| Stroke has become a common disease in modern society with a relatively high mortality rate and an increasing incidence in younger patients. Therefore, studies into the prevention and treatment of stroke have increased in recent years.Stroke is not a new disease. Ancient Chinese physicians had accumulated a wealth of experience on the treatment for stroke, be it ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. This thesis explores the work of Dr Zhang Xichun, a famous Chinese physician from the Chung Hwa Republic period in China who developed32prescriptions for treating stroke.This thesis also reviews more than400medical research literature published in the last20years where Dr Zhang’s prescriptions were applied by modern TCM physicians in the treatment of stroke. The herbal composition, combination, dosage and frequency of use were analysed in depth.The results of this thesis reveals that Dr Zhang Xichun’s formulation remains effective and relevant today as it was more than a century ago. Stroke sufferers can be treated with a reasonable success rate. These formulations provide as good reference for the present TCM practitioners.It is interesting to note that some western and TCM research have found new causal factors of stroke such as environmental triggers and pre-existing medical conditions. Future research could be focused on these aspects to shed further light, in order that a more holistic understanding and approach to stroke treatment can be developed. |
