TCM in treating Post Stroke Sequelae
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the after-effects of a stroke—such as hemiplegia, speech difficulties, and facial paralysis—are fundamentally viewed as a disruption of Qi and Blood flow and the blockage of meridians.
TCM sees a stroke as a sudden "wind" that attacks the body, causing the "rivers" of Qi and Blood within the meridians to either become blocked or overflow. While modern medicine's treatment saves lives, the underlying stagnation of Qi and Blood remains.
Therefore, the core goals of TCM treatment are:
👉🏻 Invigorate Blood and Dissolve Stasis, Unblock Meridians
👉🏻 To restore the normal flow of Qi and Blood and clear the blockages in the "rivers."
👉🏻 Strengthen the Foundation, Nourish Qi and Blood
👉🏻 To replenish the body's vital energy that was severely depleted by the stroke, thereby supporting the recovery of the damaged meridians and muscles.
What are the Symptoms of Post-Stroke Sequelae?
The symptoms of post-stroke sequelae vary depending on the area and extent of brain damage.
The most common symptoms include:
🔹 Hemiplegia / Paralysis
Weakness or complete paralysis of the limbs on one side of the body.
🔹Facial Paralysis
Weakness or drooping of the facial muscles on one side, causing a crooked smile or an inability to fully close the eye.
🔹Speech and Language Disorders:
- Aphasia: Inability to understand language or express oneself, rendering a person unable to speak.
- Dysarthria: Slurred or difficult-to-articulate speech, making it hard to understand what the person is saying.
🔹Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulty)
Trouble swallowing food or liquids, which can lead to choking.
🔹Cognitive Impairment
Memory loss, poor concentration, and slow reaction times.
🔹Emotional Changes
Tendency to feel frustrated, anxious, or experience mood swings.
🔹Sensory Deficits
Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation on one side of the body.
🔹Balance and Coordination Problems
Unsteady gait and a tendency to fall.
Combining TCM and Western Medicine
It is crucial to understand that stroke rehabilitation should not be a choice between TCM and modern medicine.
The best approach is to integrate both.
🔸Modern Rehabilitation:
Therapies like physiotherapy and occupational therapy are the core of functional recovery. They use scientific, systematic exercises to help the brain relearn how to control the body's movements.
🔸TCM as a Complementary Therapy:
TCM supports this process by alleviating pain and stiffness, making it easier for the patient to perform physical exercises. It also regulates the body internally, strengthening its foundation for long-term recovery.
By combining both, the rehabilitation journey becomes smoother and more effective.
Common TCM Treatments for Post Stroke Sequelae
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is the cornerstone of TCM treatment for post-stroke sequelae and is considered one of the most effective methods.
🔹 How it works:
By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture activates the nervous system and promotes the restoration of brain function. It’s like "rebooting" the connection between the brain and the affected limbs. Acupuncture also directly affects muscles and nerves, improving local blood circulation and relieving muscle spasticity, stiffness, and pain.
🔹 What it helps with:
It is used to restore motor function, improve speech abilities, and alleviate discomfort such as muscle stiffness, pain, and numbness.
Herbal medicine:
Herbal medicine works from within, providing the body with the "nutritional support" it needs for recovery.
A TCM practitioner will prescribe a custom herbal formula based on the patient's specific constitution and symptoms (e.g., Qi deficiency, blood stasis, or phlegm-dampness).
Cupping and Moxibustion:
These auxiliary therapies warm and stimulate the meridians, which helps to alleviate pain, stiffness, and feelings of coldness or numbness in the affected limbs.
What to Expect and Key Considerations?
🔸 The Sooner, the Better:
The "golden period" for stroke recovery is typically within the first 3 to 6 months after the stroke.
During this time, the brain has the highest potential for recovery. TCM treatment should be initiated as early as possible.
🔸Patience and Consistency:
Recovery is a long-term process that requires patience and dedication.
The number of treatment sessions varies depending on the stroke's severity, the patient's age, and how quickly treatment begins.
🔸Professional Guidance:
It is essential to consult a qualified and licensed TCM practitioner.
Always inform your doctor about any TCM treatments you are receiving and all medications you are taking to ensure safety and avoid any potential interactions.
