Feeling Constantly Weak After a Stroke?

Article by C.M.P Melody 林医师

Many stroke survivors share a common frustration: even after regaining movement in their limbs, they still feel a pervasive sense of weakness and fatigue. This lack of energy can significantly impact their quality of life, making it hard to feel motivated for anything.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this feeling is often referred to as "Qi Deficiency" or "Deficiency of both Qi and Blood." Today, we'll take a deeper look at why this weakness occurs after a stroke and how TCM's wisdom of "tonifying qi and nourishing blood" can help you regain your vitality!

Why Do You Feel Weak After a Stroke? (The TCM Perspective)

From a TCM perspective, a stroke is often categorized as a "Wind-Stroke Disease." The event itself is seen as a result of a severe blockage in the body's qi and blood circulation. Even as symptoms subside, the body’s "Yuan Qi" (original essence) and overall qi and blood are significantly depleted, much like having your foundation hollowed out after a major illness.

Specifically:

🆘 Severe Damage to Yuan Qi：

The impact of a stroke on the brain directly depletes the body's Yuan Qi, similar to a car's engine taking a major hit. A lack of Yuan Qi leads to a feeling of constant fatigue.

🆘 Deficiency of Qi and Blood：

The brain injury causes localized blockages in qi and blood circulation. At the same time, the body consumes a large amount of both during the recovery process. If this supply isn't replenished, a deficiency of both qi and blood will occur.

🆘 Qi Deficiency:

This is characterized by a lack of strength, a low voice, easy sweating, and feeling tired after minimal activity.

🆘 Blood Deficiency：

This presents as a pale complexion, dizziness, heart palpitations, and numb hands and feet.

🆘 Organ Dysfunction:

A stroke can also affect the function of organs like the spleen and stomach. In TCM, the spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood production (like a factory for digesting and absorbing food). If they are not functioning well, the body cannot effectively transform food into the energy it needs.

Replenish Your Vitality with TCM

To address post-stroke weakness and fatigue, TCM focuses on "tonifying qi and nourishing blood" and "strengthening the spleen and stomach" to rebuild the body’s foundation.

❇️ Simple and Effective Dietary Remedies

Dietary therapy is a gentle and safe way to nourish the body long-term.

⭕️ Codonopsis and Astragalus Chicken Soup:

*Ingredients: 

Chicken (skin removed to reduce fat), 15g Codonopsis, 15g Astragalus, 5 red dates, and a few slices of ginger.

* Instructions: 

Wash all ingredients and place them in a pot. Add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours. Season to taste.

* Benefits: 

Replenishes qi and blood, strengthens the body, and relieves fatigue. It is highly suitable for post-stroke patients who feel weak and tire easily.

⭕️ Red Date and Goji Berry Tea：

*Ingredients: 

5-8 red dates (pitted), 10-15 goji berries.

*Instructions: 

Wash the red dates and goji berries, place them in a mug, and steep in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

*Benefits: 

Tonifies qi and nourishes blood, brightens the eyes, and calms the mind. It is perfect for daily use to improve complexion and combat fatigue.

⭕️ Black Sesame and Walnut Porridge：

*Ingredients: 

50g rice (or millet), 15g black sesame seeds, 15g walnuts.

*Instructions: 

Wash the rice and bring to a boil. When the porridge is almost cooked, add the ground black sesame and walnuts. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes.

*Benefits: 

Nourishes the liver and kidneys, beautifies hair and skin, and enriches essence and blood. It is helpful for post-stroke symptoms like dizziness, memory loss, and a lack of energy.

⭕️ Angelica and Ginger Mutton Soup (for those with a cold constitution):

*Ingredients: 

250g mutton, 15g Angelica sinensis (danggui), 30g ginger.

*Instructions: 

Blanch the mutton to remove any gamy odor. Place all ingredients in a pot, add water, and simmer for 1-2 hours.

*Benefits: 

Warms the middle burner, dispels cold, and revitalizes blood circulation. It is ideal for post-stroke patients who experience cold hands and feet, are sensitive to cold, and have a deficiency of qi and blood.

❇️ Gentle Qigong Exercises

Even with a weakened body, gentle, appropriate exercise can help the body generate qi and promote qi and blood circulation.

【🏃🏻‍♂️Baduanjin or Tai Chi (Simplified/Seated Version)】

These traditional Qigong exercises are slow, fluid, and gentle, making them highly suitable for patients in the recovery phase. They harmonize breathing, open the meridians, and guide the circulation of qi and blood.

You can even perform some movements while seated or with the help of a family member. For example:

"Supporting the Heavens with Two Hands to Regulate the Triple Burner" (stretches the body and promotes qi circulation).

"Drawing a Bow to the Left and Right Like Shooting an Eagle" (stretches the chest and back to regulate qi).

*Benefits: These exercises enhance balance and coordination while also relaxing the mind and reducing stress.

【🧘🏻‍♀️Deep Breathing Exercises】

Lie flat or sit upright, placing one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.

As you inhale, feel your abdomen expand. As you exhale, feel your abdomen contract.

Practice slow, deep breaths for 5-10 minutes at a time.

*Benefits: Helps your body relax, increases oxygen intake, improves lung function, and promotes the smooth flow of qi.

Post-stroke weakness is a common challenge, but TCM offers a systematic and gentle approach to recovery. Through personalized herbal remedies, nourishing dietary therapy, and soothing Qigong exercises, you can gradually replenish your body’s Jing, Qi, and Shen, improve your quality of life, and build a strong foundation for further rehabilitation.

‼️ Remember: Perseverance leads to victory!

With the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner and patience in your recovery, you can reclaim your vitality and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and cannot replace professional medical advice. The treatment and recovery plan for a stroke patient must be tailored by a professional doctor and TCM practitioner based on the individual's condition. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any herbal or dietary regimen.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness, or want a more professional recommendation tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.