Boost Your Brain Power with Acupuncture
Having difficulties focusing, remembering tasks or organizing your
thoughts? Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help optimize your
brain power through a treatment approach that incorporates different
modalities, including nutritional support.
According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine 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. Meditation and
acupuncture, as well as physical exercises such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong
and the right foods, can balance and strengthen the mind.
Good nutrition can help boost your brain power. Not only is it
essential to overall physical health, it can also enhance the function
and harmony of the mind. The right foods 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.
Acupuncture Improves Memory and Learning Capacity
Acupuncture can significantly improve learning and memory capacity that
has been impaired by hyperglycemia and cerebral ischemia, according to a
2003 study published in the October 2008 issue of Neuroscience Letters.
Researchers reported on whether electro-acupuncture (acupuncture
needles stimulated with a mild electrical current) could improve
learning and memory in rats whose memory and cognitive functions were
impaired by the decreased circulatory effects of diabetes resulting in
cerebral ischemia.
In the study, the effects of the acupuncture treatments were measured
with a passive avoidance test, an active avoidance test, the Morris
water maze and electrophysiology. With all tests, significant
improvements were seen in restored memory and learning capacity.
Researchers believe that the positive results of this study indicate
similar benefits for humans and warrant further investigation.
Call (904) 448-0046 today to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can optimize your mental skills!
Tackle ADD and ADHD with Acupuncture
People with ADD or ADHD generally have trouble concentrating and
paying attention. Symptoms include difficulty following directions and
boredom or frustration with tasks. Those with ADD or ADHD also tend to
move constantly and can be impulsive, not stopping to think before they
act.
Behaviors typically associated with ADD and ADHD can interfere with the
ability to function at school, at work and at home. If you struggle
with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), you can include acupuncture as one of the treatment
methods that are beneficial in managing ADD and ADHD. Research
indicates that when treating ADD or ADHD, a multidisciplinary approach
is most effective; including behavioral therapy, exercise, dietary
changes and medication.
These behaviors are generally common in children, but they occur more
frequently and are more severe in those with ADD or ADHD. ADD or ADHD is
not exclusive to children. It continues as people age and, in some
cases, obvious symptoms do not manifest until later. As time passes,
people struggling with ADD or ADHD may have difficulty with time
management, organizational skills, goal setting, employment and may have
problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addiction.
Treatment for ADD and ADHD
Treatment for ADD or ADHD is best managed when families and academic and
health professionals work together to meet the unique needs of the
person with ADD or ADHD. Coordinated efforts can help them learn to
focus their attention, develop their personal strengths, minimize
disruptive behavior, and become more productive and successful.
Acupuncture is an excellent addition to any ADD or ADHD treatment plan,
as it is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the
disorder, while also diminishing the symptoms of ADD or ADHD.
Acupuncture can help improve focus and attention, reduce fidgeting,
lower hyperactivity, augment mood management techniques and enhance
concentration.
If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture can be
incorporated into your wellness plan for ADD or ADHD call for a
consultation today!
Increase Your Focus with Meditation
The word "meditation" comes from a Greek word that means "to be
mindful." The practice of meditation can help you tame your mind and
overcome anxieties, agitation, and habitual thought patterns. The
regular practice of meditation creates a continuing sense of well-being,
leaving us feeling confident and calm.
How to Meditate
Create a quiet, relaxing environment, with comforting items (candles,
incense, art that has a spiritual importance to you, etc.) around you.
Sit upright on a cushion with your legs folded, or in a chair with your
feet firmly planted on the ground, allowing for easy breathing. Relax
your shoulders and gently place your hands on your knees or in your lap.
Tuck your chin in slightly and keep your eyes half open, your gaze
softly focusing downward about four to six feet in front, and your mouth
slightly open.
Observe your breath. Try belly-breathing, not breathing with the chest,
but from the navel. Don't accentuate or alter the way you are
breathing, just let your attention rest on the flow of your breath.
The goal is to allow the "chattering" in your mind to gradually fade
away. If you are distracted by a thought, gently bring your mind back to
your breathing.
Continue to focus on your breathing for 10 or 15 minutes. Stay relaxed,
yet awake and attentive. Finding a balance there is not easy!
Eventually, as your body understands what you are doing, meditation will
become easier. Remember to be gentle and patient with yourself.
Meditating for even 5 or 10 minutes can have a powerful effect on your
day.
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In This Issue
- Boost Your Brain Power with Acupuncture
- Tackle ADD and ADHD with Acupuncture
- Increase Your Focus with Meditation
- Enhance Your Learning Ability
- Challenge Your Brain
Enhance Your Learning Ability
Acupuncture can be used to enhance your focus and learning ability.
A point often used for such treatments is Yintang, which is located
between the eyebrows and sometimes referred to as "the third eye."
The Chinese translation for the acupuncture point, Yintang, is "hall of
impression." A "hall" is defined as a corridor or passageway, or the
large entrance room of a house.
An "impression" is defined as a strong effect produced on the intellect,
emotions or conscience. Thus, Yintang is the entrance or passageway to
the mind.
Yintang is used to improve mental clarity, concentration and cognitive
function as well as soothe emotions and relieve stress, anxiety and
agitation.
Self-administered acupressure at the Yintang point can provide immediate relief of symptoms.
For effective self-administered acupressure:
• Breathe Deeply
• Focus on the point as pressure is applied
• Pressure should be strong but not uncomfortable
• Begin when you first feel symptoms and continue until they subside
Meditation and Tai Chi can also help calm and focus 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.
However you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help.
Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory,
mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.
One recently published study showed how acupuncture can be 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 which is associated with
improved cognitive function. Other studies have looked at how
acupuncture affects the performance of students taking an exam or those
with Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment induced by diabetes and
cerebral ischemia. All results, thus far, have been positive.
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