Boost Your Brain Power with Acupuncture

Having difficulties focusing, remembering tasks or organizing your thoughts?  

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help optimize your brainpower. 
 In 2009, the Cochrane Library reviewed studies that used acupuncture as a treatment for vascular dementia and cognitive function. 
One study showed how acupuncture was used to help patients with vascular dementia. Cerebral functional imaging before and after acupuncture treatments showed a significant increase in the cerebral glucose metabolism of the brain that is associated with improved cognitive function. Other studies suggested that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function. 

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view brain function?

According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine theory the mind (Shen) embodies consciousness, emotions and thought.   Shen influences long-term memory, the ability to think clearly, contributes to wisdom and presides over activities that involve mental and creative functions. When the mind is healthy we are able to think clearly.  

When the mind is unhealthy or unbalanced we experience confusion, poor memory, and clouded thinking.   Disharmony of the mind often manifests as anxiety, insomnia, muddled thinking, forgetfulness and chronic restlessness.   Foods that generate phlegm (cow’s milk dairy products, soy, high gluten foods such as wheat and oats, sweet foods like orange juice) and eaten on a regular basis can also contribute to this problem.  In Chinese medicine excessive phlegm can “mist the orifices” affecting the mind and the balanced functioning of every system in the body. Acupuncture, herbal formulas and dietary modifications can help clear phlegm and open the mind.  The right foods also enhance brain function by providing essential nutrients such as flavonoids, Omega 3s, vitamins, folate and iron that are great for improving the quality and quantity of learning capacity, cognitive abilities, memory and overall brain function.  You can enhance your brain's health and function by including blueberries, fish, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains in your diet.  Add a good probiotic or digestive enzyme supplement to ensure that nutrients in the good foods you eat are adequately absorbed.  Physical exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and meditation, can balance and strengthen the mind. 

Challenge Your Brain


Keep your mind active and challenged. Brain function decreases with age. Studies show that cognitive exercise can improve blood flow to the brain. Spend at least 15 minutes each day on a mental exercise such as a crossword puzzle, journaling or learning a new language in order to slow memory loss.

References

1.  Cochran Library Reviews 2009 Issue 1 Acupuncture for Vascular Dementia, Weina, P., Zhao, H. Zhishun, L, Shi, W, John Wiley and Sons.      

2.    Huang, Lin-na, An, Jun-ming, Su, Tong-sheng; Wang, Pu; Dong, Lan;      Zhang, Ruo- ping; Ren, Yu-juan; Ren, Yuan-yuan. Therapeutic efficacy observation on scalp acupuncture for vascular dementia. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. February,2, 2012. Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian Co-published with Springer-Verlag GmbH. 1672-  3597. Volume: 10. Issue: 1. 

3.  Emerson Lombardo N, et al. Acupuncture to treat anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a pilot feasibility and effectiveness trial. Presented at the World Alzheimer's Conference, Washington, D.C., July 9-18, 2000.

4.   Kao H, et al. Acupuncture enhancement in clinical symptoms and cognitive-motor abilities of the Alzheimer's disease patients. Presented at the World Alzheimer's Conference, Washington, D.C., July 9-18, 2000.