Acupuncture has long been used and studied clinically for stroke recovery.  Within the field there are many differing methods many of which are effective.  Researchers from Hunan University in Changsha China recently conducted a study comparing the effects of electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) vs. standard acupuncture for stroke rehab.

Researchers recruited 64 patients and divided them into an acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatment groups.  Points used in both groups were the same and used on the affected side with paralysis:

• LI 4
• LI 11
• GB 34
• SP 6

Needles were all retained for 30 minutes with 1 minute of manual stimulation in the acupuncture group and electroacupuncture added to the electro group.

The evaluate the patients the stroke impairment assessment set (SIAS) was used along with measuring serum levels of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Researchers found that both groups responded well with the electroacupuncture group scoring better on the SIAS analysis and showing more positive changes in the serum levels.  All things considered, however, both groups showed positive results with a total effective rate of 90.9% in the electroacupuncture group and a 83.9% effective rate in the acupuncture group.

Researchers concluded that electroacupuncture can improve symptoms in stroke patients and this may be seen via modifications to the glu/gaba serum levels.