A Review of Acupuncture Treatment for Memory Loss

Introduction

Memory loss is a common cognitive disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating, delayed reactions, trouble learning new information, or even the inability to recall known information. Memory loss not only affects quality of life but may also be an early symptom of serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), memory is closely related to the functions of internal organs and the balance of qi and blood. Acupuncture, a key therapeutic method in TCM, has been widely used to treat memory loss by regulating the flow of qi and blood and restoring brain health.

Causes of Memory Loss

From a modern medical perspective, the common causes of memory loss include:

• Aging: With aging, neurons in the brain gradually deteriorate, affecting the ability to store and retrieve information.

• Chronic diseases: Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease can lead to cognitive decline.

• Psychological factors: Prolonged stress, anxiety, and depression can impair brain function, resulting in memory loss.

• Lifestyle: Poor sleep, malnutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are all factors that contribute to memory decline.

  
  

TCM Syndrome Differentiation for Memory Loss

In TCM, memory loss is classified into several syndromes based on different causes and pathological mechanisms, with each syndrome having its specific treatment approach. Common syndromes include:

1. Heart and Spleen Deficiency: Common symptoms include palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, and a sallow complexion. The pathogenesis involves overthinking and worry, which deplete the heart and spleen, resulting in insufficient blood to nourish the brain.

2. Kidney Essence Deficiency: Symptoms include lower back pain, tinnitus, dizziness, and memory loss. This syndrome occurs when kidney essence is deficient and unable to nourish the brain, often seen in the elderly or those who are overworked.

3. Qi and Blood Deficiency: Typically seen in individuals with long-term illness or physical weakness, this condition is characterized by dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and memory decline. Insufficient qi and blood fail to nourish the brain.

4. Phlegm-Damp Obstruction: Symptoms include a heavy head, chest tightness, and poor memory. This syndrome is caused by phlegm-dampness obstructing the brain, preventing clear yang from rising.

5. Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat: Symptoms include irritability, headaches, insomnia, and memory loss, caused by liver qi stagnation transforming into heat, disturbing the mind.

6. Blood Stasis Obstructing Collaterals: Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and memory loss. Blood stasis blocks the brain’s channels, preventing adequate blood flow and nourishment.

7. Yin Deficiency with Excess Heat: Symptoms include memory loss, insomnia, irritability, and dry mouth. Yin deficiency leads to internal heat, disturbing the mind.

Acupuncture Treatment Protocols

Acupuncture treatment for memory loss focuses on regulating meridians, balancing qi and blood, and harmonizing the internal organs. The specific treatment plans depend on syndrome differentiation. Below are common acupuncture protocols for various syndromes:

1. Heart and Spleen Deficiency

   • Acupoints: Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20), Xinshu (BL15), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Baihui (GV20)

   • Method: Tonifying method with mild moxibustion to invigorate the heart and spleen, calm the mind, and improve memory.

   • Effect: Strengthens qi and blood, calms the spirit, and improves symptoms such as forgetfulness and insomnia.

2. Kidney Essence Deficiency

   • Acupoints: Shenshu (BL23), Guanyuan (CV4), Taixi (KI3), Baihui (GV20), Mingmen (GV4)

   • Method: Tonification with warm needle therapy or moxibustion to strengthen kidney essence and nourish the brain.

   • Effect: Tonifies kidney essence, nourishes the marrow, and improves memory decline and accompanying symptoms like lower back pain.

3. Qi and Blood Deficiency

   • Acupoints: Qihai (CV6), Xuehai (SP10), Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20), Xinshu (BL15)

   • Method: Tonifying with moxibustion to replenish qi and blood.

   • Effect: Replenishes qi and blood, improves memory, and alleviates symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.

4. Phlegm-Damp Obstruction

   • Acupoints: Fenglong (ST40), Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Baihui (GV20), Neiguan (PC6)

   • Method: Mainly reducing method with adjunctive cupping therapy to clear phlegm and regulate qi.

   • Effect: Resolves phlegm, clears orifices, and restores clarity of thought.

5. Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat

   • Acupoints: Taichong (LR3), Xingjian (LR2), Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB20), Ganshu (BL18)

   • Method: Acupuncture focuses on soothing the liver and clearing heat with the reducing method.

   • Effect: Soothes the liver, clears heat, and calms the mind, reducing memory loss caused by emotional disturbances.

6. Blood Stasis Obstructing Collaterals

   • Acupoints: Geshu (BL17), Xuehai (SP10), Baihui (GV20), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4)

   • Method: Reducing method, combined with scraping or cupping to promote blood circulation.

   • Effect: Activates blood circulation, removes stasis, and improves memory impairment due to blood stasis.

7. Yin Deficiency with Excess Heat

   • Acupoints: Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taixi (KI3), Xinshu (BL15), Baihui (GV20), Shenmen (HT7)

   • Method: Tonifying method to nourish yin and reduce heat.

   • Effect: Nourishes yin, clears heat, and calms the mind, improving memory loss and insomnia.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment method for memory loss. By regulating meridians, improving qi and blood circulation, and harmonizing the internal organs, acupuncture can effectively improve memory function. In TCM, syndrome differentiation is crucial, and specific acupuncture protocols are applied based on individual diagnoses to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Acupuncture not only treats symptoms but also enhances overall health, preventing further progression of memory loss disorders.