Strokeaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cerebrovascular Disorders
Parent symptom: Stroke
Sub-symptom(s): Poststroke Hemiplegia Transitory Ischemic Attacks
Did you mean? Stroke
What is stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. This medical emergency can manifest in symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, difficulty walking, and severe headache. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding. Stroke is also known as a brain attack or cerebrovascular insult and can lead to long-term disabilities like poststroke hemiplegia or transient ischemic attacks.
How does TCM view stroke?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views stroke not merely as a failure of cerebral circulation but as a disturbance in the body's dynamic balance of Yin and Yang energies. In TCM, stroke is associated with internal Wind, Phlegm obstruction, and Stagnation of Qi and Blood. Identifying the specific disharmony pattern is vital because TCM treatments aim to address these underlying imbalances, thereby not only treating the symptoms but also preventing recurrence. Each treatment is tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony, emphasizing a holistic approach to recovery.
Causes of Stroke According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stroke is often linked to specific energetic disruptions within the body. One prevalent cause is seen in the pattern of Liver Wind agitating internally, which can manifest from several conditions such as extreme Heat, Liver Fire, or Liver Yang Rising. These disturbances cause a violent upward movement of Liver Yang, which can lead to a stroke by disrupting the flow of Qi and Blood to the brain. This pattern is characterized by symptoms like sudden headache, dizziness, and muscular twitching. Understanding and identifying these patterns are essential in TCM as they dictate specific therapeutic approaches aimed at calming the Liver and anchoring the Yang to prevent further harm.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Stroke
To address the complex patterns associated with stroke, TCM uses targeted herbal formulas. For conditions marked by Yang Excess or Full Yang, which lead to an overactive and heat-accumulating state, Da Cheng Qi Tang is prescribed. This formula, incorporating Rhubarb (Da Huang), effectively purges excess heat and resolves stagnation, thereby mitigating the risk of stroke.
In cases where Liver Wind agitates internally due to conditions such as extreme Heat, Liver Fire, or Liver Yang Rising, Feng Yin Tang is recommended. This formula utilizes Dragon bones (Long Gu) to calm the Liver, suppress excessive Yang, and stabilize internal wind. These treatments reflect TCM’s nuanced approach, targeting the underlying disturbances that contribute to the occurrence of a stroke.
Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM stroke treatment, focusing on specific points to restore balance and stimulate recovery. Key acupoints include Benshen GB-13 and Fengchi GB-20, which help calm the mind, subdue Liver Yang, and expel Wind, thereby addressing some of the root causes of stroke symptoms. Baihui DU-20 and Fengfu DU-16 are also crucial for expelling internal Wind and nourishing brain health, essential for stroke recovery. These points are selected based on their ability to target the underlying imbalances contributing to stroke, illustrating TCM’s holistic approach to health and healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address stroke, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Stroke can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Stroke can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Stroke can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Stroke can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Xie Xin Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
Stroke can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Stroke can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.
Acupoints for Stroke
Explore below some acupoints used to address stroke, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Governing Vessel
- Stomach Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
- Kidney Channel
- Pericardium Channel
Benshen GB-13
0.5 cun within the hairline of the forehead, at the junction of the medial two-third and lateral third of the distance from Shenting DU-24 to Touwei ST-8.
Toulinqi GB-15
Directly above Yangbai GB-14, on the pupil line, 0.5 cun within the hairline, midway between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.
Fengchi GB-20
In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.
Huantiao GB-30
At the junction of the middle and lateral third of the distance between the great trochanter and Yaoshu DU-2 of the hiatus of the sacrum. When locating the point, put the patient in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed.
Fengfu DU-16
Directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the origins of the trapezius muscle.
Baihui DU-20
At the vertex, at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline, in the depression 7 cun above the posterior hairline and 5 cun behind the anterior hairline.
Biguan ST-31
Directly below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), at the level of the lower border of the pubic symphysis, in the depression on the lateral side of sartorius muscle when the thigh is flex.
Futu ST-32
6 cun superior to the upper-lateral border of the patella, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and upper lateral border of the patella.
Shousanli LI-10
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Quchi LI-11
When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Jianyu LI-15
Jianyu LI-15 is located antero-inferior to the acromion, between the clavicular and acromial portions of the deltoid muscle.
Shaoze SI-1
On the ulnar side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
Tianchuang SI-16
In the lateral aspect of the neck, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, lever with the Adam's apple.
Sishengcong EX-HN-1
This is a group of 4 points and each located 1 cun from Baihui DU-20 in the anterior, posterior and lateral direction.
Yongquan KID-1
In the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones on the sole when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole.
TCM Herbs for Stroke
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address stroke, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), which is directly recommended for stroke.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) | Not applicable |
| Giant Typhonium Rhizomes (Bai Fu Zi) | Not applicable |
| Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) | Not applicable |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang), which is directly recommended for stroke.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang) | Not applicable |
| Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) | Not applicable |
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Stroke can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma) | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin |
| Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Stroke can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Styrax (Su He Xiang), which is directly recommended for stroke.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Stroke can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Feng Yin Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Stroke can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stroke, like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.