Many studies involving thousands of patients are published in China and Japan, as well as in the United States, and demonstrate that acupuncture works to help stroke victims improve significantly. These studies indicate that patients get well faster, perform better in self-care, enjoy a better health-related quality of life, and require less nursing and rehabilitation therapy.

When a person experiences a stroke, his/her affected part of the brain stops communicating with its dominating body section due to a blood vessel blockage or bleeding. Acupuncture treatment is able to effectively help restore circulation for both types of stroke. For best results, an acupuncturist is likely to start therapy as soon as possible, after a stroke patient has had his/her condition evaluated by a physician. The longer a patient waits for treatment, the more likely the effected muscles will go flaccid or asleep, requiring the need to build them up again to restore nerve flow.

Acupuncture treatments work to restore circulation by inserting anywhere between five and 15 hair-thin, sterile needles into targeted meridian, or energy, points. Most experience little or no pain and there are relatively few side effects. Acupuncture is a safe and cost-effective therapy, which is especially true when helping stroke victims. Also, the end result demonstrates a patient’s increased self-care and less dependence on family and health providers.

Quan Zhou is a licensed acupuncturist and a nationally certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with the National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She works at Groton Wellness, a growing and vibrant center for health and healing located at 493-495 Main St., Groton. For more information, call 978-449-9919 or visit GrotonWellness.com.