Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Western society; in China it is the second most common cause of death in cities and the third in rural areas. It is also a main cause of adult disability and dependency. Despite considerable research efforts on multiple treatment modalities, there is still no single rehabilitation intervention demonstrated unequivocally to aid stroke recovery. This reality drives people to search for other modalities of treatment in an attempt to further improve the outcome of stroke rehabilitation, such as acupuncture. 

Acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, including circulatory and biochemical effects. These responses can occur locally or close to the site of application, or at a distance. They are mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. Following is our recommended prescription for treating cerebral apoplexy. Click to read TCM Diagnosis for Stroke (Apoplexy). 

Prescription: Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI 4) and Tai-chong (LR 3).

Modification: For paralysis of upper limbs, Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10) and Waiguan (TE 15) are added for paralysis of lower limbs, Huantiao (GB 30 ), Zusanli (ST 36 ), Yanglingquan ( GB 34 ), Fenglong (ST 40), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Kunlun (BL 60) are added; for distortion of face, Jiache (ST 6), Di-cang (ST 4), Yangbai (GB 14), Cuanzhu (BL 2) are add-ed; for stiffness of tongue, Lianquan (CV 23) and Tongli (HT 5) are added; for difficulty in swallowing, Lianquan (CV 23) and Fengchi (GB 20) are added.

Performance: The acupoints are selected and needled according to the pathological conditions. Usually mild re-inforcing and reducing needling techniques are used. The acupoints on the four limbs are needled with the addition of moxibustion. Jiache (ST 6) and Dicang (ST 4) are needled with the needles pointing to each other. Lianquan (CV 23) is needled with the needle pointing to the root of the tongue. Fengchi (GB 20) is needled with rotating and twirling manipulations.