How to Improve Gastrointestinal Function After Cerebral Infarction
Jun 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Cerebral infarction, also known as cerebral infarct, generally involves improving gastrointestinal function after a stroke through dietary regulation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation, acupuncture therapy, moxibustion therapy, medication, and rehabilitation training. Patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction can also undergo certain rehabilitation exercises aimed at promoting gastrointestinal motility, such as abdominal massage and deep breathing exercises.
Brain infarction, also known as cerebral infarction, generally can be managed to improve gastrointestinal function after a cerebral infarction through dietary regulation, Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture therapy, moxibustion therapy, medication, and rehabilitation training. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dietary regulation: After a cerebral infarction, the patient's gastrointestinal function may be affected, causing symptoms such as indigestion and loss of appetite. At this time, attention should be paid to dietary regulation, choosing bland and easily digestible foods such as rice porridge, noodles, and steamed egg custard, avoiding spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function. At the same time, eating small meals frequently can ensure adequate nutrient intake without overburdening the gastrointestinal system.
2. Chinese herbal medicine: Spleen and stomach function may be impaired after cerebral infarction, leading to indigestion. At this time, under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, patients can use Chinese herbs or herbal formulas with the function of strengthening the spleen and promoting digestion, such as Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), to regulate the spleen and stomach and improve gastrointestinal function. Chinese herbal medicine requires long-term adherence.
3. Acupuncture therapy: Acupuncture therapy regulates the circulation of qi and blood by stimulating specific acupoints, promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis, thereby improving gastrointestinal function in patients after cerebral infarction. However, for patients with motor impairments, acupuncture therapy should be used cautiously to avoid falls or other injuries.
4. Moxibustion therapy: Moxibustion therapy uses heat and specific acupoint stimulation to improve blood circulation and enhance the digestive function of the spleen and stomach. Patients with spleen and stomach dysfunction following cerebral infarction can use moxibustion therapy, which is considered safe and effective. However, it is not recommended for patients with external contraction fever or those with a constitution characterized by yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.
5. Medication: After cerebral infarction, patients may experience excessive gastric acid secretion and weakened gastrointestinal motility, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. At this time, under a physician's guidance, medications such as mosapride citrate tablets, cisapride tablets, and domperidone tablets can be used to aid in food digestion and promote absorption.
Patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction can also undergo some rehabilitation exercises, including activities that promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, such as abdominal massage and deep breathing. Additionally, appropriate physical exercise can help improve overall physical function and promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function.
