Sequelae of stroke refers to the residual symptoms after a stroke, mainly characterized by paralysis of one side of the body, facial asymmetry, and slurred speech. It is mostly classified as a stroke of the meridian and collaterals type. Massage therapy is also used as an auxiliary treatment for this condition. Let's take a look at the massage treatment for sequelae of stroke.
Etiology and Pathology of Sequelae of Stroke
Due to weakness of the body's positive energy, deficiency of meridians and collaterals, and invasion of wind evil into the meridians and collaterals, qi and blood become stagnant. Alternatively, liver and kidney yang deficiency in the constitution, failure to contain water by wood, excessive liver yang, wind and fire disturbance, phlegm and stasis obstruction, and blockage of meridians and collaterals. Or even though the internal organs recover after treatment, wind and phlegm still obstruct the meridians and collaterals, inhibiting the smooth flow of qi and blood, resulting in the development of this condition.
Massage Principles for Sequelae of Stroke
Early treatment is effective for this condition, generally within two weeks to six months after a stroke, massage therapy is suitable. The treatment principle is to dredge the meridians and collaterals, promote qi circulation, activate blood circulation, and lubricate the joints.
Massage techniques: kneading, pressing, rubbing, rubbing, wiping, shaking.
Acupoints and areas: Tianzong, Ganyu, Danyu, Geyu, Shenyu, Huantiao, Yanglingquan, Weizhong, Chengshan, Fengshi, Futu, Zusanli, Xiechi, back, posterior aspect of lower limbs.
Massage Methods for Acupoints of Sequelae of Stroke
1. The patient lies prone, and the masseur stands on the side. Massage the bladder meridian on the back, with a focus on acupoints such as Tianzong, Ganyu, Danyu, Geyu, Shenyu. Use kneading technique along the bladder meridian on both sides of the back until the heel, and massage acupoints such as Huantiao, Yanglingquan, Weizhong, Chengshan. Then perform passive movements of the lumbar vertebrae and hip joints for about 8 minutes.
2. The patient lies on the healthy side, use kneading technique along the line of the gallbladder meridian on the lower limbs, with a focus on the hip, knee, and ankle joints for about 3 minutes.
3. The patient lies supine, use kneading technique along the line of the stomach meridian on the lower limbs, with a focus on the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Also, knead acupoints such as Yanglingquan, Fengshi, Futu, Zusanli, Xiechi. Perform movements of the hip, knee, ankle joints, and rub the lower limbs for 5-8 minutes.
Massage Methods for Upper Limbs of Sequelae of Stroke
Massage techniques: kneading, pressing, rubbing, grasping, shaking, rubbing, twisting.
Acupoints and areas: Chize, Quchi, Hand Sanli, Hegu, Jianzhen, upper limbs.
Massage methods:
1. The patient lies supine, use kneading technique along the line of the three yin meridians of the hand on the upper limbs, with a focus on the elbow joint. Use kneading technique, pressing technique along the line of the three yang meridians of the hand on the upper limbs, with a focus on the wrist, palm, and interphalangeal joints. Perform passive flexion and extension movements, shaking technique to lubricate the joints. Twist the finger joints for about 5 minutes.
2. Continue with the above techniques, knead acupoints such as Chize, Quchi, Hand Sanli, Hegu, Jianzhen, for about 30 seconds each.
3. The patient sits or lies on the healthy side, use kneading technique on the shoulder and scapula, use rubbing technique from the shoulder to the wrist, and perform movements of the shoulder joint. Rub and massage the upper limbs for about 3-5 minutes.
Massage Methods for Head, Face, and Neck of Sequelae of Stroke
Massage techniques: pressing, rubbing, sweeping, grasping.
Acupoints and areas: Yintang, Jingming, Taiyang, Jiaosun, Fengfu, Fengchi, Jianjing, Yangbai, Yingxiang, Dicang, Cheche, Xiaguan, head, face, neck.
Massage methods:
1. The patient lies supine, use pressing technique from Yintang to Taiyang. Use sweeping technique along the line of the gallbladder meridian on the temporal region, for about 4 minutes.
2. Continue with the above technique, for patients with facial asymmetry, knead acupoints such as Yintang, Jingming, Yangbai, Yingxiang, Dicang, Cheche, Xiaguan, for about 3 minutes.
3. The patient sits, press and rub acupoints such as Fengfu, Fengchi, and grasp Fengchi acupoints for about 3 minutes.
Care Tips for Sequelae of Stroke
1. Maintain emotional stability, pay attention to regular living habits, avoid smoking and drinking, and adopt a low-fat diet.
2. Pay attention to keeping warm, engage in appropriate physical exercises to promote the recovery of limb functions.
3. For long-term bedridden patients, change positions and clothes frequently to prevent pressure sores.
