Has your mind been feeling cloudy, or do you have trouble focusing? You’re not alone. With chaotic lives and so much going on around the world, almost everyone has been having trouble focusing. The good news is that there are Chinese medicine remedies to give your brain the boost it needs to get through the day. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Brain

Before we dive into brain boosting TCM remedies, we should talk about the brain. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys and the spleen influence brain function. It’s important to note that TCM focuses on how all of the organs connect and influence each other, as well. 

If you’re experiencing brain fog, TCM research suggests it could be due to Spleen and Stomach Qi Disharmonies. In Chinese medicine, qi is essential for almost every function in the body. So, to give your brain a boost, we need to focus on restoring balance in the body. While focusing on the brain itself is important, you should also be nourishing the spleen for optimum function. Don’t worry, we have plenty of TCM remedies to help you with this! 

Chinese Herbs to Boost the Brain 

A great place to start tackling brain fog is with Chinese herbs. Try out these herbs by cooking with them, taking them in supplements or making tea to care for that brain. Your Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist & Herbalist can find a custom formula based on your pattern of imbalance.

Turmeric

Turmeric is notorious for its anti-inflammatory properties, but did you know it can also help your brain out? That’s because it contains curcumin. A study at UCLA suggests that seniors in India have a lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease due to the high amount of turmeric in their diet. The study also showed that people who took curcumin saw improvements in memory and attention span. So, taking a turmeric supplement may help you focus. 

Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are a powerful adaptogen and have been used for thousands of years for their ability to bring calm and help concentration.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular TCM herb that can be used to improve focus and energy levels. Research shows that Red Ginseng has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance. In Chinese medicine, ginseng is said to replenish the yuan qi and calm your spirit. Try brewing tea with ginseng if you’re having brain fog.

Biota Seed 

Biota seed is known as Bai Zi Ren in TCM and is used as a spirit tonic. This herb is typically used to support the circadian rhythm that helps you sleep. When you’re well rested, your brain will function better and improve focus and memory.

Rhodiola Rosea

Research shows that rhodiola rosea can improve learning and memory function in the brain. So having this herb in your TCM arsenal will help you when you are having a foggy brain day. 

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba has been a staple in TCM for thousands of years to treat respiratory and circulatory problems. In recent years, it’s been popularized in the US as a remedy for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The research done has shown improvements in memory from taking ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo is also high in antioxidants, so it’s full of health benefits along with helping you focus.  

Acupuncture and Acupressure for Cognitive Function

Acupuncture is a TCM practice that involves pressing tiny needles into acupoints on the body. There are several acupoints that can be used to improve brain function, and data shows that it works. Acupuncture is used to increase relaxation which can calm your brain and help you focus. 

Acupuncture is also known to create a stable resting-state of connectivity of brain cells to improve response. Most studies have been done on animals, but they have proven that acupuncture can improve memory and give your brain a boost. Acupuncture and TCM herbs are more commonly being used as an adjunct therapy for ADHD in both children and adults.

If needles aren’t your thing, or you want to try it at home, you can also practice acupressure. All you need to do is know the acupoints associated with brain function to get started. 

Scalp Massage

A scalp massage doesn’t focus on one acupoint, but it can stimulate your brain. Plus who doesn’t love a relaxing scalp massage? Rub your fingers deep into your scalp to relax your brain. Slight tapping of DU20, Sea of Marrow” point on the top of the head nourishes the brain.

Yin Tang

The Yin Tang acupoint is located at the third eye. It’s also known as ‘the hall of impression.’ Massaging this acupoint will not only increase blood flow and give you an energy boost, it can relieve you of that pesky brain fog. Take your thumb and apply pressure in circles to try this one out. You can even apply an essential oil such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil help to stimulate the brain and increase focus.

Yuan Source Points 

The Yuan Source Points are located on the wrists and the ankles. Manually massaging them can help you focus if you’re having trouble working on a task. You can also work these points by rotating your risks and ankles if you don’t have time to get to your acupuncturist. 

Other Brain Boosting Techniques

Along with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, there are other things you can do at home to improve brain function. 

Kick the Bad Habits 

Herbal remedies and acupuncture won’t do you any good unless you also make lifestyle changes. One way to do this is to kick bad habits such as smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol. Plenty of research has been done to show that alcohol can affect your ability to form new memories, so avoiding it can help your brain. 

Take Fish Oil 

Keeping fish oil in your supplement arsenal is another great way to give your brain a boost. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to increase memory function. You can take fish oil easily as a supplement, as well. 

Get Offline and get Outside

Forest bathing outside has clear benefits for mental and physical health. Time in a natural, non-urban setting is restorative to the nervous system and nourishing to the senses.

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, it’s important to keep your brain sharp. Brain fog can make completing daily tasks difficult, and you may become forgetful. Utilizing TCM is a great way to give your brain an extra boost and improve memory function today!