Alternative Stroke Treatment

Alternative stroke treatment may not work for everyone, but typically, it's not going to hurt — as long as your doctor has given you the go-ahead to try these approaches in addition to following your prescribed medications and therapy. Here are some alternative stroke treatment ideas you can consider, and how they can help:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice in which tiny needles are inserted painlessly in the skin at designated points to stimulate your body's nerves and muscles. Acupuncture can help to relieve pain and get your blood flowing more — and balance your energy, Asian cultures believe. Acupuncture can be used to help treat difficulties with language and swallowing, as well as paralysis. Acupuncture is a common part of stroke treatment in Japan and China.

Massage

A study in Hong Kong found that regular massage lowered blood pressure and heart rate in stroke patients, and also eased anxiety. Massage is known to help with stress reduction and combat feelings of depression, both of which are common emotional health concerns of stroke patients. Keeping stress and depression under control is an important part of stroke treatment, for both mental and physical well-being.

Herbal medicines

There are studies being done to determine whether commonly used Chinese herbal medicines are actually effective as stroke treatments. It is thought that these medicines may boost blood flow in the brain and offer other protective benefits against ischemic stroke. But use caution: Further testing needs to be done because studies to date just don't show enough evidence to either support or oppose using these medications. Some herbal medicines that need further study include Ginkgo biloba, Mailuoning, Xuesetong, Ligustrazine, and Acanthopanax.

Aromatherapy

The benefits of aromatherapy as stroke treatment have not been extensively studied, but one very small recent study did consider the use of aromatherapy along with acupressure (another alternative method involving applying pressure to certain points on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms). Researchers used lavender, peppermint, and rosemary fragrances in conjunction with acupressure, and found that it relieved pain better than acupressure without aromatherapy.

Tai chi and yoga 

Tai chi is a martial art that requires balance and the use of both sides of the brain. This soothing form of exercise makes the mind and body work together to perform coordinated movements, which can benefit stroke patients. Yoga is a great stress reducer, and it may also help improve speech, balance, and dexterity. An extremely small recent study found that stroke patients saw benefit in each of those areas after taking consistent yoga classes.