Suffering a stroke can drastically alter the course of one’s life. The effects often leave patients struggling to regain their independence and return to normal routines. However, with the help of rehabilitation and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), stroke survivors can work towards reclaiming their lives and rebuilding their bodies’ functionality. Stroke rehabilitation can help individuals regain lost functions and improve their quality of life
Before utilizing Chinese medicine, it’s important to understand the type of stroke suffered and the possible resulting damages. Care should be individualized and provided based on specific recovery needs. TCM can provide the body with more tools to help recover and improve functionality faster. While there is no one way to help rehabilitate the body after a stroke, using various recommended options available increases recovery odds and speeds up the process. Studies show that rehabilitation using conventional methods and TCM together can significantly help patients improve when beginning recovery.
Types of Strokes
A stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked from reaching the brain, cutting off oxygen and nutrients required for the brain to function correctly. It can be caused by a blood vessel bursting, which is called a hemorrhagic stroke. It can also be due to a blood clot, known as an ischemic stroke. Large or small, a stroke can cause immense damage to the body and brain.
After a stroke, the road to recovery can be a long one. Some people may need to regain mobility skills and other common abilities lost due to the stroke. While it may be tempting to rush recovery, the process will take time, and the body needs to go through all the required rehabilitation steps. Knowing the type of stroke will help determine the most appropriate rehabilitation method, including the kinds of traditional Chinese medicine used. Some herbs may not be as effective as others, so understand the situation before adding Chinese herbs to the recovery plan.
Stroke Rehabilitation: Chinese Herbs
In Chinese medicine, a stroke can be caused by internal and external factors. Stagnation internally in the blood and qi, along with lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, and being overworked, can contribute to a stroke. In these instances, using herbal formulas that help with blood stagnation and that clear qi will help. These include Ren Shen Zai Zao Wan and An Shen Bu Xin Wan. You can find many of these beneficial ingredients in similar formulas, such as Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan/Ginseng & Zizyphus.
Herbal formulas like Shu Xue Tong and Bu Chang Nao Xin Tong could improve recovery without acupuncture. Bu Chang Nao Xin Tong has shown to have blood thinning properties and can benefit those who’ve suffered from an ischemic stroke. This formula is not recommended for use after a hemorrhagic stroke. Blood thinners are beneficial for a blood-clot-related stroke. But conditions after a hemorrhagic stroke could worsen with the same treatment since it is caused by bleeding in the brain.
TCM is not the only option available when seeking post-stroke rehabilitation. The type of stroke and the severity will determine how much additional healing is necessary, and a medical professional can provide further guidance. Chinese herbs and acupuncture help ease the process and support the body during recovery and pair well with conventional methods to offer the best chance for returning to life before the stroke.
Stroke Rehabilitation: Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help improve circulation and open up pathways to increase the movement of qi and blood flow. It can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure, making patients feel more relaxed and less anxious or stressed. Stress and outward pressures can contribute to a stroke, and preventing those from continuing helps speed up recovery and allows the body to heal more efficiently.
After suffering from a stroke, the risk of a second and worse stroke increases. Acupuncture can help prevent further stress from hindering the body in recovery and lower the possibility of a repeat occurrence. This helps someone working toward rehabilitation focus on healing instead of future medical problems.
Record Rehabilitation
There is no one herbal formula that will lead to immediate recovery. A stroke causes severe damage to the body and will take time to repair. When seeking post-stroke rehabilitation, approach it with a wide range of tools. Chinese herbs and acupuncture, paired with additional rehabilitation techniques, can help speed up the process and ensure you are giving your body the best chance for recovery.
Select herbs, like those produced by KPC, can help with recovery and provide a multitude of health benefits. Our high standards lead to top-quality formulas, so you know you are getting the very best results to help with your health needs.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
