In Fiji, there has been a significant rise in stroke incidence over the past four decades, underlining the urgent need for enhanced efforts to mitigate stroke risk factors. Alarmingly, the youngest reported stroke patient in the country was only 12 years old. Factors such as occupational stress combined with unhealthy eating habits are major contributors to this alarming trend. Globally, one in five people will have a stroke during their lifetime, with a staggering 81% of cardiovascular disease patients experiencing a stroke eventually.
Stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and poses a serious public health issue in Fiji. Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly acupuncture, is emerging as a promising treatment option for those recovering from strokes.
Stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain become blocked or rupture, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients for brain tissue. The resultant disabilities can be profound, leaving patients with challenges such as paralysis, impaired speech, and difficulty swallowing. These issues not only affect the individuals but also place emotional and physical stresses on their families and society as a whole.
The increase in stroke cases in Fiji highlights the pressing issues of work-related stress, poor dietary choices, and sedentary lifestyles. In response, the Vuda TCM Clinic has begun integrating traditional acupuncture techniques with modern medical strategies, aiming to help patients manage the aftermath of strokes and improve their overall quality of life.
Acupuncture, which has been utilized for thousands of years in traditional medicine, facilitates recovery through several mechanisms:
1. It improves blood circulation by stimulating specific acupoints, which enhances blood flow to the brain.
2. It regulates the flow of qi (energy) and blood in the body’s meridians, fostering balance and promoting the recovery of motor functions.
3. It activates the central nervous system’s reparative capacities, aiding the healing of damaged nerves.
At Vuda Clinic, Dr. Pai’s unique “Three-Phase Integrated Acupuncture Therapy” is tailored to cater to patients at different stages of stroke recovery:
– In the acute phase, techniques focus on stimulating the brain, managing disease progression, and minimizing long-term effects.
– During the recovery phase, scalp and neck acupuncture is employed to restore functions such as speech and swallowing.
– In the sequela phase, the therapy further enhances the patients’ quality of life by addressing paralysis and other lasting side effects.
This systematic and evidence-based approach has proved effective, helping many patients reclaim normalcy in their lives. A notable success story involves a 40-year-old patient who, after two months of treatment with this integrated approach, regained the ability to stand, speak, and swallow.
While acupuncture demonstrates substantial potential in stroke rehabilitation, the emphasis on prevention and early intervention cannot be overstated. Leading a healthy lifestyle, characterized by a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and effective stress management, is crucial for reducing stroke risks. Public health education aimed at helping the Fijian population understand how to lower their stroke risks and seek early treatment is essential.
Vuda Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic continues to call for patients to pursue acupuncture treatment as soon as possible—particularly within the critical first three months following a stroke—to leverage the best chances of recovery.
For those seeking consultations or appointments, the clinic provides contact details and encourages individuals to prioritize their health and recovery journey.
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