Acupuncture for Stroke Recovery Rehabilitation

The Impact of Stroke in Canada

  • Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada and the third leading cause of death. Every year, nearly 14,000 Canadians die from stroke.
  • Every year in Canada, there are over 50,000 new strokes—that’s one stroke every 10 minutes.
  • About 426,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke.
  • Stroke costs the Canadian economy more than $3.6 billion a year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages, and decrease productivity.

What's Stroke?

Stroke is a syndrome caused by a disruption in blood flow to a part of the brain. It occurs when the blood vessel either ruptures or becomes blocked. A stroke deprives the neurons and other brain cells of glucose and oxygen, which leads to cell death. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, the higher the likelihood of permanent damage to the brain.

The medical term “cerebrovascular accident” (CVA) tells you what has happened – there is an accident inside the brain that relates to its blood vessels. It may be a clot blocking a vessel (an ischemic stroke) or bleeding from a rupture (a hemorrhagic stroke).

The layman’s term is “stroke”, or “wind stroke” in Chinese. These common terms describe more vividly the acute onset of the disease and its severe consequences. The patient is hit hard suddenly and becomes paralyzed.


What cause a stroke?



A plaque, which is a lump of cellular waste products, cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium and fibrin, can build up on the inner lining of blood vessels, making the vessels harder and narrower. When the plaque becomes too big, it completely blocks the flow of blood. So a person with high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides or very thick blood has an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Sometimes, a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot that comes from the heart. This occurs more likely with people who have heart valve problems or atrial fibrillation. Clots do not form overnight. It takes years to build up. Therefore ischemic stroke patients are mostly among older population. You see no symptoms at all until suddenly one day a blood vessel is completely blocked.
Another possibility is the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. It may be due to high blood pressure, or a traumatic injury like the head hitting an object or floor. Some people are borne with abnormalities in their cerebral vessels such as aneurysms or arterio-venous malformation (AVM). The walls of these vessels are weakened at certain spots and can burst without any warning. This type of stroke can happen on young patients, regardless of age.


What happens after a stroke?

Our brain is the body’s control center. The trillions of brain cells need blood supply for oxygen and nutrients. When a stroke occurs, blood supply is interrupted at the lesions. After 4 minutes or more without oxygen, brain cells become damaged and may die. Consequently the body parts controlled by those cells cannot function. For example, a patient may feel numb (loss of sensory function) and cannot move his arm (loss of motor function).

For a hemorrhagic stroke, things are often worse. The blood that leaks out of the vessel take up space in the brain, compressing on surrounding tissues. Damages are therefore more extensive. Many hemorrhagic stroke patients suffer from an excruciating headache or lose consciousness (in coma). If bleeding is massive, the brain may even be shifted to one side or pushed downward through the foramen of the skull. The latter case is fatal.

As the cells die, edema is formed, thus causing more damages. So, symptoms continue to deteriorate for a few days before they stabilize. The peak is around Day 4 or 5.

The loss of function from a stroke may be mild or severe, and temporary or permanent. This depends on where and how much the brain is damaged and how fast the blood supply can be returned to the affected cells.

Conventional Treatments for Stroke:

Stroke is an emergency that requires immediate medical care. Patients are usually hospitalized for monitoring of vital signs and life support. Once symptoms are stabilized, patients will be discharged. As the brain starts to heal, some functions will return slowly but only to a limited extent. In order to recover more, rehabilitation therapy is needed.

Hemorrhagic stroke patients may require a surgery to drain the blood that has accumulated, to relieve the compression in the brain. Ischemic stroke patients are often given Warfarin (also known by brand name Coumadin). Warfarin is an anti-coagulant, a blood thinner. It prevents formation of new clots but it does nothing about clots that have already formed. In other words, it does not help stroke patients recover. Over-dosage of Warfarin or Coumadin can cause internal bleeding. This side-effect is not surprising for it was originally developed as a potent rodent poison.

In 1996, FDA approved the use of a new drug called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, to treat ischemic stroke because it can dissolve clots. However the use of tPA has been very limited. First, it must be administered within 3 hours from the first signs of a stroke; second, only well trained medical personnel at approved stroke centers provide this service; third, tPA is contraindicated for certain conditions. For instance, patient with a recent history of bleeding, or with seizures or very high blood pressures cannot receive tPA. Finally, tPA increases the risk of bleeding. There are reports of death or secondary hemorrhagic stroke caused by tPA.

