Prevention

In general, measures to reduce risk factors for stroke have an important role to play in its prevention. You will find more specific information by consulting our Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia sheets, as well as our file on stress.

 Qi Gong. According to a summary of clinical studies, people with high blood pressure who practice Qigong have a lower risk of suffering from a stroke and dying from it⁴. In addition, Qigong sometimes decreases hypertension and in doing so, it helps reduce medication to treat hypertension.

In supportive treatment

 Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but scientific studies on the subject are only just beginning. In 2005, a systematic review of 14 clinical studies looked at the effect of acupuncture on 1 patients with stroke.⁵. Acupuncture sessions began 10 to 30 days after the accident and lasted 7 to 10 weeks. The results obtained indicate that acupuncture can exert a beneficial effect in the long term. One year after their stroke, people who received acupuncture sessions were less likely to die than people in control groups or placebos and they were less likely to suffer loss of autonomy.

A systematic review published in 2010 focused on 9 studies dealing with moxibustion used as adjuvant therapy during readjustment¹⁰. Moxibustion involves stimulating acupuncture points with a source of heat. Conclusion: some studies have shown benefits on motor functions, others not. The authors underlined the poor methodological quality of the studies, and therefore the difficulty in expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of this method.

 Biofeedback. A few studies suggest that electromyography (EMG) biofeedback associated with physiotherapy increase functional recovery and the quality of the patients’ gait¹⁵. Overall, however, data regarding the benefits of this technique is limited at this time.

 Reiki. Reiki could provide support during the rehabilitation of stroke victims. The results of a study carried out on fifty volunteers who have suffered a stroke show a certain improvement in mood and a boost in energy after ten sessions of 30 minutes each.¹¹. On the other hand, no effect was observed on the development of autonomy and on the relief of depressive states.

 Visualization and mental imagery. According to a systematic review published in 2010, visualization combined with physiotherapy would improve the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke¹². In the opinion of the authors, other studies are necessary in order to specify the contributions of these practices. In addition, 2 small clinical studies reported an increase in the functional capacity of patients who used mental imagery^13,14.

 Méthode Feldenkrais. The D^r Andrew Weil recommends that the Feldenkrais Method be used in addition to conventional treatments during the rehabilitation period following a stroke. This approach helps the nervous system find new pathways to compensate for neurological damage. So far, only case studies indicate that it is useful in rehabilitation.⁸. It would also help to regain the sense of balance and coordination⁷.

Although Feldenkrais sessions seem safe in most cases, people who want to use them should discuss this with their doctor first.

 Relaxation techniques. Deep breathing or any other relaxation technique used regularly helps relieve stress⁷.