The Golden Period After a Stroke

Written by: Melody, TCM Practitioner.

The golden period after a stroke generally refers to the first 3 months following the event. This phase is when the patient's functional recovery is fastest and when rehabilitation therapy is most effective.

Why Is Earlier Treatment Better?

🔸 Brain Cell Death: 

During a stroke, brain cells die due to lack of blood and oxygen. The longer the delay, the more brain cells die, and the lower the possibility of functional recovery.

🔸 Brain's Self-Repair: 

After a stroke, the brain attempts to repair itself. If we can provide early TCM treatment and rehabilitation training, we can help the brain recover function more quickly.

🔸 Neuroplasticity: 

The human brain has remarkable plasticity, especially in younger patients. After a stroke, the brain tries to establish new neural connections to compensate for damaged areas. Early rehabilitation training can promote the formation of these new connections, accelerating functional recovery.

🔸 Prevention of Complications: 

Stroke patients are prone to various complications like pneumonia and bedsores. Early rehabilitation treatment can effectively prevent these complications.

Rehabilitation Focus at Different Stages Post-Stroke

🔹 Acute Phase (within 3 months of onset):

The main goals are to control the condition, awaken the mind and open orifices, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, prevent complications, and initiate basic rehabilitation training.

🔹 Recovery Phase (3 months - 1 year):

The focus shifts to nourishing Qi and Blood, unblocking meridians, and relieving pain. Intensive functional training aims to improve the patient's independent living abilities.

🔹 Chronic Phase (beyond 1 year):

The primary objectives are to consolidate treatment effects and prevent recurrence. This involves maintaining recovered functions and continuing long-term rehabilitation to prevent functional decline.

Advantages of TCM Stroke Rehabilitation

🌱 Holistic Approach:

TCM emphasizes a holistic view, treating the body as a unified whole. It addresses not just local symptoms but also aims to balance the body's overall Yin and Yang.

🌱 Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation:

TCM treatment stresses individualized diagnosis and treatment. Personalized treatment plans are formulated based on the patient's specific condition.

🌱 Fewer Side Effects:

TCM treatments generally have fewer side effects, making them suitable for long-term use.

🌱 Improved Quality of Life:

TCM treatment not only enhances a patient's motor function but also helps with issues like sleep and emotions, thereby improving overall quality of life.

Common TCM Stroke Treatment Methods:

✅ Acupuncture:

By stimulating acupoints, acupuncture balances Yin and Yang, unblocks meridians, promotes blood circulation, and improves limb function.

✅ Cupping:

Through negative pressure, cupping unblocks meridians, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and reduces swelling and pain.

✅ Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Based on the patient's specific symptoms, Chinese herbs with functions such as invigorating blood, resolving stasis, unblocking meridians, relieving pain, and nourishing Qi and Blood are selected.

Why is 3 Months Emphasized as the Golden Period?

🧠 Strongest Neuroplasticity (神经可塑性最强): 

Brain cells exhibit their strongest plasticity within the first 3 months after a stroke, making it the easiest time to establish new connections.

🧠 Highest Complication Risk (并发症风险最高): 

The risk of complications like pneumonia and bedsores is highest for patients within the first 3 months post-stroke.

🧠 Fastest Functional Recovery (功能恢复最快): 

Through timely rehabilitation training, patients can achieve the greatest functional recovery within the first 3 months.

The first 3 months after a stroke are the golden period for rehabilitation. Early rehabilitation treatment can maximize a patient's functional recovery and improve their quality of life. Therefore, stroke patients and their families must seize this golden period and actively cooperate with medical treatment for systematic rehabilitation training.

Important Reminders:

📣 Stroke rehabilitation is a long process that requires the concerted effort of both the patient and their family.

📣 In addition to medication, TCM, and physical therapy, patients should also pay attention to dietary adjustments and maintain a positive mindset.

📣 Follow up with your doctor regularly to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness or wish to receive more personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.