Does Acupuncture benefits a stroke patient?


YES! Acupuncture is definitely beneficial to stroke patients. The earlier the intervention, the better are the results. Our therapy helps in several ways:

  • It prevents or reduces edema in the brain, thereby stops further damage to brain tissues.
  • It promotes perfusion in the brain, restoring blood and oxygen to brain cells and save them from dying.
  • It helps to break down blood clots.
  • Our approach accelerates functional recovery.

Rehabilitation from a stroke can start in the hospital soon after the stroke is over. In a stable patient, the rehab usually can start within 48 hours of the stroke. It should be continued after the patient leaves the hospital for as long as is required. The treatment of stroke and its rehabilitation is a specialty that demands certain skills and knowledge. Acupuncture can significantly benefit stroke patients if it is done right; otherwise it is of little value. If you are looking for an experienced acupuncturist for the stroke recovery, feel confident to book an appointment online at Oriental Acupuncture Clinic  or call 416-800-3978 for your appointment. 







6 tips for TCM Autumn Health Preservation


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fall has a nature all its own: it is the season where the dynamic, warming, and active Yang energy of the summer wanes into the more structured, cooler, and introspective Yin phase of the year as we prepare for Winter. Autumn is associated with the Metal element and Lungs which govern the skin, respiratory system, immunity, and the emotions of grief/sadness.

The Fall is also dominated by dryness and wind which can attack the Lung, leading to common symptoms such as a scratchy throat, a dry nose, chapped lips, dry cough, etc. To protect the body from these factors, preventative health for Fall focuses on warming and strengthening the body.

So as the temperature drops, leaves change, and cold-season abounds, here are some ways to stay healthy this Fall according to TCM:


Tip no.1: Promote blood circulation by Combing Hair and Rubbing Ears
In the autumn the yang energy is reduced, people tend to feel depressed and fatigue. Combing hair by fingers can dredge the meridians of the head, promote blood circulation, keep the mind clear, and help eliminate fatigue. At the same time, rubbing ears with hands, which will also help reduce fatigue.

Tip no.2: Strengthen heart and lungs by Deep Breathing or Practice Baduanjin Qikong

The main purpose of health preservation is to nourish the lungs, while Chinese medicine believes that the lungs govern qi. Every morning, you can practice breathing and respiration or Baduanjin, and also go out to breathe fresh air frequently during break, which can promote blood circulation and maintain good respiratory system function. In addition, moderate exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function.

Tip no.3: Keep bowel movement by rubbing belly
Massage the abdomen clockwise with the palm of hand, which can help digestion, eliminate siltation, replenish qi and strengthen the body, and prevent autumn dryness and constipation. In addition, when getting up every morning, you must remember to have regular bowel movements. People with constipation can drink more lemon honey water. Because the temperature drops in autumn, the metabolism slows down, and toxins tend to stay in the body. Regular bowel movements can help detoxify and reduce the burden on the body.

Tip no. 4: Have foot bath every night before go to bed

With the temperature drops in the fall, the blood circulation slows down, and it is easy to get cold hands and feet. Therefore, people with cold body may wish to use pepper water or ginger water to soak their feet at night to warm the meridians and collaterals to remove cold; after the foot bath, they can also massage the soles of the feet to clear the meridians, eliminate turbidity, relieve fatigue, promote sleep, and vomit the cold. Superb!

Tip no.5: Enjoy Warm-cooked Food and Soup
Warm pear soup with honey and ginger can moisturize dryness, nourish yin, so it helps strengthen our lungs, and relief the common symptoms in the fall such as scratchy throat, a dry nose, chapped lips, and dry cough.

Tip no.6: Get Acupuncture & Herbs Preventatively

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation, release endorphins, promote circulation while restoring the proper functioning or energy (called “Qi") to your body’s systems. Acupuncture and herbs help to alleviate sinus pressure, stop headaches, reduce allergies, clear phlegm, relieve cough and strengthen the Lungs.


Conclusion: Traditional Chinese Medicine  has a lot of knowledge about health preservation and health care, and the most important thing is to be able to persist in it . The above tips are simple and practical. They can be maintained from the feet to enhance one's righteousness and make autumn regimen no longer complicated.



