There are two types of stroke according to the degree of severity— the severe type or so-called “the viscera type” showing symptoms and signs of channels and collaterals and the viscera; the mild type or “Channels and collaterals type”, the symptoms and signs pertaining to the channels and collaterals.

The severe type—the viscera are being attacked—may be subdivided into contracting syndrome and collapsing syndrome.

There may be incontinence of feces and urine, cold limbs and a feeble pulse.

The mild type-channels and collaterals are being attacked.

Symptoms and signs are mostly those of the sequelae of the severe type, which involve the channels and collaterals. There are also primary cases without affliction of viscera. Manifestations are hemiplegia or deviation of month due to motor or sensory impairment.

Acupressure is often used to press and knead ear point and to puncture Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40).

The manipulation may decrease blood pressure, may invigorate the spleen and eliminate damp-evil and remove the phlegm so as to keep patient from stroke.

Annotation: Acupressure uses the finger to compress and kneads the acupuncture points on the body surface instead of using needles.

Main symptoms are giddiness, and blurring of vision with a whirling and spinning sensation with a tendency to fall. For Xu (deficiency) of Qi and blood, complications are lassitude, palpitation, insomnia and pulse without force. For upward attack of hyperactive Yang of liver besides the main symptoms, there is tinnitus, a flushed face, nausea, backache and redness of tongue body, wiry, and rapid pulse. For interior retention of phlegm-damp, complications are fullness and suffocating sensation of chest and epigastric region, nausea and vomiting, profuse sputum, anorexia, white and sticky coated tongue with a rolling pulse.

For Xu (deficiency) of Qi and blood, the essential method is to invigorate the spleen and stomach. Moxibustion is effective. The following points are often selected: Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Qihai (RN 6), Baihui (DU 20) and Lieque (LU 7). For upward attack of hyperactive Yang of liver, the main therapy is to nourish Yin and pacify yang. Reducing methods may be used. The points selected are Fengchi (GB 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Xingjian (LR 2), Xiaxi (GB 43), for interior retention of phlegm-damp, it’s necessary to resolve phlegm, eliminate damp and increase the activity of spleen, and manipulation may be mild reinforcing and attenuating in acupuncture. The key points are Fenglong (ST 40), Zhongwan (RN 12), Neiguan (PC 6), Jiexi (ST 41), and Touwei (ST 8).

Ear needles are also an effective therapy, the region selected for ear needle are usually the points of kidney, internal ear, brain and Shenmen.

Manipulation: Over moxibustion is applied for 5-10 minutes on every acupoint.

Moxibustion is applied to the points of Fengchi (GB 20), Dazhui (DU 14), Lieque (LU 7) and Fenglong (ST 40).

The manipulation may expel wind-evil and eliminate phlegm so as to prevent dizziness and vertigo.

Methods: Points are mainly selected from the Heart Channel to calm the heart and sooth the mind.

Use acupressure to push and pull the points of Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (SJ 17), Fengshi (GB 31). Acupuncture is applied to the points of Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6) and to the ear points of ear-Shenmen, endocrine.

The methods tranquilize mind.

The chief symptom of Bi syndrome is pain in joints. There may be muscular soreness and numbness. In prolonged case, rigidity of joints of the extremities, or even swelling or deformity of joints may be present with white sticky coated tongue, and deep slow pulse.

Expel wind-evil and cold eliminates dampness.

Moxibustion is usually applied to the points as follows: Quchi (LI 11), Houxi (SI 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39).

The manipulation may warm the Yang and expel cold, may strengthen the stomach and mitigate the zhongjiao (The middle heater), and may strengthen bones and muscles.

Xu (deficient) syndrome: Shallow breathing, mouth agape, hidrosis, pallor, cold extremities and deep feeble and thready pulse.

Shi (excess) syndrome: Large breathing, rigid extremities, clenched jaws, deep and forceful pulse.

Method: To promote resuscitation and mental clarity by puncturing the points of the Du and pericardium channels as the main points. Reducing method for Shi (excess) syndrome and reinforcing method for the Xu (deficient) syndrome.

Acupressure is often applied to the points as follows: Baihui (DU 20), Shuigou (DU 26), Qihai (RN 6) and Zusanli (ST 36).