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Abstract
PURPOSE: To synthesize current evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of acupuncture in managing post-stroke dysphagia (PSD).
METHODS: The PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang databases were comprehensively searched from inception to September 2025 using combinations of the search terms “stroke,” “dysphagia,” and “acupuncture” to identify relevant articles. Articles were selected based on clinical relevance and methodological quality.
RESULTS: Acupuncture, particularly techniques such as the “Benefiting the Throat and Opening the Orifices” targeting acupoints such as Lianquan (CV23) and Fengchi (GB20), demonstrates significant benefits in improving swallowing function, reducing aspiration, and enhancing quality of life in patients with PSD. Electroacupuncture shows additive therapeutic effects. Mechanistically, acupuncture facilitates multi-level recovery: it modulates cortical excitability and functional connectivity within the swallowing network, regulates the brainstem central pattern generator, improves neuromuscular coordination, and attenuates neuroinflammation.
CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture represents a promising neuromodulatory therapy for PSD, demonstrating efficacy through multiple mechanisms, including cortical reorganization, modulation of brainstem pattern generators, neuromuscular coordination, and attenuation of neuroinflammation. A visual summary of these integrated mechanisms is provided to enhance understanding. While current evidence supports its clinical value, future rigorously designed studies are needed to standardize protocols and establish definitive evidence for integrating acupuncture into stroke rehabilitation guidelines