中医秋季养生六个小妙招:

1、常梳发,多弹耳
常言道,春困秋乏,秋季阳气收敛,人容易感到精神不振。经常梳理头发可以疏通头部经络,扩张皮下毛细血管,促进气血循环,保持头脑清醒,帮助消除疲劳。同时还可以用手多揉搓耳朵,也有助于减轻疲劳。

2、多擦脸,咽唾液
秋季容易寒邪入侵,用干净的双手经常揉搓面部,使面色红润,面部气血通畅,对于预防秋季感冒有一定的作用。秋季寒冷的气候让脾胃容易失和,上下牙齿经常轻轻叩击,顺便咽唾液,可促消化、开胸理气、增强胃肠道功能。

3、呼浊气,强心肺
秋季养生以养肺为主,而中医认为肺主气。每天清晨可以在空气洁净的地方练习呼吸吐纳,平时休息时也应该经常走出户外呼吸新鲜空气,可以促进血液循环,保持良好的呼吸系统机能。另外适度的运动,增强心肺功能。

4、捂下身,暖脊背
俗话说,春捂秋冻。秋冻指的是在初秋时期,不着急加衣服增强抗寒能力。但记得冻的重点在于胸部以上,而秋天也要捂好背、肚子和下身。背部保暖可预防疾病,减少感冒几率;“寒从脚下起”,脚下敏感,保暖才能使身体适应越来越寒冷的气候变化。


5、揉肚子,通大便
用手掌顺时针按摩腹部,适当揉搓,可以助消化、消除淤积、益气强身,防止秋燥便秘。另外每天早晨起床,一定记得规律排便,便秘者可以多喝柠檬蜂蜜水。因为秋季温度降低,新陈代谢减慢,毒素容易滞留在体内,规律排便可以帮助排毒,减轻身体负担。

6、勤泡脚,搓足心
秋天温度降低,尤其是深秋时,气血循环减慢,容易手脚冰凉。因此体寒的人不妨晚上经常用花椒水或姜水泡泡脚,温经通络,祛除寒气;洗脚后还可以在床上按摩脚心,通经络,消浊气,解除疲劳,促进睡眠,起到吐故纳新的效果。

结语:秋季中医养生保健知识非常多,重在能够有效坚持。以上的几点技巧简单实用,从到脚养护起来,增强自身正气,让秋天养生不再复杂。

2 Acupuncture Points for Dizziness and Vertigo

Feeling light-headed and dizzy? Maybe you feel like your head is spinning, or that the world is spinning around you? Headache, nausea, dizziness, and vertigo are symptoms that can be caused by a variety of health problems.

Symptoms that may accompany vertigo include nausea, nystagmus (abnormal spastic eye movements), headaches, sweating, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Symptoms of vertigo can last anywhere from a few minutes to many hours. In some cases, professional treatment is unnecessary as the condition may resolve itself.

However, in other cases, medical treatment may be essential to treat the problem. Fortunately, acupuncture and Oriental medicine can offer help in this department. Often, this medical condition is linked with the element of wind and is even described with the same words as this naturally-occurring phenomenon.

A practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is able to influence the effects of wind in a patient's body through the use of specific acupuncture points. For example PC6 (Neiguan) and ST36(Zusanli).


PC6 has a couple of functions which are particularly useful. 

First, PC6 is a primary point for treating nausea, no matter the cause. Its effect on nausea is what has earned PC6 the rare distinction of being able to treat a condition without the addition of other points. Whether it is post-operative opioid-induced nausea, motion sickness, pregnancy-related nausea or simply indulging a bit more than you should have at that killer party the night before PC6 is the place to start. Some of you may be familiar with the popular "Seabands," Seabands use magnets to activate PC6 and help fight motion sickness.

Another use for Pericardium 6 is to "calm the Shen." In more common language, this translates to calming the mind and reducing anxiety. PC6 also "opens and unbinds the chest." This refers to some of the types of physical symptoms that can be experienced with anxiety such as tightness in the chest and palpitations. Sometimes anxiety can produce nausea as well, in which case PC6 can help on both fronts.


Stomach 36 acupressure point is regarded as the most useful acupressure point on the body by most licensed acupuncturists as it has so many key functions in the manifestation of Qi and Blood in the body. Acupressure point Stomach 36 can be used with any digestive disorder as the Stomach is in charge of receiving the food along with “rotting and ripening” the food. Stomach Qi is also involved in the downward flow of Qi allowing for proper digestion and elimination. Points on the Stomach channel also impact the Large Intestine more-so than points on the Large Intestine channel, so even issues such as constipation are addressed with Stomach points. Ancient Chinese military troop often made it a habit to stop each mile and stimulate Stomach 36 to give them more energy to continue their forward march; three li equals about a mile, so the name Leg Three Li came from this historical reference. As you might imagine, it is an excellent point for enhancing your own innate vital energy!

