Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation

A stroke can be a life-changing event, but recovery is possible. Read on to learn more about acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation, and why having an acupuncturist on your care team can enhance your quality of life.

WHAT IS A STROKE?

In medical jargon, a stroke is known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This means that the blood supply (vascular) to the brain (cerebro-) is interrupted.

Blood supply to the brain may be blocked by a cholesterol plaque or a blood clot – this is called an ischemic stroke. Or, the blood supply can be cut off due to the rupture of an artery, which is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

Without adequate blood flow, brain cells are not able to receive oxygen and nutrients and begin to die within minutes. This is a major medical emergency and can lead to lasting brain damage or death if not treated immediately.

The warning signs of a stroke can be easily remembered with the acronym FAST:

Face drooping or numbness

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 911 – every minute counts

STROKE RECOVERY

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. After a stroke, it is common to suffer from a variety of physical and mental symptoms, including:

· Problems with mobility

· Difficulty with balance and coordination

· Pain, numbness, and tingling

· Muscle weakness or spasms

· Vision problems like double vision or blurred vision

· Difficulty swallowing

· Difficulty speaking

· Memory problems and cognitive impairment

· Depression and anxiety

These symptoms can severely impact quality of life.

Recovering from a stroke can require intensive rehabilitation. This can begin as soon as 24 hours after a stroke.

Depending on the kind of stroke and severity of symptoms, rehabilitation may be required for up to 18 months or more.

Rehabilitation requires a team of specialists, including neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and others – including acupuncturists.

Research shows that the speed and extent of stroke recovery are greatly enhanced by treatment with acupuncture.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR STROKE REHABILITATION

Acupuncture is a technique used in East Asian Medicine for activating the body’s self-healing abilities. It has been used by billions of people all over the world for thousands of years to treat many different health conditions, including neurological disorders.

Although it is an ancient practice, acupuncture is also a cutting-edge, non-invasive medical therapy for stroke rehabilitation.

Modern research shows that acupuncture promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to remodel itself. Neuroplasticity enables the brain to learn new skills, and to recover from injury, including brain injury induced by a stroke.

A 2022 literature review published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that acupuncture can regenerate neurons, stimulate growth of new neurons, and improve brain connectivity.

This was further confirmed in 2023 by research which used MRIs to study the effects of acupuncture on stroke patients. It found that acupuncture was able to restore normal connection between different regions of the brain.

This explains how acupuncture can enable functional improvements in motor control, muscle strength and coordination after a stroke.

Research published in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering in 2021 looked at the effects of acupuncture on stroke recovery. 65 patients received a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy while 63 patients received physical therapy alone. Patients treated with acupuncture had significantly improved recovery of motor function, quality of life, and independence compared to patients who only received physical therapy.

A 2020 meta-analysis showed that acupuncture can improve memory and cognitive function after a stroke.

A study published in 2021 and another in 2022 showed that acupuncture can improve post-stroke dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating oculomotor paralysis and oculomotor palsy, conditions commonly affecting stroke patients that can cause double vision, drooping eyelids, or other vision problems.

INTEGRATIVE STROKE REHABILITATION IN ORANGE COUNTY

Acupuncture can speed up stroke recovery and improve memory, movement, and strength. Taking an integrative approach to post-stroke rehabilitation can significantly improve your quality of life.

Medical Disclaimer

 The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your licensed practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.

About the Author

Dr. Joshua Park, DSOM, L.Ac

Dr. Park is a licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate in East Asian Medicine, specializing in neurological conditions and digestive problems. He is the clinical director of Empowered You Acupuncture in Orange County, California, and is an adjunct professor at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. His clinical approach combines acupuncture, classical Chinese herbal formulas, and current research on neuroplasticity to help patients enjoy a greater quality of life.