Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions, including stroke.
Studies have investigated the use of acupuncture for the recovery of limb motor function in patients after stroke. While many studies have shown promising results.
One meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture may be effective in improving limb motor function in stroke patients. Another study found that acupuncture combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy was more effective than conventional therapy alone in improving upper limb motor function in patients with subacute stroke.
Acupuncture points for stroke rehabilitation
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and alleviate pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for stroke rehabilitation by helping to restore motor function, balance, and coordination.
20 acupoints for stroke rehabilitation with details
Acupoints, also known as acupuncture points, are specific points on the body that are believed to be connected to various organs and systems. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves stimulating these acupoints to improve health and alleviate various conditions. Here are 20 acupoints that may be used for stroke rehabilitation along with their details:
Baihui (GV20): Located at the top of the head, this point is believed to stimulate brain function and improve memory and concentration.
Renzhong (GV26): Located on the upper lip, this point is believed to help with speech problems and facial paralysis.
Quchi (LI11): Located on the elbow, this point is believed to improve arm function and reduce spasticity.
Hegu (LI4): Located between the thumb and index finger, this point is believed to improve hand function and reduce pain and inflammation.
Neiguan (PC6): Located on the inner forearm, this point is believed to improve heart function and reduce anxiety and depression.
Shenmen (HT7): Located on the wrist, this point is believed to improve heart function and reduce insomnia and anxiety.
Taichong (LV3): Located on the foot, this point is believed to improve leg function and reduce spasticity.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): Located on the inner leg, this point is believed to improve bladder function and reduce pain and inflammation.
Zusanli (ST36): Located on the lower leg, this point is believed to improve leg function and reduce spasticity.
Fengchi (GB20): Located on the back of the neck, this point is believed to improve brain function and reduce dizziness and headaches.
Fengfu (GV16): Located at the base of the skull, this point is believed to improve brain function and reduce neck and shoulder pain.
Dazhui (GV14): Located on the upper back, this point is believed to improve lung function and reduce neck and shoulder pain.
Yanglingquan (GB34): Located on the lower leg, this point is believed to improve leg function and reduce spasticity.
Jianjing (GB21): Located on the shoulder, this point is believed to improve shoulder function and reduce pain and inflammation.
Taiyang (EX-HN5): Located on the temple, this point is believed to improve brain function and reduce headaches and dizziness.
Zhiyin (BL67): Located on the pinky toe, this point is believed to improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation in the foot.
Huatuojiaji (EX-B2): Located on the back, this point is believed to improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation in the back.
Linggu (GB34): Located on the lower leg, this point is believed to improve leg function and reduce spasticity.
Yongquan (KI1): Located on the sole of the foot, this point is believed to improve balance and reduce foot pain.
Baihui (GV20): Located at the top of the head, this point is believed to stimulate brain function and improve memory and concentration.
It’s important to note that acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed and trained acupuncturist. Additionally, it’s recommended that individuals with stroke or other medical conditions consult with their healthcare provider before trying acupuncture or any other alternative therapy.
Physical therapy exercises for stroke rehabilitation
physical therapy exercises that can be used for stroke rehabilitation:
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises: These exercises involve moving the affected limb or joint through a full range of motion, without any active movement from the patient.
Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises: These exercises involve actively moving the affected limb or joint through a full range of motion, with the patient’s own muscle strength.
Resistive exercises: These exercises involve using resistance bands, weights or other equipment to strengthen the affected muscles.
Strengthening exercises: These exercises focus on building strength in the affected muscles, such as push-ups or squats.
Balance exercises: These exercises involve practicing standing on one leg or walking on uneven surfaces to improve balance.
Postural exercises: These exercises aim to improve the patient’s posture, such as sitting up straight or maintaining a neutral spine.
Cardiovascular exercises: These exercises involve activities that increase the heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular fitness, such as walking or cycling.
Gait training: These exercises involve practicing walking with a physical therapist to improve gait patterns and walking speed.
Sit-to-stand exercises: These exercises involve practicing standing up from a seated position, which can help improve overall mobility.
Upper limb exercises: These exercises focus on improving function in the affected arm or hand, such as gripping or reaching for objects.
Lower limb exercises: These exercises focus on improving function in the affected leg or foot, such as walking or balancing.
Mirror therapy: This therapy involves using a mirror to create the illusion of movement in the affected limb, which can help improve motor function.
Task-specific training: This involves practicing specific tasks that the patient wants to improve, such as dressing or cooking.
Virtual reality therapy: This therapy uses virtual reality technology to simulate real-world tasks and environments, which can help improve motor function.
Electrical stimulation therapy: This therapy involves using electrical currents to stimulate the affected muscles, which can help improve muscle strength and function.
Constraint-induced movement therapy: This involves limiting the use of the unaffected limb and forcing the patient to use the affected limb, which can help improve function.
Neurodevelopmental therapy: This therapy involves using specific techniques to help the patient relearn movement patterns and improve motor function.
Sensory stimulation: This involves using various sensory inputs, such as heat, cold, vibration or touch, to stimulate the affected limb and improve function.
Tai Chi: This form of exercise involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing, which can help improve balance and reduce stress.
Yoga: This form of exercise involves gentle stretching and strengthening movements, which can help improve flexibility, balance and overall wellbeing.
yogasan for stroke rehabilitation
Yoga is a form of physical, mental, and spiritual practice that can help stroke patients with their rehabilitation process. Here are 20 yoga asanas (poses) that may be beneficial for stroke patients:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Stand straight with your feet together, arms at your side, and palms facing outward. Lift your arms up and bring them over your head, while standing on your toes.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Stand straight with your feet together. Bring your right foot to the inside of your left thigh. Place your hands together in front of your chest and hold the pose for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): Start on your hands and knees. Lift your hips up and straighten your arms and legs, forming an inverted V-shape with your body.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Lie down on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Inhale and lift your chest and head up, while keeping your elbows close to your body.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Lift your hips up and hold the pose for 30 seconds.
Balasana (Child’s Pose): Kneel down and sit back on your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you and lower your head to the floor.
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I): Stand with your feet apart and turn your right foot outward. Bend your right knee and lift your arms up, forming a V-shape with your body.
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II): Stand with your feet apart and turn your right foot outward. Bend your right knee and extend your arms out to the sides, forming a T-shape with your body.
Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose): Stand with your feet together. Lift your left leg and reach your left arm down to the floor, while extending your right arm up towards the ceiling.
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): Stand with your feet apart and turn your right foot outward. Reach your right hand down towards your right foot and extend your left arm up towards the ceiling.
Marjariasana (Cat Pose): Start on your hands and knees. Inhale and arch your back, while looking up towards the ceiling.
Bitilasana (Cow Pose): Start on your hands and knees. Exhale and round your back, while looking down towards the floor.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Inhale and reach your arms up, then exhale and bend forward, reaching for your toes.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Lie on your stomach and bend your knees. Reach back and hold onto your ankles, then lift your chest and legs up off the ground.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose): Kneel down and lean back, reaching your hands down towards your heels.
Salabhasana (Locust Pose): Lie on your stomach and lift your legs and chest up off the ground.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your chest up and arch your back, while resting the top of your head on the ground.
Sukhasana (Easy Pose): Sit cross-legged with your hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Viparita Karani.