Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture and stroke recovery – do they have anything in common?   According to the new documentary film, 9000 Needles, they do.  CATS - Community Asian Theatre, is bringing this award winning film to the Nevada Theatre on Sunday, August 28th.   Lucky for us, we have many highly educated doctors of TCM and Acupuncture in our local area to help us navigate the healing process through this ancient healing method that originated in China more than 2500 years ago. I am a big fan of acupuncture as it has helped me regain health. I asked a few of our acupuncturists the following question:  How does acupuncture and TCM help heal someone with an illness like a stroke?

In 1997 I had the pleasure of working in a TCM hospital in Chengdu, China.  In the acupuncture department our stroke patients came in for daily treatments. Needles inserted just under the scalp and in local surface points were casually enjoyed while sitting upright in easy chairs, reading the newspaper or doing qi gong exercises in the hallways. The occasional burst of laughter would signal a nostril that could smell again, a cheek that regained sensation, or an arm that didn't droop so obviously. I have seen acupuncture bring about inexplicable miracles and it will always be at the top of my list for treating people with stroke or Bell's Palsy. Dr. Sunshine Fowler DOM, L.Ac. 530-277-6559, www.drsunshinefowler.com/

The brain is a curious organ in Classical Chinese Medicine.  The brain and the heart contain the spirit or shen.  The kidneys govern the brain, bones and generate marrow. A stroke shows the brain’s symptoms rather than the cause of the disease.   Pathogenesis is deficiency of kidney essence, bone marrow and/or blockage of the brain channel. The “spirit” is trapped inside the head with the sensory orifices closed.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (Nao Wei Kang Wan) provide tonification of the kidney essence, regulate qi, circulate blood, remove stasis, eliminate phlegm, open sensory orifices, awaken the brain and release the spirit.   China Roberson, L.Ac., Dipl. OH,  530-265-3763, dakinimedicine@gmail.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a primary treatment for stroke in China. Acupuncture and sometimes herbs help reduce post stroke brain swelling and rewire lost brain/body connections. It also treats secondary problems related to immobility including constipation and joint problems.  To be effective, acupuncture must be started as soon as possible and not later than a month post stroke. The stroke patient is treated every other day in conjunction with rigorous physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy for three to six weeks.  Often needles are left in the scalp to continue the stimulation between treatments.  I studied with a wonderful TCM master, Dr Ming Qhing Zhu who routinely treats stroke.  Using his protocol I was able to help a hospitalized stroke patient of mine move her right thumb during her first treatment.  Nina Allen, L.Ac., D.N.B.A.O., 530-273-0098, www.allenandcunningham.com/

Suzie Daggett, constantly curious about the mysteries of life, publishes the Insight Directory and produces Insight Lectures.  530-265-9255, www.insightdirectory.com or www.insightlecture.com