ACUPUNCTURE FOR MENIERES DIZZINESS / VERTIGO 



Acupuncture for gout treatment - Healing from the root

"Whenever a doctor cannot do good, he must be kept from doing harm"...Hippocrates (希波克拉底-古希腊名医)



As we know gout medication such as Allopurinol, NSAI's (Indomethacin), Colchicine, Probenecid, Losartan, Febuxostat etc. these medicines do not cure your gout, and you will depend on them for the rest of your life! Due to their negative effect on kidneys and liver they make you even sicker(instead of curing) and the bad side effects will create more (new) health problems.

Is healing gout possible?


As we know, Gout is a disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis, especially in the smaller bones of the feet, deposition of chalkstones, and episodes of acute pain. Acupuncture has been used very successfully to treat gout for thousand years. 

Huang Fu Mi (AD 215-AD 282), the author of 《The systematic classic of acupuncture and moxibustion》 was suffered from gout and Hemiplegia before he became the greatest acupuncturist and Chinese medical scientist. Nothing made him getting better until he started studying acupuncture & moxibustion and applying acupuncture moxibustion treatment on himself. 


This condition is caused by combination of several different factors: heat or cold, damp or excess fluid, and a degree of poor blood circulation. All these conditions together create the perfect storm for gout and arthritis to occur. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds that the main cause of the disease is rich and greasy food which leads to internal pent-up heat and damp with the wind and cold invading channels and collaterals and blocking the movement of qi and fluids. This causes stasis of damp and heat that are thus transformed into phlegm which stagnates in the collaterals causing swelling and hot pain in the joint.Another factor may be physical weakness, particularly due to ageing, leading to disturbance in the function of Spleen and Kidney. The disease is commonly manifested at the first metatarso-phalangeal joint, through which the Spleen channel passes.

Can acupuncture be used to treat gout?


Acupuncture aims to reduce the heat (also know as inflammation), dispel the excess fluid, damp and cold from the body, and increase blood circulation for greater range of movement , relieve the pain from a gout flare-up and regulate the function of the Spleen and Kidneys.  However, a full recovery from gout and other arthritic conditions must also include nutritional/dietary changes in order to be fully successful.  It usually takes a few sessions(at least 8 to 10 sessions) to see a noticeable change. and also combined with moxibustion or cupping treatments can reach a better healing process.


Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978
to set up your first appointment!


Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience greater health and well-being!

Acupuncture for Prostatitis BPH Relief vs. Drug Therapy

 Acupuncture alleviates prostatitis and reduces relapse rates. Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers compared usual pharmaceutical treatment with acupuncture. The results show that acupuncture promotes local blood circulation, improves urethra and bladder function, and alleviates overall symptoms correlated with prostatitis.

Drug therapy produced significant results and limited the relapse rate to 10%. In an important discovery, acupuncture reduced the relapse rate to 3%, significantly outperforming the drug therapy group. 

In the study, National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatic Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, white blood cell counts in the prostatic fluid during routine examinations (EPS), norepinephrine (NE) content, and recurrence rates were compared between an acupuncture group and a drug therapy group. The efficacy levels were based on a 4-level scale:

  • Recovered: symptoms disappeared, NIH-CPSI score decreased by over 90%
  • Significantly effective: symptoms significantly relieved, NIH-CPSI score decreased by 60% to 89%
  • Effective: symptoms relieved, NIH-CPSI score decreased by 30% to 59%
  • Ineffective: symptoms persisted or aggravated
The acupuncture and drug control groups received independent 30-day treatments. The drug group received 0.25 mg clarithromycin (twice daily) and 2 mg terazosin (once daily), for 30 days.

In the drug therapy group, 27 cases recovered, 15 were significantly effective, 10 were effective, and 8 were ineffective. In the acupuncture group, 44 cases recovered, 10 were significantly effective, 4 were effective, and 2 were ineffective. The results show that acupuncture significantly outperforms the prescribed drug therapy protocol.

The efficacy of acupuncture and herbal medicine within the Chinese medicine meridian system for the treatment of prostatitis is both ancient and modern. Classical texts from antiquity and modern clinical and laboratory research consistently demonstrate that acupuncture is an effective treatment protocol for the alleviation of prostatitis.

