As we age, memory slips often lead to an anxious thought: “Could this be dementia?”
Dementia goes beyond simple forgetfulness. It involves a decline in broader cognitive functions—including language skills, judgment, and spatial orientation—to the point where it interferes with daily life.
Here is how Korean Medicine views dementia and how it helps protect brain health through specialized treatments and care.
1. Causes of Dementia in Korean Medicine
In traditional Korean Medicine literature, dementia is referred to as Mae-byeong (呆病), Chi-mae (癡呆), or as an advanced stage of Geon-mang (健忘, severe forgetfulness). The primary underlying causes include:
Deficiency of Kidney Essence (腎精不足): In Korean Medicine, the ‘Kidney’ system governs the brain, bones, and vital essence. As Kidney Essence depletes with age, the brain receives fewer nutrients, leading to a decline in cognitive function.
Phlegm-Dampness (痰飮) and Blood Stasis (瘀血): Metabolic waste accumulated from fluid imbalances (Phlegm-Dampness) and impaired circulation (Blood Stasis) block the meridians and blood flow to the brain, contributing to brain cell damage.
Weakness of Qi and Blood in the Heart and Spleen: When the Heart—the organ housing the mind and spirit—or overall Qi and blood circulation weaken, mental clarity dims and memory fades.
2. Core Korean Medicine Treatment Approaches
Rather than merely managing symptoms, Korean Medicine focuses on improving cerebral blood flow, balancing bodily systems, and slowing down disease progression.
Tailored Herbal Medicine:
Key herbs such as Polygalae Radix (원지), Poria Sclerotium (백복신), and Acori Graminei Rhizoma (석창포) are frequently prescribed to protect brain cells and nourish Qi and blood.
Formulations such as modified Jihwang-tang or Jowi-seungcheong-tang help stimulate neurotransmitter activity and provide antioxidant protection against brain damage.
Acupuncture & Pharmacopuncture:
Key acupoints on the head and body—such as Baekhoe (GV20), Pungji (GB20), Sinmun (HT7), Hapgok (LI4), and Taechung (LR3)—are stimulated to increase cerebral blood flow and clear meridian pathways.
Pharmacopuncture (injecting purified herbal extracts into acupoints) delivers faster benefits for brain activation and immune enhancement.
Moxibustion Therapy:
Applying gentle thermal stimulation to lower abdominal or head acupoints promotes systemic circulation, restores energy, and calms the mind.
3. Daily Prevention and Self-Care Habits
Clinical treatment works best when paired with healthy daily routines.
Acupressure for Brain Stimulation
Baekhoe (Top of the head): Pressing gently at the center of your crown helps clear the mind and boost cerebral circulation.
Pungji (Base of the skull): Massaging the hollows on either side of the neck muscle relieves tension and improves blood flow to the brain.
Brain-Boosting Diet & Herbal Teas
Acorus Tea (석창포차) & Polygala Tea (원지차): Traditional teas known for enhancing mental clarity and memory.
Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like nuts, fatty fish, and leafy green vegetables into your daily diet.
Aerobic Exercise & Hand Activities
Walking or light aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day is essential for activating brain cells.
Fine motor activities like using chopsticks, crafting, or handwriting offer excellent cognitive stimulation.
Social Interaction & Quality Sleep
Stay socially connected through regular conversation, and aim to sleep before 11 PM to allow the brain sufficient time to rest and clear metabolic waste.
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