Healing After Stroke

Rodney Garrick Jr. • March 15, 2025

A Holistic Approach with Acupuncture & Traditional Therapies


post-stroke recovery, highlighting Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities

Reclaiming Strength & Balance After Stroke


Recovering from a stroke is more than just physical rehabilitation—it’s about restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. Traditional healing modalities like acupuncture, moxibustion, and electroacupuncture offer powerful, research-backed support in post-stroke recovery, improving neurological function, motor skills, and emotional well-being


  1. Acupuncture: Activating the Body’s Innate Healing Ability


Acupuncture enhances brain function, neuroplasticity, and circulation, supporting a smoother recovery process

Key Benefits:


  • Supports motor recovery & coordination
  • Enhances cognitive function & neuroplasticity
  • Reduces post-stroke depression & anxiety
  • Aids in speech recovery (aphasia) & swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)


Targeted Techniques for Recovery:


  • Scalp Acupuncture: Focuses on areas controlling movement, memory, and cognitive function. Key points include Baihui (DU20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), and Qianding (GV21)
  • Tongue Acupuncture: Beneficial for swallowing and speech impairments
  • Limb Acupuncture: Commonly used points for mobility and circulation include Hegu (LI4), Jianyu (LI15), Zusanli (ST36), and Yanglingquan (GB34)


   2.   Moxibustion: The Power of Heat Therapy


Moxibustion uses gentle heat to stimulate healing and strengthen the body's energy (Qi)

Key Benefits:


  • Improves circulation & muscle relaxation
  • Reduces post-stroke fatigue
  • Aids in urinary incontinence & digestive function
  • Combined with acupuncture to improve muscle relaxation, sensory function, and mobility
  • Moxa therapy is often applied to abdominal points like Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji to support organ function and energy restoration


   3.   Electro-acupuncture: A Modern Take on Ancient Healing


Electro-acupuncture combines traditional acupuncture with low electrical stimulation to enhance results

Key Benefits:


  • Stimulates neurorecovery & brain connectivity
  • Relieves spasticity & promotes limb function
  • Boosts emotional well-being & reduces stroke-related depression
    Increases Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores for sensory-motor recovery
  • Studies show 88.33% efficacy rate in combination therapy compared to 64.91% with electro-acupuncture alone


Conclusion


Post-stroke recovery is multifaceted, requiring a blend of neurological, physical, and emotional rehabilitation. Acupuncture, moxibustion, and electro-acupuncture offer clinically backed solutions to enhance motor function, reduce psychological distress, and promote long-term well-being. Patients should work with a trained acupuncturist to develop an individualized plan that supports their unique recovery journey.


References


  1. Song Li, Anhong Dai, Yihao Zhou, et al. Efficacy of combination scalp acupuncture for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2024;18. doi:10.3389/fnins.2024.1468331.
  2. Lizhen Yi, Linxing Huang, Ruixue Chen, Sheng Zhan, Huiyuan Huang, Zenghui Yue. Acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: An overview of systematic reviews. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2024;80(103024-). doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103024.
  3. Yi M, Shen W, Wei Y. Clinical Efficacy of Electroacupuncture at Sacral Four Points Combined with Moxibustion at Abdominal Three Points for Treating Post-Stroke Urinary Incontinence: Observations on Urodynamics, Quality of Life, and Safety. Archivos espanoles de urologia. 2024;77(7):732-738. doi:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247707.102.


!! Disclaimer

This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Acupuncture, moxibustion, and electroacupuncture should be administered by a licensed professional. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Results may vary based on individual health conditions and treatment consistency.

Elev8d Essence: The Balance Blueprint

A Black man sitting indoors thoughtfully reading letters. The atmosphere is calm introspection
By Rodney Garrick Jr. April 15, 2025
“Movement is medicine, but so is stillness, boundaries, and asking for what you need.” In this deeply personal post, I share reflections on the healing power of movement, the art of self-advocacy, navigating the hard conversations that come with caregiving and chronic stress, and the importance of cultivating environments that support your well-being. This is for the caregivers, the medical students, the overachievers, the ones navigating wellness in a world that often asks us to sacrifice ourselves. Read the full post to explore the medicine of embodiment, truth-telling, and radical softness.
Glass of herbal tea sitting on a board symbolizing heart-centered nourishment and seasonal renewal.
By Rodney Garrick Jr. April 1, 2025
Explore two seasonal herbal tea blends designed to nourish the blood, uplift the spirit, and support heart-centered vitality during the transition from spring to summer. Learn how Schisandra, Hibiscus, Hawthorn, Saffron, and Clove work together to balance the elements, protect your energy, and enhance emotional clarity and cardiovascular resilience.
By Rodney Garrick Jr. March 2, 2025
The Power of Being Your Own Cheerleader We often celebrate others—our friends, family, and colleagues—for their achievements, both big and small. But how often do we pause to congratulate ourselves? It’s not egotistical, and it’s certainly not self-serving. In fact, acknowledging your own efforts is a vital act of self-love and compassion. Sometimes, when no one else will, you must step up as your own cheerleader. Life is layered with complexities. You are likely navigating challenges, breaking through barriers, and carrying the weight of unseen burdens daily. You are healing from past wounds, showing up despite discomfort, and pushing forward even when the path isn’t clear. These victories, no matter how small they may seem, deserve recognition. 
More Posts