Acupuncture for Stroke
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment method mainly used for the rehabilitation of stroke (cerebral apoplexy) patients. A stroke occurs due to an interruption or reduction in the blood supply to the brain, leading to brain tissue damage. Symptoms often include sudden limb weakness, facial numbness, speech difficulties, and more. Acupuncture, as a traditional TCM therapy, stimulates specific acupuncture points, helping restore the patient's functions.
Acupuncture for Stroke
Acupuncture for stroke refers to using acupuncture to rehabilitate stroke patients. The acupuncturist inserts fine needles into specific points on the patient's body. By stimulating these points, blood circulation is promoted, nerve function is improved, pain and spasms are alleviated, and motor and sensory functions are restored.
After a stroke, the flow of qi (energy) and blood is obstructed, causing the meridians to be blocked and pathological products like blood stasis and phlegm-dampness to appear. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points to unblock the meridians, harmonize qi and blood, and clear blood stasis and phlegm-dampness, thus restoring the body's normal functions.
Mechanisms of Acupuncture from a Modern Medical Perspective:
Neurological Regulation: Acupuncture stimulates acupuncture points, activating the nervous system and promoting nerve remodeling and functional recovery.
Improvement of Blood Circulation: Needle insertion at acupuncture points can dilate blood vessels, increase local blood flow, and improve tissue oxygenation.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune Regulation: Acupuncture may work by regulating the immune system, reducing inflammatory responses, and aiding nerve cell repair.
Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endogenous opioid substances, alleviating pain.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Stroke:
Promoting Motor Function Recovery: Acupuncture can improve post-stroke limb weakness and numbness, helping to restore motor function.
Alleviating Pain and Spasms: Acupuncture effectively relieves common post-stroke muscle pain and spasms, improving the patient's quality of life.
Improving Speech and Swallowing Functions: Targeting acupuncture points related to speech and swallowing can help restore the patient's speech and swallowing abilities.
Enhancing Overall Rehabilitation Effectiveness: Combined with other rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, acupuncture can enhance overall rehabilitation effectiveness and accelerate recovery.
Non-drug Therapy: Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment method with fewer side effects compared to drug therapy.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture for stroke is an effective TCM therapy that stimulates specific acupuncture points to improve symptoms and functions in stroke patients. It not only promotes motor function recovery and alleviates pain and spasms but also improves speech and swallowing functions and enhances overall rehabilitation effectiveness. As a non-drug therapy, acupuncture has high safety and fewer side effects, providing a valuable rehabilitation option for stroke patients. However, the effects of acupuncture vary from person to person, and it is recommended to undergo treatment under professional guidance to achieve the best results.
How soon after a stroke can acupuncture treatment begin?
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