Scientific studies indicate that acupuncture can:

* induces changes in blood flow to the brain
* facilitate nerve regeneration
* decrease blood viscosity
* prevent the aggregation of blood cells
* dilate blood vessels by triggering the release of
hormones
* help surviving nerve cells find new pathways

Acupuncture is the most popular treatment modality for stroke patients in China, used effectively on 85% of the patients there. When Margaret Naeser, a neurology professor at Boston University School of Medicine, went to China in the 1980s, she was surprised to see that acupuncture treatments were considered to be the most important part of stroke rehabilitation at Chinese hospitals. She was even more impressed when she saw how effective such treatment was, and began to study acupuncture scientifically when she returned home.

Since then, scientific evidence has been accumulating in the West. A controlled study conducted at the Lund University Hospital in Sweden provided several interesting findings. It found that a group of 38 patients who received acupuncture treatments twice a week for ten weeks reported significant improvements in the areas of walking, balance, emotions, quality of life, ease of daily activity, and mobility in comparison with a control group of 40 patients who did not receive acupuncture treatments.

The Acupuncture Group spent fewer days in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities than the Non-Acupuncture Group, with an average savings of $26,000 per patient. In the follow-up period, it was found that one year after suffering their stroke and receiving treatment, 89% of the patients in the Acupuncture Group were living at home vs. 66% of the patients in the Non-Acupuncture Group.
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This is  a  depiction of a Japanese system of acupuncture which I use.  This system treats many different complaints.  One of it’s main uses is for stroke hemiplegia.

My drive to treat stroke  patients lies in the fact that so few stroke survivors are getting treatment with Chinese medicine, yet it really should be a major part of care here in the States.

Why?  The evidence is overwhelming that it works.  It’s effective in patient outcome.  It’s effective in cost.

As part of a multi-disciplinary practice, and as a professional acupuncturist, my goal is to inform both healthcare practitioners and the public that Oriental medicine actually MUST be a definite adjunct therapy for stroke.

My approach

I utilize a variety of different acupuncture systems which I’ve luckily learned from a handful of master practitioners.  This form of acupuncture is done within the context of  treatments being painless, simple, effective, and relaxing.

Herbal prescription, unless contraindicated, is prescribed as well.  Chinese herbs are strong, they work, and negative side-effects are extremely rare.

Treatment usually involves at least 2-3 visits per week for at least three months to six months, depending on how treatment progresses.  It takes patience and committment, but the results are worth it.   Recovery and length of treatment depends on the amount of time since the stroke occurred, as well as the individuals’ rate-of-response to treatment.   It is important to get treatment as soon as possible after an incident.

Lifestyle recommendations such as TCM diet, exercises, acupoint self-care, and bodywork will be recommended and taught to each patient.

Homecare visits are available for those where travel is difficult.

Integrated Care

Whether at our clinic or otherwise, I will work closely with the healthcare team, which may include a primary care doctor, neurologist or surgeon, and a an occupational therapist.

I take into account, and treat accordingly, the associated conditions usually involved with stroke such as high blood pressure and  cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

* This is a large TCM Hospital in Tianjin, China devoted to stroke care, with full western medical acute care facilities.  The hospital, directed by one of the most famous acupuncturists in China, Dr. Shi Xue-min (see photo below).  It has 1000 inpatient beds, and sees about 4000 outpatients a day.

Below is an inpiring video at Dr. Shi’s  Stroke Hospital.

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Below is a photo of Dr. Don X. Zhang (left) and Dr. Shi Xue-min (right), both influencing my acupuncture style.

Dr. Zhang at a recent seminar in Austin, TX.  April, 2009.  He’s a great acupuncturist and teacher with a clinic in west Austin.

Thanks for reading,

WmW, L.Ac

“A good laugh and a long sleep are
the best cures in the doctor’s book.”
Irish Proverb
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Tags:   acupuncture · Chinese Medicine stroke · stroke · stroke sequela · stroke treament acupuncture · TCM StrokeNo Comments