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Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

TCM Stroke Rehabilitation (Acupuncture + Rehab)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stroke rehabilitation combines acupuncture, tuina massage, herbal medicine, and modern rehab therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

General information only. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional advice.

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About this therapy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stroke rehabilitation combines acupuncture, tuina massage, herbal medicine, and modern rehab therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It aids international patients in subacute or convalescent phases after stroke, typically weeks to months post-event. Suitable for hemiplegia, swallowing or speech difficulties, spasticity, or reduced function. TCM views stroke as disrupted Qi and blood flow obstructing brain meridians. Treatments aim to unblock channels, improve circulation, resolve stasis, nourish the brain, and enhance neuroplasticity with exercises to restore motor, swallowing, speech functions, and independence. Offered in China's leading TCM hospitals with international departments.

How it works

Acupuncture at specific points regulates nervous system activity, boosts cerebral blood flow, and supports neuroplasticity. Tuina relaxes spastic muscles and improves circulation. Herbal formulas target TCM patterns like qi deficiency or blood stasis. Integrated with physical, occupational, speech, and swallowing therapies in a multidisciplinary approach to enhance motor function and recovery.

What to expect

Patients undergo TCM diagnosis via pulse and tongue assessment, then acupuncture with needles retained 20-40 minutes often inducing de qi sensation, tuina, herbal medicine, and targeted rehab exercises for limbs, swallowing, or speech. Sessions are frequent, often daily during inpatient care. Patients typically feel relaxed, with possible mild temporary soreness or fatigue. Full treatment courses are coordinated in hospital settings. Foreign patients benefit from international departments offering multilingual support. Stay duration in China is arranged individually based on needs.

Typical programme

Arranged individually based on patient needs.

Cautions

  • Not suitable during hyperacute or unstable acute stroke phase without medical stabilization.
  • Caution in patients with coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia or on anticoagulants due to bruising risk.
  • Avoid needling over infected skin or certain contraindicated points.
  • Mild adverse events possible such as temporary soreness, dizziness or fatigue; serious events rare.
  • Must be administered by qualified hospital practitioners as part of integrated care.
  • Herbal medicines may interact with Western drugs; full medical history disclosure required.

Often used for

Sources

Offered at