Patients recovering from a stroke need continuous rehabilitation and treatments. It is a lengthy and complicated process that is essential to prevent another attack, improve mobility, and relearn skills.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 185,000 people in the United States experience a recurring stroke attack. While those over 65 are of higher risk, a stroke can occur at any age, especially for patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and bad habits like smoking.
How can acupuncture help stroke patients?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine in Gainesville, FL wherein tiny needles are inserted into specific points in the body at varying depth to stimulate the flow of energy and stimulate self-healing. Recovering stroke patients can benefit from acupuncture in many ways.
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences cites that acupuncture can promote neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons in the brain, and cell proliferation. These may repopulate damaged tissues in the central nervous system. Acupuncture may also help regulate blood flow to prevent an ischemic stroke or the sudden loss of blood circulating in the brain.
The same study also cites that acupuncture can stop apoptosis or cell death. This particular Traditional Chinese Medicine method may also regulate neurochemicals and improve the patients’ long term memory after the attack.
Another study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation learned that spasticity or muscle stiffness, which is common in many stroke patients, can be improved with frequent acupuncture over a period of at least six months. Experts who published their study in Neural Regeneration also revealed that acupuncture might help stroke patients who have difficulty swallowing or dysphagia.
Is there a side effect to acupuncture?
It is generally accepted that acupuncture is low risk and has few side effects. Our skilled acupuncturists at Guan acupuncture clinic in Gainesville know how to avoid any pain or side effects by using heat and performing massages during the session.
A typical session may last for 30 minutes, with patients having an average of 10 to 12 sessions over a period. But for patients taking blood thinners or patients with a pacemaker, it’s best to discuss acupuncture as a rehabilitation option with your primary doctor first.
For best results, you can use acupuncture to complement traditional methods of rehabilitation for stroke patients.
Learn more about traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in Gainesville
If you are considering an acupuncture treatment and don’t know where to start or what to expect, our trained and friendly acupuncturist in Guan Acupuncture, Gainesville can help you ease your anxiety and answer all of your questions.
Talk to our world-class acupuncturists and experts in Chinese medicine in Gainesville, FL, to get the best assessment and acupuncture options for your health needs. For more information, please Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
