Understanding Stroke: A Chinese Medicine and Western Medical Perspective

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Without timely treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can lead to long-term disability or even death.

Stroke in Western Medicine

From a Western medical perspective, stroke is classified into two major types:

Ischemic Stroke (about 85% of cases)Caused by a blood clot or blockage in a brain artery, leading to reduced blood flow.Hemorrhagic Stroke Caused by a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.

There is also Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” where symptoms are temporary but should be taken as a warning sign of future stroke risk.Common symptoms of stroke include:

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)Trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden vision loss or double vision

Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Western medicine focuses on emergency intervention (such as clot-busting drugs or surgery), followed by rehabilitation and medication to manage risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Stroke in Chinese Medicine (中医中的“中风”)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stroke is known as “Zhong Feng” (中风), literally meaning “wind strike.” This name reflects the sudden, unpredictable nature of stroke, similar to being struck by wind.TCM believes stroke arises from internal imbalances, such as:

Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind Stirring: Often due to chronic stress, anger, or emotional constraint, leading to hypertension and internal Wind disturbing the brain.Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing Meridians: Caused by poor digestion, lack of movement, and unhealthy diet, leading to blockages in the blood vessels.Qi and Blood Deficiency: Long-term weakness in organ systems (especially Spleen, Kidney, and Heart) can make the body unable to properly nourish and protect the brain.Yin-Yang Imbalance: Often seen in elderly or chronically ill patients, where Yang energy may rush upward unchecked.

TCM Approach to Stroke Prevention and Recovery

1. Prevention Is Key

TCM places great emphasis on early intervention and prevention. Patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or high stress levels are encouraged to receive regular acupuncture and herbal support to reduce stroke risk.

2. Post-Stroke Rehabilitation with Acupuncture and Herbs

TCM can be safely integrated into stroke recovery, especially after the acute phase has stabilized. It helps with:

Regaining motor function and speech

Reducing numbness and muscle stiffness

Improving blood circulation to affected areas

Supporting emotional balance (many patients experience anxiety or depression after stroke)

3. Customized Herbal Formulas

Depending on the person’s constitution and symptoms, herbs may be used to resolve phlegm, invigorate blood, calm Liver Wind, and nourish Qi and Yin.4. The ZiQia System for Recovery

At our clinic, we apply Dr. Pan Xiaochuan’s ZiQia Self-Consistent System, a pulse-guided and energetically-aligned method that enhances individualized stroke rehabilitation by restoring internal harmony and boosting the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Stroke Recovery Is a Journey

Stroke recovery is not only about restoring movement or speech—it’s about restoring the whole person. Chinese medicine provides a compassionate, personalized approach that supports the brain, the body, and the spirit in regaining balance.Whether you're seeking to prevent a stroke, support recovery, or improve quality of life after stroke, Chinese medicine offers a powerful and time-tested pathway forward.