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A Holistic Approach on Brain Health

In the United States, nearly 1 in 6 adults experience some form of neurological disorder, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments. These conditions affect over 50 million Americans, creating a substantial public health and economic burden.

Today, pollution, food preservatives, and other environmental toxins can have a detrimental effect on the brain, causing an accumulation of harmful substances in the bloodstream and influencing cognitive function. Toxins in the body, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants, can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which, over time, may impair brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

At Eastern Medicine Center, we have been successfully treating patients suffering from various brain disorders for the past 30 years, including conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, Stroke, Ischemia, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, Depression and stress-related disorders, including insomnia. Many of our patients, previously on disabilities, have regained their ability to work and lead fulfilling lives after receiving our specialized acupuncture treatments and herbal remedies.

Brain Health

Neurological Disorders

Structural/functional nervous system problems)

Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Cerebrovascular Disorders

  • Stroke
  • Ischemia

Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • Epilepsy
  • Peripheral Neuropathy

Mental Disorders

Disturbances in cognition, emotion, or behavior

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar Disorder

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • ADHD (Attention-Defecit / Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Tourette Syndrome

Brain-Regulated Conditions

Not strictly neurological disorders

  • Infertility
  • Hypothalamic – Pituitary – Gonadal Axis Dysfunction

Hormonal Disorders

  • e g, thyroidm adrenal dysfunction

Stress & Lifestyle-related Cognitive Decline

  • Sleep Disorders / Insomnia

Brain Disorders Are Included:

Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: A progressive condition that causes memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, ultimately leading to loss of independence.
  • Parkinson’s Disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control, leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
  • Huntington’s Disease: An inherited disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to movement problems, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms.

Mental Health Disorders

  • Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety, leading to excessive worry, fear, and nervousness.
  • Bipolar Disorder: A condition marked by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (elevated mood) and depressive episodes (low mood).

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Disorders

  • Stroke: Occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or reduced, leading to brain cell damage. It can cause paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairments.
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A brief episode of reduced blood flow to the brain, often called a “mini stroke,” which can be a warning sign for a future stroke.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Concussions: A mild form of brain injury caused by a blow to the head that disrupts brain function. Repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive problems, such as in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
  • Severe Brain Injury: Caused by significant trauma to the brain, which can result in long-term disability or death, often affecting cognitive function and physical coordination.

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

  • Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • Other Seizure Disorders: Includes conditions such as febrile seizures in children or seizure-like episodes from various underlying causes.

Cognitive Disorders

  • Dementia: A group of conditions characterized by a decline in memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities, which significantly impair daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A condition where individuals experience noticeable memory or cognitive problems that are greater than expected for their age but not severe enough to meet the criteria for dementia.

Developmental Brain Disorders

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior.
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Brain Tumors & Cancers

  • Primary Brain Tumors: Tumors that begin in the brain and can disrupt cognitive and physical function depending on their location.
  • Metastatic Brain Tumors: Cancer that spreads to the brain from other parts of the body, often leading to neurological deficits.

Autoimmune & Infectious Brain Disorders

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, affecting brain and spinal cord function.
  • Encephalitis and Meningitis: Infections that cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
These brain disorders, as they affect millions of people globally, represent a significant economic and social burden. Effective treatment, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies are critical to reducing their impact on individuals and society.

Acupuncture for Brain Health

Acupuncture plays a significant role in enhancing brain health by stimulating specific points on the body that promote circulation, regulate Qi, and calm the mind. It helps to nourish the brain by improving blood flow and balancing the internal organs that support brain function.

Dr. Shi Xuemin’s Xing Nao Kai Qiao (醒脑开窍) “Awakening the Brain & Opening the Orifices”. Because this method’s primary mechanism acts on the brain, it can improve, relieve, and help treat a wide range of brain-related conditions.

Acupuncture's Key Effects on Brain Health

  • Improves Blood Circulation: By stimulating specific acupuncture points, circulation to the brain is enhanced, which in turn supports mental clarity and memory.
  • Regulates Qi and Blood: Acupuncture can help balance Qi (energy) and blood flow, addressing deficiencies that lead to cognitive decline.
  • Calms the Mind and Reduces Stress: Acupuncture helps relieve mental stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances, which can have a positive effect on cognitive health.
  • Promotes Neuroplasticity: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help stimulate neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections.

TCM Formulas for Brain Health

Calm Focus

The new Revolutionary herbal formula for the new generation

Indication: This formula helps center & balance your blood flow to improve your brain function with Calm Focus – Stay Centered, improves short-term memory, relieve anxiety, the key ingredient is Huang Qin, a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been extensively studied for its potential to clear toxins from the body and protect the brain. 

  • Balances blood flow for central nervous system* 
  • Helps you cope with irritability, anxiety, & impulsiveness*
  • May improve brain functions* 
  • Helps you stay focused & concentrated*
  • For symptoms of ADHD*
  • Non-drowsy formula*

The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle

Dietary patterns play a significant role in brain health. The MODERN diet, developed using AI to analyze dietary patterns, emphasizes foods like olive oil, leafy greens, berries, and citrus, while recommending the restriction of sweetened beverages. This diet aims to reduce the risk of dementia and is considered more balanced compared to the established MIND diet.  

Furthermore, a recent study suggests that a diet rich in choline, found in foods like eggs, poultry, and cruciferous vegetables, may significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Integrating Eastern Wisdom: Traditional Practices

Tai Chi and meditation are utilized to promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall cognitive function. These methods are increasingly being integrated with Western medical practices to provide a comprehensive approach to brain health.

By integrating these TCM treatments such as herbs and acupuncture, brain health can be supported in a holistic and comprehensive manner, focusing not just on alleviating symptoms, but also on enhancing long-term cognitive function and overall mental well-being.

References

  1. World Health Organization (WHO) provides an overview of neurological disorders, their prevalence, and their impact on global health.
  2. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a detailed report on the financial impact of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
  3. NINDS offers comprehensive information on neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
  4. NIMH provides detailed insights into mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
  5. The American Stroke Association provides facts on strokes, their causes, symptoms, and economic impact.
  6. The Epilepsy Foundation offers detailed information on epilepsy, seizure disorders, and treatment options.
  7. The CDC provides valuable data on traumatic brain injuries, including statistics, prevention, and treatment.
  8. Autism Speaks provides extensive resources on autism spectrum disorder, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and support resources.
  9. The National Cancer Institute provides information on brain tumors, including types, treatments, and statistics.
  10. Wu, Y., et al. “Baicalin, a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis, protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons.” Phytomedicine 2010.
  11. Li, C., et al. “Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Scutellaria baicalensis in neurological diseases.” Phytotherapy Research, 2013.
  12. Ginkgo biloba extract for dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2010.
  13. Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia: A meta-analysis.” Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2015.
  14. Pharmacological properties of Ginkgo biloba: An updated review.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018.
  15. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) and its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Function,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014.
  16. Neuroprotective effects of Gotu Kola: a medicinal herb in the management of cognitive function,” Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2012.
  17. Clinical study on Centella Asiatica in the management of anxiety and stress,” Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2015.
  18. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014.
  19. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2015.
  20. Centella Asiatica in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014.
  21. Neuroprotective and Wound Healing Effects of Centella Asiatica” Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2016.
  22. The effects of Polygala tenuifolia on memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015.
  23. Neuroprotective Effects of Polygala tenuifolia in Alzheimer’s Disease,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2013.
  24. Anti-anxiety effects of Polygala tenuifolia on human subjects: A clinical study,” Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017.