Acupressure and Acupuncture for Healing Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury often referred to as TBI occurs when an external force in the form of violent blow or jolt causes brain dysfunction. While mild brain injury may cause temporary disorders such as headaches and confusions, more serious injury can result in unconsciousness, torn tissues, bruising, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. It can even result in long-term complications such as coma or even death. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA, about 230,000 hospitalizations that occur in the USA annually and about one third of injuries related American deaths are linked to TBI. Accupressure and Acupuncture have long been touted as the most effective treatment for healing brain related injuries, improving TBI symptoms and the overall well being of a person.

Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the severity of trauma, some of the most common signs and symptoms of TBI may include:

• Persistent Headache

• Paralysis

• Persistent Dizziness

• Exhaustion

• Cognitive impairment

• Memory loss

• Persistent Neck Pain

• Increased sensitivity to sounds

• Loss of sense of smell or taste

• Sleep pattern changes

• Behavioral changes

How Acupressure and Acupuncture can Treat Myriad of Brain Problems caused due to TBI?

A study conducted by the University of Colorado, CU-Boulder Professor Theresa Hernandez has shown that this ancient form of alternative treatment may be effective in treating people with mild traumatic brain injury. The study found that the mild TBI patients who were given acupressure treatment showed improved cognitive function, scoring significantly better on memory tests. This suggests that this traditional Chinese therapy could be an effective treatment for those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury.

There are certain acupressure points in the body that relieves mental stress, relaxes the brain, relieves neck pain and improves your memory. It regulates blood flow to the head, reduces inflammation, stimulates the process of nerve regeneration and naturally promotes the brain healing process.

According to a study conducted by Taiwanese researchers, acupuncture can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in TBI patients. Another study conducted by the K Oriental Hospital in South Korea concluded that acupressure using the traditional meridian points of acupuncture can effectively treat stroke patients. It also reduces depression, aids with rehabilitation, and help the patients to resume their daily activities more easily. It can be used in conjuction with the medical treatment (not as a replacement for it) to reduce the impact of stroke in the patient’s life caused due to traumatic brain injury.

Summary:

There are sufficient evidences stating that acupuncture and acupressure may reduce numerous trauma spectrum symptoms in TBI patients such as pain, headache, stroke, paralysis and memory loss. Moreover, the best thing about this alternative Chinese therapy is that it facilitates the recovery across, at a lower cost than usual care with little or no side effects at all.