Stroke

Definition

A stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs an artery or a blood vessel breaks cutting off the blood supply to the brain. During a stroke, the affected cells in the brain begin to die and brain damage occurs. When the symptoms from a stroke last for 24 hours or even less, followed by full recuperation of dropped functions, the episode is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke can occur immediately or develop over several days. These include loss of sight, loss of feeling, trouble walking, difficulty speaking, and paralysis. Other common signs and symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Approximately one third of all stroke occurrences are fatal, one third result in a partial lack of functionality, and the final third of all stroke victims fully recover. Many people that become paralyzed due to a stroke are able to learn to walk again. However, after a severe stroke, full brain functionality rarely returns.

Trigger
Strokes are the most typical cause of nerve damage in the western world. The most common stroke triggers include, arteriosclerosis, (thickening of arterial blood vessels), high blood pressure or both. Other risk factors include old age, smoking, a recent heart attack, diabetes, blood platelet stickiness, nutrient deficiencies, abnormal heart beat, oral contraceptives, and a damaged heart valve. To safeguard against a stroke, speak to your doctor about screening for the above conditions.
Important: Stroke patients who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy within the very first six hours of a stroke often recover soon afterwards. In addition, a stroke which has occurred in the past may respond to oxygen treatments. The cells that are damaged through stroke are in some cases not really dead, they are simply dormant.

Extreme caution: A stroke is something that requires immediate medical attention. If you or one of your loved ones has potentially suffered a stroke, see a doctor immediately.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can help relieve the muscular paralysis that may result from a stroke. Lavender, rosemary oil, and basil essential natural oils are useful in this regard. Massage the stroke victim`s spine and paralyzed parts of the body along with an equal mixture.

Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet with an emphasis on garlic, onions, fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, whole grains, kelp and unprocessed fats. Seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as wild salmon and fresh water fish are especially important for stroke victims. Avoid deep-fried foods, animal fats, and semi-solid fats. Also limit your intake of foods that contain plant sources of estrogens, such as soybeans and nuts, and alcoholic drinks.

Herbs: These herbs can help improve lost circulation to the arms, fingers, legs, and feet: Elder blossoms, hyssop, rosemary, and yarrow. Damiana, lavender, rosemary, and Siberian ginseng can also help enhance and nurture the central nervous system.
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold temperatures using water, ice and steam to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatments. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.*

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are recommended for preventing and helping to recover from stroke: Vitamin B-complicated, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 essential fatty acids (fish natural oils), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist, seek the help of a competent health professional immediately. These professional treatment therapies have all been shown to be useful for dealing with stroke: Acupuncture, Psychophysiological Feedback Training, Chelation Therapy, Power Medicine , Hypnotherapy, Light Therapy, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Treatment (Hyperbaric Air Therapy), Qigong, Prolotherapy (to alleviate pain following stroke), Reflexology, Sound Treatment, Chinese Medicine, Vision Therapy. (Vision Therapy may be an important component in rehab. Victims often suffer with visual impairment and without evaluation by a behavioral optometrist, these can be overlooked and recuperation hindered.) Yoga exercise can also be useful. (See Glossary for explanations of these Optional Therapies.)