Afraid of a Second Stroke? Don't Be! TCM Teaches You How to Lower Your Risk!

Article by：C.M.P Melody 林医师

For stroke survivors and their families, the most frightening question is: "Will it happen again?" Doctors often warn that having one stroke means your blood vessels have already sounded the alarm, and the risk of a second stroke is indeed higher than for the general population. But don't worry! There are ways to lower this risk, and TCM can be a great help, teaching you how to reduce the risk from the small details of daily life.

Why Are You More Prone to a Second Stroke?

It's simple, really. It's like a car. If the engine has had a major problem, even if it's been repaired, the risk of it breaking down again is much higher if you don't drive more slowly, get regular maintenance, or use good fuel.

The same goes for a stroke. If the underlying causes of your first stroke (like uncontrolled "three highs," hardened blood vessels, or an unhealthy lifestyle) are not properly managed, or if your body's internal balance hasn't been restored, a second stroke could be just around the corner.

How Can TCM Help You Lower the Risk?

TCM focuses on "preventing disease before it occurs" and "preventing a disease from worsening or recurring." For preventing a second stroke, TCM offers unique wisdom:

1️⃣ Regulating Underlying Conditions to Stabilize Your Vascular "Foundation"

The "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol) are the three major culprits behind strokes. Western medicine uses drugs to control them, while TCM works on your body's internal constitution to create a more stable and resilient state.

❇️ High Blood Pressure（Hypertension）：

TCM Diagnosis: Many cases are due to "Hyperactivity of Liver Yang" or "Internal Obstruction of Phlegm-Dampness."

Acupressure: Regularly massaging the Taichong point (on the top of your foot between the big toe and the second toe) and the Fengchi point (at the base of the skull) can help lower blood pressure and promote relaxation.

❇️ High Blood Sugar（Diabetes）：

TCM Diagnosis: Most cases are related to "Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat" or "Spleen and Stomach Weakness."

Dietary Therapy: Eat more bitter gourd, pumpkin, and okra, which are common vegetables in Malaysia that TCM believes can help lower blood sugar.

❇️ High Cholesterol：

TCM Diagnosis: Often seen as "Obstruction by Phlegm-Dampness and Blood Stasis."

Dietary Therapy: Drink Pu'er tea or Chrysanthemum tea to help reduce fats. Eating black fungus and kelp can also help soften blood vessels.

2️⃣ Adjusting Lifestyle Habits to Keep Vessels "Elastic"

🇲🇾With so many delicious foods in Malaysia, we need to make wise choices to prevent a second stroke.

⭕️ Less Oil: 

Reduce fried foods like the fried chicken and fish cakes in Nasi Lemak. Opt for steamed, boiled, or stewed dishes instead.

⭕️ Less Salt: 

Reduce consumption of salted fish and pickled foods (like Asam Boi). Use less soy sauce and oyster sauce in cooking, and use natural spices like ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and pandan leaf for flavor.

⭕️ Less Sugar: 

Reduce sugary drinks like sweet coffee, Teh Tarik, and Milo. Eat fewer sweets like Kuih-Muih, and choose sugar-free or low-sugar beverages. Eat fruit instead of desserts.

⭕️ More Fiber: 

Eat more brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to promote bowel movements and help the body eliminate waste.

⭕️ Get Enough Sleep: 

TCM believes that "the Liver stores blood." Staying up late damages liver blood, which can lead to unstable blood pressure. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to repair itself.

⭕️ Emotional Balance: 

High stress and strong emotions can affect blood pressure and increase stroke risk. TCM says "the Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi," so poor emotional states can lead to Liver Qi stagnation.

👍🏻 Deep Breathing & Meditation: Spend 10-15 minutes each day to relax your mind and body.

👍🏻 Moderate Exercise: Gentle activities like walking, Tai Chi, or Baduanjin can help relieve stress and regulate qi flow.

3️⃣ Watch for "Mini-Strokes" (TIA)!

A "mini-stroke" (Transient Ischemic Attack, or TIA) is a warning sign of a major stroke! Its symptoms are the same as a real stroke (like sudden numbness, weakness in a limb, slurred speech, or blurred vision), but they typically disappear on their own within minutes to an hour. Do not ignore this! It means you already have a vascular problem! You must seek medical attention immediately. This is the golden rule of Western medicine.

⭕️ TCM Support: While Western medicine provides diagnosis and treatment, TCM can intervene simultaneously through:

🔸Acupuncture: 

To unblock meridians in the head and limbs, improve blood circulation, and prevent future blockages.

🔸Herbal Medicine: 

Based on your specific constitution, herbs that tonify qi and activate blood circulation (like Astragalus and Salvia) or calm Liver Yang (like Gastrodia and Uncaria) can be used to strengthen the body and lower the risk of recurrence.

🔸Acupressure: 

Daily massage of points like Hegu, Zusanli, and Taichong can serve as a form of preventative self-care.

Preventing a second stroke is a top priority after a stroke. It is not a one-time treatment but a long-term commitment to your health.

The best strategy is an integrated approach:

👉🏻 Western medicine provides accurate diagnosis, acute-phase treatment, and medication to control the "three highs."

👉🏻 TCM works from within to improve your constitution, relieve symptoms, and promote the circulation of qi and blood, bringing your body to a more balanced state that is less prone to recurrence.

📣Remember, for your health and the well-being of your family, start actively managing the "three highs" today, improve your lifestyle, embrace TCM wellness, and be the best guardian of your own health!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and cannot substitute for professional medical advice. The prevention and treatment of a stroke must be determined by a qualified doctor and TCM practitioner based on individual circumstances. For any health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.