By Dr. Angelina Pullen, DAcCHM, LAc, BS, Dipl. OM, LMT
July marks Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Brain Fog, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairments that affect millions worldwide. As we focus on brain health, it’s important to explore complementary approaches that can support cognitive function, including the ancient practice of acupuncture for treatment and prevention of brain fog and cognitive impairment.
Understanding Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline
Brain fog encompasses symptoms like mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and reduced mental clarity. Common causes of brain fog include stress and anxiety, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, menopause and hormone imbalances, side effects from medication, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, infections such as Covid and Lyme disease, traumatic brain injury, dehydration, and even environmental factors can all play a part in clear cognitive thinking. While occasional brain fog is common, persistent cognitive impairment can significantly impact daily life and may signal underlying health concerns.
The Acupuncture Approach to Cognitive Health
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along energy pathways through neuro-chemical signaling to restore balance and promote healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views cognitive issues as disruptions in the body’s energy flow, or Qi, particularly affecting the heart, liver, kidney, and spleen meridians that govern mental functions. TCM treats from a “Root and Branch” (Ben and Biao) perspective, concurrently treating symptoms while addressing the underlying root cause of the imbalance or condition. For cognitive support, acupuncture typically focus on points that can enhance blood circulation to the brain, reduce inflammation, and support neurotransmitter function. Acupuncture also stimulates the central (CNS) and autonomic nervous (ANS) systems, which influences regulatory functions within the body, like the gut-brain axis connection through the vagus nerve.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Acupuncture is as much of an ancient healing art as it is a systematic, Evidence Based Medicine. With roots and traditions going back for over 5,000 years, modern acupuncture encompasses a holistic integrative approach using non-pharmacological non-invasive modalities to treat the whole individual, including mind, body and spirit. Many studies have shown promising results for acupuncture for cognitive health. These studies indicate benefits, such as improved blood flow, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to brain tissue, increasing neuroplasticity or rather, the brains ability to form new connections or pathways. A 2020 systematic review published in Complementary Medicine Journal found that acupuncture treatments showed significant improvements in cognitive test scores among patients with mild cognitive impairments. Participants experienced enhanced memory recall, improved attention span, and reduced mental fatigue after consistent treatment sessions.
During another research study conducted through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 found that through neuro-imaging, Functional MRI (FMRI) showed that acupuncture had a positive influence in the brain beyond improved cognitive function, and brain activity. Additionally, acupuncture stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, which promote cognitive functions, play crucial roles in memory formation, effect mood and mental clarity.
Another study focusing on elderly patients demonstrated that regular acupuncture sessions helped maintain cognitive function and potentially slowed the progression of age-related mental decline. The treatments appeared particularly effective when combined with lifestyle modifications including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
Prevention and Treatment Protocols
The first visit typically includes a comprehensive evaluation with health history, tongue and pulse, treatment plan and wellness goals. Treatment protocols are individualized based on each patient’s specific symptoms, overall health status, and underlying conditions contributing to cognitive issues. For brain fog treatment and prevention, acupuncturists often recommend 1-2 visits weekly over 8-10 weeks, followed by maintenance treatments monthly or bi-monthly, depending on the individual. Treatments are accumulative, building upon the previous treatment. It is recommended to keep treatments consistent for optimal results. Key acupuncture points can include Yintang (between the eyebrows), Baihui (crown of the head), and Shenmen (spirit gate) on the ear.
“Acupuncture uses small, very thin, sterile needles that are the diameter of a cat’s whisker to stimulate the acupuncture points and meridians. Treatments are gentle and are often painless, relaxing, and a healing experience. Most patients take an “acu-nap” during their treatment time, waking refreshed and feeling great.”
The holistic approach of TCM also emphasizes lifestyle factors that support brain health. Practitioners may recommend dietary modifications to reduce inflammation, herbal supplements to support cognitive function, and stress-reduction techniques like tai chi or meditation to complement acupuncture treatments.
A Complementary Approach to Brain Health
During this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, exploring integrative approaches like acupuncture may offer additional tools for maintaining cognitive health. As research continues to unveil the connections between traditional healing practices and modern neuroscience, acupuncture stands as a gentle, non-invasive option for those seeking to support their mental clarity and cognitive function throughout life. Acupuncture is a great holistic option for cognitive support and a complementary therapy to conventional western medical care. Individuals experiencing persistent cognitive symptoms should consult healthcare providers for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture can support your cognitive health and overall wellness, consider scheduling a consultation with experienced practitioners. Contact Lotus Holistic Wellness at 941-787-4488 to discuss personalized treatment options and discover how traditional healing methods can complement your journey toward optimal brain health.
(941) 787-4488
www.lhwacupuncture.com
14888 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
AP4388, LMT MA30731
References:
Khan, M. N. A., Ghafoor, U., Yoo, H. R., & Hong, K. S. (2022). Acupuncture enhances brain function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: evidence from a functional-near infrared spectroscopy study. Neural regeneration research, 17(8), 1850–1856. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.332150
Nguyen, S.A., Oughli, H.A. & Lavretsky, H. Complementary and Integrative Medicine for Neurocognitive Disorders and Caregiver Health. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 469–480 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01355-y
Yin, Z., Zhou, J., Xia, M., Chen, Z., Li, Y., Zhang, X., Li, X., Yan, H., Wang, L., Sun, M., Zhao, L., Liang, F., & Wang, Z. (2023). Acupuncture on mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 15, 1007436. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1007436