Traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation training for stroke sequelae

Stroke, as a common cerebrovascular disease in the middle-aged and elderly, is often accompanied by a series of sequelae, such as limb movement disorders, slurred speech, cognitive impairment, etc., which seriously affect the daily quality of life of patients. As a treasure of traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine plays an important role in the rehabilitation training of stroke sequelae. We will introduce some Chinese medicine rehabilitation training methods for stroke sequelae in order to provide patients with effective rehabilitation methods.

1. Overview of stroke sequelae

Stroke, also known as "stroke" in ancient times, is a group of diseases that cause brain tissue damage due to sudden rupture of brain blood vessels or blood vessel blockage that prevents blood from flowing into the brain. After a stroke, patients often experience sequelae of varying degrees, the most common of which is limb movement disorders, manifested as hemiplegia, muscle weakness, and imbalance; followed by speech disorders, including aphasia, dysarthria, etc.; in addition, it may also be accompanied by cognitive disorders, emotional disorders, etc. These sequelae not only affect the patient's daily living ability, but may also cause the patient to have negative emotions such as inferiority and depression, seriously affecting their physical and mental health.

2. Theoretical basis of TCM rehabilitation training

The theoretical basis of TCM rehabilitation training mainly comes from the holistic concept and principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment of TCM. TCM believes that the occurrence of stroke sequelae is related to factors such as disharmony of qi and blood, viscera disorders, and meridian blockage. Therefore, TCM rehabilitation training aims to promote the recovery of patients' body functions by harmonizing qi and blood, adjusting viscera functions, and unblocking meridians.

3. Methods of TCM rehabilitation training

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture therapy is one of the most commonly used methods in TCM rehabilitation training. Through acupuncture of relevant acupoints, it can harmonize qi and blood, dredge meridians, and promote the recovery of limb function. For the sequelae of stroke, acupuncture therapy can be performed on the hemiplegic limbs to improve muscle tension and promote muscle strength recovery; at the same time, combined with acupuncture of head acupoints, it helps to improve brain blood circulation and promote the recovery of nerve function.

2. Tuina massage

Tuina massage is another important method of TCM rehabilitation training. Through professional Tuina techniques and massage skills, muscles can be relaxed, spasms can be relieved, and joint mobility can be improved. For patients with sequelae of stroke, Tuina massage can help improve muscle tension on the hemiplegic limbs, promote joint flexibility and coordination, and improve patients' daily living ability.

3. Chinese medicine conditioning

Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning is one of the auxiliary means of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation training. According to the patient's specific condition and physical characteristics, appropriate traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions can be selected for conditioning, which can harmonize qi and blood, adjust the functions of internal organs, and improve physical condition. For example, for patients with stroke sequelae accompanied by qi deficiency and blood stasis, traditional Chinese medicine that invigorates qi and activates blood circulation can be used for treatment; for patients with liver and kidney yin deficiency, traditional Chinese medicine that nourishes the liver and kidney can be used for conditioning.

4. Functional exercise

Functional exercise is an important part of TCM rehabilitation training. By guiding patients to perform appropriate limb exercises and functional training, muscle strength recovery, joint mobility, and body coordination can be promoted. Functional exercise should be personalized according to the specific situation of the patient and carried out step by step to avoid injuries caused by overtraining.

IV. Precautions for TCM rehabilitation training

1. Individualized treatment

The specific conditions of each patient with sequelae of stroke are different. Therefore, when formulating a rehabilitation plan, the patient's age, gender, physical condition, condition and other factors should be fully considered to provide individualized treatment.

2. Comprehensive treatment

TCM rehabilitation training should use a variety of methods such as acupuncture, massage, and Chinese medicine to achieve the best therapeutic effect. At the same time, it should also be combined with modern medical rehabilitation methods to form a comprehensive treatment plan combining Chinese and Western medicine.

3. Take it step by step

Rehabilitation training is a long process that needs to be carried out step by step. In the early stage of treatment, light activities should be the main focus, and the amount and difficulty of activities should be gradually increased to avoid excessive training that may cause fatigue or injury to the patient.

4. Psychological counseling

Patients with sequelae of stroke often have varying degrees of psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, etc. Therefore, during the rehabilitation training process, attention should be paid to the psychological counseling of patients, helping them to establish a positive attitude and enhance their confidence in rehabilitation.

V. Conclusion

TCM rehabilitation training for stroke sequelae is a systematic and complex process that requires the comprehensive use of various TCM treatment methods. Through the organic combination of acupuncture, massage, Chinese medicine conditioning and functional exercise, the physical function and quality of life of patients with stroke sequelae can be effectively improved. By comprehensively using various TCM treatment methods and combining them with modern medical rehabilitation methods, the recovery of patients' physical functions and the improvement of their quality of life can be effectively promoted.

Author: Peng Minhong: Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Southern Theater Air Force Hospital