the body. You must regularly attend acupuncture sessions, at least two to three times a week over four to six weeks, on top of other forms of therapy and prescribed medication.

Does acupuncture help with stroke paralysis?

Yes, acupuncture does help with stroke paralysis. By targeting the body’s acupoints, the circulation of energy can help stroke survivors regain mobility and strength.