Strokes are a severe medical condition that can have long-lasting consequences for individuals who experience them. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, damaging brain cells. There are three different types of strokes: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Acupuncture is a potential complementary therapy for stroke rehabilitation in several studies.
Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 80% of all cases. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the affected brain area. Symptoms of ischemic stroke can include sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and sudden vision changes.
Hemorrhagic Strokes: Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue. High blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations may cause this. Symptoms of hemorrhagic strokes can include sudden severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Transient Ischemic Attacks: Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are often referred to as mini-strokes, as they produce similar symptoms to full-blown strokes but only last for a short period. TIAs are caused by temporary blood clots that block blood flow to the brain and can be a warning sign of a more severe stroke.
Medical Journals: Studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation have shown promising results. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to correct imbalances in the body's energy flow. One study found that acupuncture, when used alongside conventional stroke rehabilitation methods, resulted in greater improvements in functional recovery and reduced disability compared to rehabilitation alone.
Medical Journals: Another study found that acupuncture may help to reduce spasticity and improve motor function in individuals with stroke-related hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a type of paralysis that affects one side of the body and is a common complication of stroke. The study also found that acupuncture was associated with reduced pain and improved quality of life.
Medical Journals: A third study found that electro-acupuncture, a type of acupuncture involving electrical stimulation to the needles, resulted in more significant improvements in upper limb function and quality of life in individuals with stroke-related upper limb impairment compared to standard care alone.
Stroke can have a severe impact on an individual's life and can present a variety of challenges during recovery and rehabilitation. While conventional rehabilitation methods are essential to stroke recovery, acupuncture has shown promising results as a complementary therapy. Collaborating with Acute Acupuncture and other healthcare providers and integrating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan may offer additional benefits to patients and enhance their overall well-being. After treatments, one may feel relaxed, energized, and rejuvenated. Communicating with your practitioner about your experience is essential to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from these treatments. Click the button below and book a complementary 15-minute consultation at Acute Acupuncture, 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington. Let's discuss if acupuncture is the right thing for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this Blog Post. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this post with others. If you have any questions or concerns, check out Acute-Acupuncture Wellington Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as we find this helps answer most people's questions. Please leave a comment below.