Acupuncture therapy for stroke-caused conditions such as paralysis, speech and swallowing

problems, and depression is commonly used in the Orient. In China and Japan, an acupuncturist
is likely to start therapy as soon as possible after a stroke. However, my recommendation is a
delay of 2 weeks before acupuncture for strokes caused by bleeding in the brain, 10 to 20% of
strokes (instead of the usual blood vessel block or clot). The wait is due to studies showing that
acupuncture opens blood vessels for better flow and decreases clotting and inflammation. These
effects are desired early when arteries are blocked, but after a stroke caused by bleeding has
occurred, it is safer to wait until the bleeding blood vessel has clotted and is unlikely to bleed
further before providing the acupuncture.

Acupuncture is done on a daily basis in China. Uncertain as to whether daily acupuncture is

essential, even in Western countries, some acupuncturists with experience in treating stroke with
acupuncture believe treatment 3 times a week is optimal. Several different approaches have been
used to treat stroke, demonstrating that acupuncture for this disorder remains a healthcare art:
Traditional Chinese Yang meridian point therapy, Chinese scalp acupuncture

Dr. Yamamoto's YNSA Japanese scalp therapy, Korean Koryo Chim hand acupuncture,
supplemental ear (auricular) acupuncture, and Xingnao KaiQiao (a newer therapy by Professor
Shi Xuemin) are each advocated by a number of treatment centers in Oriental countries. One
need not know in depth the approach of each, but it is important to know that more than one
approach is available and used.

Does acupuncture really work to help stroke victims improve? Many studies involving thousands
of patients have been published in China and Japan, and 2 of 3 studies from Scandinavia,
demonstrated significant help. These studies indicate that patients get well faster, perform better
in self-care, require less nursing and rehabilitation therapy, and use less healthcare dollars.
However, since most studies come from China, they get little credence from the Western medical
community because researchers in China do not appear to be published unless their results are
highly positive, so publication bias is possible. And, no money has been made available in the
United States for studies needed to confirm the claims of experts in China and Japan of indeed
helping stroke patients. Such studies, if done well, demand significant funding; sources of such
money are difficult to find. Most physicians, including rehabilitation experts, have appeared
unwilling to consider acupuncture therapy, not due to bias but because the published studies do
not necessarily meet research study criteria for the United States.

Acupuncture is a safe therapy, and my experience has taught that this is especially true when
helping stroke victims. Even discomfort is generally minimal. If one compares the possible
positive help to be obtained with the risks associated with acupuncture, my contention is that
acupuncture is worthy to attempt for stroke therapy. Studies are needed in the United States to
prove this to medical skeptics. It will be important for such studies to involve skilled
acupuncturists with experience in stroke therapy.

Adding acupuncture to rehabilitation therapy obviously increases the cost; daily-to-3 times-weekly
treatment is needed for 2-4 weeks or longer. Concern for added cost would perhaps disappear if
the end result demonstrates more self-care and less dependence on family and health providers.