When the drug therapy didn't work for you, TCM acupuncture is always another treatment option or the first option  for the BPH treatment. 

Looking for experienced Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist, feel free to call Oriental Ensure Acupuncture Clinic at 416-800-3978 or book an appointment online with our acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine  practitioner.



TCM PROTECTION ADVICE FOR FLU or COVID PREVENTION

  • Balanced diet: The diet is well—cooked and has balanced nutrition. You can eat some foods classified as both herb and/or food, such as radish, asparagus, yam, dandelion, ageratum, chrysanthemum, lotus leaf, etc. Remember not to eat wild animals.
  •  Moderate exercise: Exercise moderately. You can learn to use traditional healthcare methods such as Taijiquan, Wuqinxi, Baduanjin, etc.,and choose an exercise method that suits you according to your personal conditions.
  • Positive emotions: Keep your spirits up. Don't panic, don't be irritable, don't worry. Feel comfortable, refresh your mind, maintain your rest, and feel good.
  • Acupoint healthcare: Moxibustion, massage, acupressure etc. are frequently applied to important healthcare acupoints such as Zusanli(St36), Qihai (RN6/CV6), Guanyuan (RN4/CV4), etc.; it can boost our immunity poweer or enhance the body's energy to achieve the purpose of preventing disease.

  • Daily life: Work and rest regularly to ensure adequate sleep. To adapt to climate changes, adjust the quilt and indoor temperature in time, and pay attention to cold and warm. If you sweat, take a hot bath and change clothes promptly.
  • Preventative Herbal Sachets: Ingredients: Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu),Eupatorium (Pei Lan), Tsaolco fruit (Cao Guo),Patchouli (HuoXiang),Mugwort leaf (AiYe),Grassleaf sweetflag rhizome (Shi Chang Pu) etc.
How to use: Hang it indoors or in a car, or wear it on you. It has the effect of refreshing your environment and detoxifying to prevent epidemics.
However, the herbal sachet is not recommended for pregnant women and those with allergic diseases (such as asthma, rhinitis, etc.). The herbs in the sachet is for external use only. Do not consume or ingest the sachet.
  • Try to avoid places where people gather. If you must go, please wear a mask!

Acupressure points combined with custom essential oils for toothache

Toothache or swollen gum pain is an annoying issue that could happen to everybody. Acupuncture does relieve the toothache or gum pain quickly, but for people who don't like needles can also try this home remedy for quick gum pain or toothache relief. It works as quick as in 15 minutes.
Custom essential oils for toothache/gum pain by Emily

Acupressure point : LI4

Acupressure point: ST44

Any questions or book appointments 
please text 647-230-2907(Emily) 
or find her on Wechat



Most common Covid-19 vaccine side effects and vaccination aftercare

For months, reports have trickled in about weird symptoms of COVID-19. There was COVID toes, unusual skin rashes, and loss of taste and smell, which later became an "official" symptom of the virus. Now there's a new one to keep on the back burner: COVID tongue, which is with bumps, along with inflammation and swelling. 

We also had a patient called in yesterday for acupuncture for the swollen tongue after vaccination. and Jarry (R.Ac)  had a patient who got Bell's Palsy after second dose  vaccine.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility. For mild symptoms, acupuncture can help to relief headache, fatigue, muscle pain, Bell's palsy etc.  More info about COVID-19 vaccination aftercare 


Most common vaccine side effects in older adults 


Data collected from the vaccine clinical trials by U.S.
CDC

Side effects in adults 65+ after Moderna vaccine (second dose)
  • Pain at injection site (83.4%)
  • Fatigue (58.4%)
  • Headache (46.4%)
  • Muscle pain (46.9%)
  • Joint pain (34.9%)
  • Chills (30.6%)
Nausea/vomiting (11.8%) and fever (10.2%) were also reported.


Side effects in adults >55 after Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (second dose)
  • Pain at injection site (66.1%)
  • Fatigue (50.5%)
  • Headache (39.0%)
  • Muscle pain (28.7%)
  • Chills (22.7%)
  • Joint pain (18.9%)
Fever (10.9%), diarrhea (8.3%) and vomiting (0.7%) were also reported.

Side effects in adults 60+ after Johnson & Johnson vaccine
  • Pain at injection site (33.3%)
  • Headache (30.4%)
  • Fatigue (29.7%)
  • Muscle pain (24.0%)
  • Nausea (12.3%)
  • Fever (3.1%)
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention