Stroke Rehabilitation

Is Acupuncture Beneficial for Stroke Patients?

At Austin Honeysuckle Acupuncture, we’ve worked extensively with stroke survivors, both here and at the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where we were faculty members. In China, acupuncture is a standard part of stroke rehabilitation. Combining physical and occupational therapy with acupuncture often yields the best results. However, many people remain unaware that acupuncture can significantly aid stroke recovery.

When Should I Start Acupuncture After a Stroke?

If you've experienced a stroke, it's crucial to start acupuncture as soon as possible. The earlier you begin treatment, the better the outcomes. Patients who start acupuncture within weeks to months after their stroke often show faster recovery compared to those who wait several years. We generally see better results in patients who start acupuncture within the first year post-stroke. Ideally, acupuncture should be started alongside physical and speech therapy. In China, patients begin acupuncture within a few days after a stroke.

How Can Acupuncture Accelerate Stroke Recovery?

Acupuncture can stimulate damaged areas of the brain. For example, if a stroke affects the brain region responsible for speech, acupuncture can target that area to promote recovery. It can also improve balance, reduce spasticity, increase muscle strength, and alleviate joint pain. Acupuncture enhances both the physical and mental well-being of stroke survivors, contributing to their functional independence.

What to Expect During Acupuncture for Stroke Recovery

• Scalp acupuncture
• Acupuncture on the arms and legs
• Electroacupuncture (acupuncture with low-level electrical stimulation)

Patients typically lie comfortably in bed during treatment. Fine needles are placed near the affected brain region to stimulate neuroplasticity, improve blood circulation, and help repair damaged tissue. Additional needles may be placed on the arms or legs to target peripheral nerves, and a low-level electrical current, similar to a TENS machine, is used to reawaken nerve pathways disconnected from the brain’s control center.

Each session lasts about an hour, and small improvements can often be seen after just a few treatments, particularly if started soon after the stroke. A typical treatment course consists of 12 sessions over four to six weeks, with two to three sessions per week. Many patients show improvement during this period.

Promising Research on Acupuncture and Stroke Recovery

Research published in JAMA in January 2024 studied the effects of acupuncture on aphasia, a language impairment common after a stroke. The randomized clinical trial, involving 252 patients in China, divided participants into two groups. Those who received six weeks of acupuncture, with up to six months of follow-up, showed significant improvements in language function, quality of life, and neurological function compared to those receiving sham acupuncture (where needles are placed in non-acupuncture points).

Don’t Wait to Start Your Stroke Recovery at Austin Honeysuckle Acupuncture

At Austin Honeysuckle Acupuncture, we specialize in acupuncture for stroke recovery. Our treatments improve speech, balance, muscle strength, and reduce muscle spasms. Our personalized approach helps you recover and feel your best as quickly as possible.