Apoplexy is the unconsciousness or paralysis associated with CVA (Cerebo-vascular Accident), or Stroke. Typically, a vessel in the brain ruptures causing bleeding. This deprives that part of the brain of Blood and oxygen, causing a loss of function of the parts associated. Some may experience Hemiplegia (paralysis of half the body), or paralysis of a part, such as an arm or leg. Loss of speech is relatively common, and sometimes the mind is confused or memory may be affected.

Wind is traditionally associated with Stroke, and in this form it is associated with Hypertension which predisposes to Stroke.

An acute CVA requires emergency care in a hospital. Therefore, as practitioners we will usually see the after-effects of the Stroke. Treatment usually includes a combination of the following:

• Move the Blood, Clear Stasis–Blood stasis is to be cleared with Medicines such as Frankincense, Saffron, Notoginseng San Qi, Earthworm
• Settle Wind, Regulate Qi–regulate the flow of Qi with medicines such as Peony, Gastrodia Tian Ma, Calamus, Cyperus, Clove
• Open the Orifices–use aromatics to stimulate the Brain such as Musk, Camphor, Storax, Clove
• Open the Channels–medicines which penetrate the fine capillaries, Clove, Camphor, Saffron, Earthworm
• Clear Excess of Heat, Phlegm, Damp etc–clear any excess, such as Coptis Huang Lian or Rhubarb to clear Heat; Agaric, Poria or Gum Ammoniac to clear Phlegm and Damp;
• Tonify Deficiency–tonify the deficiency. Walnuts and Pine nuts are good to strengthen the Brain; Ginseng and Astragalus tonify Qi; Peony and Dang Gui nourish Blood. Peony and Mistletoe are highly regarded in the Western tradition and form an important tonic combination for this and related diseases.

As always, the choice of herbs depends on the individual. In general, compounds which combine several suitable categories from the above would be used. In all cases, moving the Blood and clearing stasis is necessary, as is settling Wind and regulating Qi. The main differentiation is in identifying a Heat or Cold pattern. If there is Phlegm (which may be present in either Heat or Cold types) medicines to resolve Phlegm are added. In severe deficiency marked by weakness and lassitude with a weak pulse, tonics are added.

In cases where necessary medicines couldn’t be administered, suitable herbs or compounds were dissolved in brandy and given slowly be mouth. Strong aromatics can be used to stimulate the senses. Cupping with bleeding on the shoulders and base of the neck (C7) are good. Points on the head such as the nose tip, mid eyebrows, forehead vein etc. can be bled if there is excess or blood stasis. 

Most used Tibetan Formulas for Apoplexy Sequelae:

A study of Tibetan Medicine use in Apoplectic Sequelae at a Hospital of Tibetan Medicine (in Naqu) showed the following three formulas to be predominately used out of 479 patients:
1. Aloeswood 20 (338 cases)
2. Wish-fulfilling Jewel (322 cases)
3. Pearl 70 Pills (315 cases)

See also

Wind Diseases

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Special Formula

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Research

1. An Analysis of the Combination Frequencies of Constituent Medicinal Herbs in Prescriptions for the Treatment of Stroke in Korean Medicine: Determination of a Group of Candidate Prescriptions for Universal Use