TCM Treatment for Stroke Rehabilitation

TCM and Acupuncture to Accelerate Recovery, Prevent Sequelae, and Reduce the Risk of Recurrence

A stroke is a sudden cerebrovascular event characterized by rapid onset, severe health risks, and significant long-term complications. According to Singapore public health statistics, cerebrovascular diseases (including stroke) are among the leading causes of death and disability in local adults. With an aging population and high prevalence of chronic diseases, the incidence of stroke among those over 40 continues to rise. While modern emergency medicine has improved survival rates, many patients transition into a recovery phase facing challenges such as speech impediments, limb weakness, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive decline.

During the rehabilitation phase, seizing the 'golden window' for treatment is crucial for determining the quality of recovery. More patients in Singapore are turning to TCM for stroke rehabilitation—using herbal medicine, acupuncture to unblock meridians, and therapeutic diets to restore function, enhance quality of life, and effectively prevent a second stroke.

Why Start TCM Early in Stroke Rehab? When Will You See Results?

The 3–6 months following a stroke are widely recognized as the 'Golden Rehabilitation Period.' During this stage, the nervous system has higher plasticity, and the body’s potential for functional recovery is at its peak. Missing this window can significantly increase the difficulty of recovery.

TCM emphasizes 'treating the symptoms in acute stages and the root in chronic stages.' After a stroke, the body's 'Zheng Qi' (vital energy) is damaged, Qi and blood are disordered, and meridians are obstructed. Starting TCM treatment early for stroke sequelae promotes Qi and blood circulation, clears the meridians, and improves cerebral blood supply—effectively alleviating symptoms like delayed speech, stiff limbs, and hemiplegia.

Clinical observations show that patients who receive acupuncture and herbal treatment within 2 weeks of a stroke often experience faster recovery in limb flexibility, speech, and swallowing functions compared to those who do not incorporate TCM.

How Does TCM Aid Stroke Recovery?

TCM treatment for stroke sequelae focuses on 'holistic regulation and syndrome differentiation,' combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na, and dietary therapy to promote recovery across multiple dimensions.

1. Herbal Regulation: Replenishing Qi and Invigorating Blood

Herbal formulas work to strengthen the body’s resistance, remove blood stasis, and awaken the brain, thereby improving cerebral circulation and helping to repair damaged nerves. Commonly used herbs include:

  • Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Codonopsis (Dang Shen): To tonify Qi and enhance physical strength;
  • Salvia (Dan Shen), Safflower (Hong Hua), and Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong): To invigorate blood, unblock meridians, and relieve pain;
  • Gastrodia (Tian Ma) and Uncaria (Gou Teng): To calm the liver and 'extinguish wind,' improving dizziness and muscle spasms.

Physicians customize these formulas to harmonize the Liver and Kidneys, strengthen the Spleen, and resolve phlegm, overall boosting functional capacity.

2. Acupuncture: Significant Efficacy in the Rehab Phase

Acupuncture is widely used in Singapore as a supportive stroke recovery therapy. By stimulating specific acupoints—such as Baihui, Hegu, Zusanli, and Fengchi—it helps 'awaken the brain,' open the orifices, and encourage nerve regeneration.

Research indicates that patients combining early-stage acupuncture with conventional rehab tend to show better improvement in motor function and daily living activities compared to those receiving conventional rehab alone, specifically in limb movement and verbal expression.

Acupuncture is safe, non-invasive, and has virtually no side effects, making it particularly suitable for elderly or frail patients who may have a low tolerance for medication.

How Can TCM Prevent a Second Stroke?

Beyond rehabilitation, TCM has unique advantages in prevention. Risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stress are viewed in TCM as 'Hyperactivity of Liver Yang' or 'Phlegm-Dampness obstructing the meridians.'

Preventative TCM regulation balances organ function from the source. Dr Li Rui suggests the following clinical approaches for prevention:

Regular Acupuncture

Unblocks meridians, stabilizes blood pressure, and prevents cerebral thrombosis or hemorrhage—ideal for high-risk individuals.

Personalized Herbal Plans

Using herbs like Astragalus to boost Qi or Salvia to invigorate blood to improve constitution based on individual needs.

Dietary Therapy

Incorporate oats, black fungus, celery, red dates, and wolfberries to nourish the liver and protect the brain.

Emotional Regulation

Maintain emotional peace to avoid sudden 'internal wind' caused by extreme anger or grief.

Appropriate Exercise

Enhance cardiopulmonary function and overall physical fitness.

TCM is key to preventing recurrence. Studies show roughly 25% of stroke survivors experience a second stroke within five years, which often results in more severe disability.

Preventative TCM focuses on 'preventing disease before it occurs' by managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes through systemic balancing. Suggestions for preventing recurrence include:

Periodic Acupuncture

Helps regulate blood pressure and circulation, reducing warning signs like dizziness or numbness.

Herbal Regulation

Prescriptions such as Qi-boosting and blood-invigorating formulas or meridian-clearing decoctions.

Lifestyle & Movement

Dietary focus on brain-protecting foods (walnuts, celery) combined with gentle movement like Tai Chi or Ba Duan Jin.

Mindset Management

Avoid anxiety and outbursts to keep the body's 'Qi' from becoming disordered.

What is the Feedback on TCM Stroke Rehab?

In Singapore, many TCM clinics and rehabilitation centers have integrated TCM into their recovery systems. Many patients report that through acupuncture and herbal medicine, their constitution improves, their gait becomes steadier, and their speech flows more naturally.

Dr Li Rui, with over thirty years of clinical experience, is a successor to the acupuncture master Professor Zhang Jin. She specializes in stroke rehabilitation, creating 'Personalized Regulation + Targeted Acupuncture' protocols tailored to each patient's recovery phase.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is an MOH-registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist in Singapore with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s degree in TCM (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine (Shandong Medical University), allowing her to integrate both medical perspectives into her treatments.

Previously an Attending Physician at Shanghai Xinhua Hospital (affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), she founded the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in Singapore in 2002. She is highly trusted by patients for her expertise in treating complex internal medicine cases and rehabilitation through a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

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Seize the Opportunity for Accelerated Stroke Recovery

Recovery after a stroke is a journey. By seizing the right timing and using the proper methods, it is entirely possible to regain health and independence. TCM offers new hope for stroke patients through its holistic and personalized approach.

If you or a loved one are undergoing stroke recovery or wish to prevent a recurrence, book an appointment with Dr Li Rui at our Singapore clinic to start your scientific journey back to health!

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Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre

Blk 925 Yishun Central 1
#01-243
Singapore 760925

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+65 6756 1528

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info@tcm-shanghai.com.sg

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