How Acupuncture Supports Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Singapore and worldwide, often leaving survivors with long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. While conventional rehabilitation methods like physical therapy and medication are essential, many patients seek alternative therapies to enhance their recovery. Acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, is gaining recognition as a complementary approach to stroke rehabilitation. Backed by scientific research, acupuncture has shown promise in improving motor function, reducing spasticity, alleviating pain, and supporting mental well-being in stroke patients.

Understanding Stroke and Its Aftereffects

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Depending on the severity and affected area, stroke survivors may experience:

• Motor Dysfunction: Weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body.

• Spasticity and Muscle Stiffness: Increased muscle tightness, affecting movement.

• Speech and Swallowing Difficulties: Impaired communication and difficulty eating.

• Cognitive Impairment: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or confusion.

• Emotional Challenges: Depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

  
  

These post-stroke conditions can significantly impact a person’s independence and quality of life. Acupuncture offers a natural way to support the body’s recovery and promote overall well-being.

Common types of post-stroke neurologic dysfunction and their classification. (A) Poststroke motor dysfunction is categorized into hemiparesis and spasticity according to muscle tone. (B) Post-stroke swallowing dysfunction. (C) Poststroke sensory dysfunction can be categorized into central pain and lateralized shoulder pain according to central and peripheral. (D) Mental and psychological disorders are also present in poststroke sequelae, including cognitive impairment, depression, and aphasia (source).

How Acupuncture Supports Stroke Recovery

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system. Research suggests that acupuncture benefits stroke survivors in the following ways:

1. Improves Motor Function and Mobility

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain reorganize and form new neural pathways. A 2024 review published in Brain Research Bulletin found that acupuncture at points such as ST36 (Zusanli) and GB34 (Yanglingquan) significantly improved limb mobility, muscle strength, and motor recovery in post-stroke patients​.

A study published in Stroke by Gosman-Hedström et al. found that stroke patients who received acupuncture alongside rehabilitation regained greater independence in daily activities and showed improved neurological function compared to those undergoing conventional rehab alone.

2. Reduces Muscle Spasticity and Stiffness

Muscle spasticity is a common post-stroke complication that makes movement difficult. Acupuncture helps by modulating neural pathways responsible for muscle tone. Clinical trials have shown that electroacupuncture can effectively reduce muscle stiffness and improve range of motion, particularly in the lower limbs​.

3. Enhances Speech and Swallowing Recovery

For stroke survivors experiencing speech difficulties (aphasia) and swallowing disorders (dysphagia), acupuncture has been found to be beneficial. Studies indicate that targeting RN23 (Lianquan) and DU16 (Fengfu) can stimulate brain areas associated with swallowing and speech production, leading to significant improvements​.

A randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Network Open found that acupuncture significantly improved language function in patients with post-stroke motor aphasia

4. Alleviates Post-Stroke Pain

Many stroke survivors suffer from chronic pain, particularly in the affected limbs or shoulders. Research has shown that acupuncture activates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms by releasing endorphins and modulating the GABA pathway, leading to long-term pain relief​. A study comparing acupuncture to standard pain medications found that acupuncture was just as effective without the side effects​.

5. Supports Mental Health and Cognitive Function

Post-stroke depression and cognitive decline are common challenges. Acupuncture at GV20 (Baihui) has been linked to increased serotonin and dopamine levels, helping to regulate mood and improve cognitive function​. Additionally, a 2021 study published in Wiley Online Library demonstrated that acupuncture reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to post-stroke cognitive impairment

Effect of acupuncture on motor dysfunction after stroke. (A) As the CST (corticospinal tract) is the main pathway innervating human movement, acupuncture can repair the damaged CST by activating neuroplasticity. (B) Acupuncture can improve motor dysfunction by modulating muscle fibres and neuronal excitability to change muscle structure. (C) At the cellular level, the balance of neurotransmitters plays a crucial role in human behavioural function, and acupuncture can improve motor dysfunction by regulating the balance of Glutamate and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) (source).

What Does an Acupuncture Treatment Plan Look Like?

An acupuncture treatment plan for stroke recovery is tailored to each patient's condition, recovery stage, and response to therapy. It typically involves the following key elements:

1. Frequency and Duration

• Initial Phase (First 1-3 Months): 2–3 sessions per week for intensive recovery.

• Maintenance Phase (3–6 Months and Beyond): Weekly or biweekly sessions based on progress.

• Long-Term Care: Monthly treatments for preventing complications and maintaining improvements.

  
  

2. Techniques Used

• Body Acupuncture: Points such as ST36 (Zusanli) and GB34 (Yanglingquan) are used to improve motor function and muscle coordination.

• Scalp Acupuncture: Targets brain-related reflex areas to stimulate neuroplasticity and aid in stroke recovery.

• Electroacupuncture: A mild electrical current is applied to needles at motor-related acupoints, enhancing nerve regeneration and muscle activation.

  
  

3. Combination with Conventional Rehabilitation

Acupuncture is most effective when combined with:

✅ Physical therapy – to improve mobility

✅ Speech therapy – to enhance speech and swallowing

✅ Herbal medicine – to boost circulation and neurological repair

✅ Dietary & lifestyle guidance – to promote holistic recovery

Stroke recovery varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the severity of the stroke, the area of the brain affected, and individual response to treatment. While acupuncture can significantly support rehabilitation, it is not a guaranteed cure, and full recovery may not always be possible. A combination of therapies, including conventional rehabilitation, offers the best chances for improvement.

Why Consider Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation?

• Backed by Research: Scientific studies confirm acupuncture’s effectiveness in stroke recovery.

• Natural & Drug-Free: No dependency on medications or concerns about side effects.

• Holistic Healing: Acupuncture not only addresses physical symptoms but also enhances mental and emotional well-being.

• Improves Quality of Life: Stroke survivors report better mobility, less pain, improved mood, and greater independence.

  
  

Conclusion: A Path to Recovery with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and scientifically supported complementary therapy for stroke rehabilitation. Whether you are recovering from a recent stroke or dealing with long-term effects, acupuncture can accelerate healing, enhance mobility, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being.

If you or a loved one is seeking complementary therapy to support stroke recovery, acupuncture can be a useful part of the post-stroke rehabilitation journey.

At Alpine TCM Clinic, we are committed to making treatment accessible and effective. Specifically for post-stroke rehabilitation, as long-term and consistent acupuncture sessions are typically needed, we will ensure that the overall costs of acupuncture treatment are not excessive.

👉 Book a consultation with our TCM experts today!

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Reference:

1. Zhang, Y., Tang, Y.-W., Peng, Y.-T., Yan, Z., Zhou, J., & Yue, Z.-H. (2024). Acupuncture, an effective treatment for post-stroke neurologic dysfunction. Brain Research Bulletin, 215, 111035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111035

2. Ji, Shaozhen, Duan, Jiayu, Hou, Xiaobing, Zhou, Li, Qin, Weilan, Niu, Huanmin, Luo, Shuyun, Zhang, Yunling, Chan, Piu, Jin, Xianglan, The Role of Acupuncture Improving Cognitive Deficits due to Alzheimer’s Disease or Vascular Diseases through Regulating Neuroplasticity, Neural Plasticity, 2021, 8868447, 16 pages, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8868447

3. Gosman-Hedström G, Claesson L, Klingenstierna U, Carlsson J, Olausson B, Frizell M, Fagerberg B, Blomstrand C. Effects of acupuncture treatment on daily life activities and quality of life: a controlled, prospective, and randomized study of acute stroke patients. Stroke. 1998 Oct;29(10):2100-8. doi: 10.1161/01.str.29.10.2100. PMID: 9756589.