stroke

 Stroke and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stroke is viewed as an imbalance of Qi and blood, often associated with excessive stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, and inactivity. TCM offers a range of therapies to support stroke recovery, including herbal medicine, acupressure, and Qi Gong. Below, we’ll discuss how each of these methods can support recovery, as well as suggesting an herbal tea and diet.

Herbal medicine

In TCM, herbs are often used to help regenerate the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Here are some popular herbs that support stroke recovery:

Dan Shen (Red Sage Root) : Improves circulation and reduces blood stagnation.

Gou Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) : Has a calming effect and helps regulate blood pressure.

Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii) : Promotes the flow of Qi and blood, relieves headaches and dizziness.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) : Strengthens Qi , improves immunity and tissue regeneration.

Herbal Tea Recipe to Support Stroke Recovery

Ingredients :

10 g Dan Shen (red sage)

5g Gou Teng (Uncaria)

5 g Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii)

10 g Huang Qi (Astragalus root)

Preparation :

Pour a liter of hot water over the herbs.

Cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Strain and drink 1-2 times a day. The tea can be used for 2-3 weeks, after consulting a doctor.

Acupressure

Acupressure stimulates energy points, which helps restore Qi balance , improves circulation, and supports the nervous system. Some key points used in TCM for stroke are:

GV26 (Renzhong) : Located under the nose, it helps improve blood circulation to the brain and is used in emergencies.

LI4 (Hegu) : Located on the palm of the hand, supports the flow of Qi and blood and helps relieve headache.

ST36 (Zusanli) : Near the knee, supports Qi energy , strengthening the body and aiding digestion.

Regular use of acupressure (preferably 1-2 times a day) can support the regeneration process, but it is worth consulting a TCM therapist.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong is a breathing and movement practice that supports the flow of energy and improves the overall condition of the body. After a stroke, it is worth doing simple Qi Gong exercises that improve body movements, balance and concentration.

Qi Gong Exercise: "Stand Like a Tree" ( Zhan Zhuang )

Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.

Imagine that you are like a tree and your roots reach deep into the earth.

Raise your arms in front of you (as if you were holding a ball), breathe slowly and deeply.

Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breathing and stability.

Practicing this exercise regularly can help improve stability, improve concentration and reduce stress.

Diet after stroke in TCM

The TCM diet after a stroke focuses on strengthening Qi , improving blood circulation, and cleansing the body of toxins. Recommended products include:

Warm soups (e.g. chicken broth with ginger): strengthens Qi and the digestive system.

Fish (cooked or stewed): supports tissue regeneration and strengthens the heart.

Whole grains (buckwheat, brown rice): improve energy flow and support the digestive system.

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale): provide vitamins and minerals, supporting circulation.

Low-sugar fruits (apples, berries): These are rich in antioxidants, which support brain health.

Avoid heavy, fried foods, as well as excess salt and sugar, so as not to further burden the body, and remember to control your blood pressure.

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