Hemiplegia is a disturbance of the central nervous system in which one half of the body becomes weak. The arm and leg of the affected side are unable to function normally and the face on the same half of the body is affected as well. This usually results due to a Cerebrovascular accident (stroke), Brain embolism (blockage of a small vessel in the brain), Trauma, Thrombosis (clotting of blood within a vessel) and Hemorrhage (excess bleeding). Chief clinical signs are paralysis of both / side of face or upper / lower extremities, with hypoesthesia (decreased sensations) or anesthesia (no sensations), and incontinence (lack of control) of stool and urine.

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This disorder is a result of a brain stroke, so long term care is very important. TCM treatment is effective in adjusting the body condition. Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture intervention improves function in 80-95% of affected people. In clinical observations, Acupressure is effective in promoting Qi in muscles and joints, reducing the atrophy and relieving pain. Herbal medication could improve the function of the digestion and the nervous system functions.

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Syndrome (a)
Yin of Kidney and Liver low function

The fundamental energy of the kidney and liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is called "yin". When yin becomes defected, clinically, the findings are: discomposure, restlessness, insomnia, night sweats, a dry mouth, and low muscle power. Diagnosis has also showed that yin fluctuations cause a red tongue and a weak and tender pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Herbal medicine can restore Yin energy of the Kidney and liver, and can stop the higher wind of the Yang energy.

Prescription/Formula: Modified decoction for dissipating Qi and blood stasis channel up to eyes. Lycium Fruit, Curcuma Root, White Peony Root, Haematite at 20g each; Chrysanthemum , Alisma, Red peony peel , Yuan Shen , Bamboo juice at each 15, Cornus at 10 g each; crude dragon Bone, crude Oyster shell at 30g each.

Simple Prescription: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan twice a day.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Therapeutic principle: Acupuncture and moxibustion regulate the Circulation of Qi and blood by using points mainly from Heart meridian point Hand Shao-Yin and the Urine Bladder meridian of Food Tai-Yang and the Liver meridian of Food Jue-Yin and the Kidney meridian point of Food Shao-Yin.

Prescription/Formula: Gan-Shu (IJB 18), Shen-Shu (UB23), Shen-Men (H7), Yin-Xi (H6), Tai-Xi (K3), Xing-Jian (Li2). Acupuncture 20-30 minutes or with Moxibustion at each point 10-15 minutes.

  

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Syndrome (b)
Weakness in Spleen and Stomach

According to TCM, when the Stomach and Spleen System get weak, the result is lack of power in the whole body and the patient prefers to lie down or sleep and avoids outdoor activities. There may also be a lack of appetite and watery stool. The tongue may be swollen and yellowish, while the pulse is slow and smooth.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Herbal medicine adjusts the digestive system and removes the sputum from the body.

Prescription/Formula: Modified decoction for adjusting the digestive system. Ginseng, Tuckahoe, Atractylodes white, Pinellia tuber , Citrus, Bamboo bud, Immature Buffer Orange at each 15g; Liquorice, Arisaema at each l0g.

Simple Prescription: Ginseng Jian Pi Wan one time a bag, twice a bag.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapeutic principle: Regulating the Circulation of Qi in the digestive system and removing the stasis of blood . This helps in relieving sputum by using points mainly from Back side Shu Points and Food Yang-Mm Stomach meridian point and the and Food Tai-Yang Spleen meridian points and Du Meridian.

Prescription/Formula: Pi-Shu (UB20), Zhong-Wan (DU12), Zusanli (ST36), Yin-Ling-Quan (SP9) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). 15-30 minutes Acupuncture and 5-10 minutes Moxibustion.

  

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Syndrome (c)
Energy (Qi) and Blood both weakness

TCM states that when there is a basic defect in the Qi and Blood in the body, the whole body becomes weak. Clinically, the face becomes pale, eyes look very tired, there is no energy to speak, the person becomes angry quickly and is not able to sleep well or speak properly. The tongue is light and the pulse is weak.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Using TCM theory to restore body energy and blood by repairing the heart and the spleen.

Prescription/Formula: Modified decoction for restore energy and blooding fundament. Angelica, Chuanxiong rhizome, Perilla Seed, Earthworm, Carthamus, Clematis, Cinnamon Twig, Achyranthes, Scutellaria at 30 g each; Red peony root at 15 g each.

Simple Prescription: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Tang twice a day.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapeutic principle: Acupuncture and moxibustion regulate the circulation of blood and qi to restore the Heart and Spleen system functions. . This is done by using points mainly from backside Shu and Ren meridian point and the stomach meridian of Food Yang-Ming and the Spleen meridian of Food Tai-Yin.

Prescription/Formula: Xin-Shu (UB 15), Ge-Shu (UB 17), Pi-Shu (UB20), Qi-Hai (Ren6), Zusanli (St36), San-Yin-Jiao (Sp6). Acupuncture 10-20 minutes or with Moxibustion at each point 10-20 minutes.

  

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5. Healing by Other Therapies

(a) Qigong and other therapies

For effect of Qigong on the Nervous System, click here.

Generally speaking, Qigong is good for healing effect of this specific ailment, however individual results may vary. It improves the flow of the qi and the circulation of the blood, so you'll experience more energy, but, you won't see/ feel any immediate effects, as with many exercises and therapies, it takes a few weeks or even months of practice before you'll see any significant improvements.

The following types of Qigong may help:

• Static Qigong:
  Relaxation Qigong
  Inner-Nourishing Qigong
  Six-Character Qigong
  Breathing Exercise Qigong
  Standing Qigong
  
• Dynamic Qigong:
  Fifteen Sets of Taiji-Qigong
  Baduanjing of Internal Exercise

For the information of different types of Qigong ,just click a link above.

This information is for education purpose only. We strongly advise you seek a licensed Qigong master to learn the correct ways to conduct these exercises before attempting them.

2. Tuina Massage: Use the TCM manual therapeutic massage twice a week.
3. Acupressure Shiatus: Try to find the sensitive points on both sides of the hemiplegia area and use finger pressure.

6. Psychological Adaptation to a Chronic and Severe Illness
One encounters different health problems in the course of one's life. Some problems are acute yet minor and often improve by themselves or yield to simple self-management. Severe and acute conditions often necessitate the help of health professionals who may provide fast relief with specific interventions. However, when the condition is chronic, the management required is quite different.

Please click the following button to learn "Psychological Adaptation to a Chronic and Severe Illness".

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We also greatly acknowedge Ms. Najaf Munir, MBBS, for her editorial support. Ms. Munir simplified the highly technical medical documents into easy-to-read documents, for the enjoyment and education of our numerous visitors.