A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. It is a medical emergency, and the first hours matter most. Many people then spend months in rehabilitation, and some look to traditional Chinese medicine for support during recovery.
What a stroke is
There are two main types. An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel and is the more common type. A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, causes the same symptoms but they pass within hours. A TIA is a warning, and needs urgent medical assessment.
Warning signs
Doctors use the word FAST to remember the signs:
- Face: one side of the face drops, or the smile is uneven
- Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
- Speech: slurred speech, or difficulty finding or understanding words
- Time: call emergency services immediately (999 in Malaysia)
Common risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Smoking
- An irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Being overweight or physically inactive
- A previous stroke or TIA, or a family history of stroke
Effects people live with after a stroke
- Weakness or paralysis, often on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking, understanding or swallowing
- Problems with vision, balance and coordination
- Changes in memory, concentration and thinking
- Low mood, anxiety and tiredness
- Pain, stiffness or numbness
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery is different for everyone. Most improvement happens in the first months, but progress can continue for much longer. Rehabilitation with doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists is central, and medicines to control blood pressure, cholesterol and clotting help to prevent another stroke.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine after a stroke
At The Tole, neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to rehabilitation and medical care, never as a replacement. In the traditional view, they aim to support the flow of Qi and blood.
Research on acupuncture after stroke is still developing and the results so far are mixed, so we do not promise any particular outcome. If you decide to try it, we ask you to be medically stable and cleared by your doctor first, and to bring your discharge summary, scan reports and a full list of your medicines.
Some herbs can affect clotting or interact with medicines such as blood thinners. Please tell us everything you take, and tell your doctor about any herbs you use. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
How we work
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The Master’s team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs and the family’s ancestral formulas.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
Common questions
Can acupuncture help after a stroke?
Some people use acupuncture alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy during recovery. Research is ongoing and results so far are mixed, so we do not promise any particular outcome. It should never replace emergency care, medicines or rehabilitation.
How soon after a stroke can I come to The Tole?
We would like you to be medically stable and cleared by your doctor first. Send us your discharge summary and scans, and we will advise you on timing.
Is it safe to take Chinese herbs with blood thinners?
Some herbs can affect clotting or interact with medicines such as warfarin. Tell us every medicine you take, tell your doctor about any herbs before you start, and never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
I live outside Kuala Lumpur. Can I still consult you?
Yes. Email your reports and we will advise on herbs, and on whether an intensive course of acupuncture in Kuala Lumpur would suit you. Herbs can be couriered to any country, and accommodation is available near the centre.
Do you cure stroke?
No. A stroke damages the brain, and doctors and therapists work to manage its effects. We offer traditional support alongside medical care and make no promise of a cure or a particular result.
See a doctor first if
- Any sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, trouble speaking or seeing, or a sudden severe headache. Call emergency services immediately (999 in Malaysia) and do not wait to see if it passes
- New symptoms after a stroke, or symptoms that suddenly get worse
- Before starting any herbs, if you take blood thinners or medicines for blood pressure or diabetes
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. We do not promise a cure or a particular result, and responses vary from person to person. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.