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Spring 2007The Brain and Nervous System Issue |
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Brain Fog: The Fog That Never LiftsBy Dr. Mao Shing Ni
Most people’s episodes of brain fog are brief and fleeting, but for some the feeling is semi-permanent. It is one of the most frustrating and non specific conditions that patients complain about because it robs them of their quality of life. Those afflicted are often not sick enough to be bedridden, but are not well enough to enjoy a productive life. Brain fog can be associated with other conditions where maintaining mental focus is an issue, as in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Autism. The inability to concentrate can affect both adults and children alike and is often associated with other physical, psychological, and emotional problems. Some causes relate to infectious diseases such as Lymes disease, Epstein Barr virus and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Physical changes from concussive accidents, low blood pressure, and menopause can leave people dazed and unfocused for months and even years. Neuropsychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia can also produce alarming rates of cognitive decline. In some cases there may be added complications such as memory loss. In Chinese medicine, the ability to concentrate relies heavily on the abundance of vital energy (Qi) and a smooth flow of nutrient rich blood to the brain, providing for a clear mind, healthy heart, and radiant spirit. The source of the nourishing vital energy that is essential for clarity of mind comes from the normal digestive functioning of the stomach, spleen, and pancreas as well as the kidneys. Excessive damp and mucous build-up in the digestive organs, notably the spleen, prevents pure energy from rising to our heads and denies the energetic nourishment needed for clear mental activity and a bright spirit.
At Tao of Wellness, over the past 30 years we have successfully treated numerous patients with brain fog. It is important to first pin point the underlying cause of the brain fog and determine how the pure energy is being obstructed from rising to the brain. Treatment is often two fold: first, we focus on removing the cause of the fogginess, and second, we strengthen and harmonize the functioning of the digestive organs and of the heart blood circulation to increase production and flow of vital energy and restore clarity of spirit. A successful treatment involves the following: Changing one’s diet to remove the foods that contribute to dampness and/or heat, and to include foods that regulate blood sugar and nourish bodily functions; weekly acupuncture to direct the flow of nourishing energy to the brain; Chinese herbal tea to restore organ function and balance; and regular energy enhancing exercise and meditation to improve circulation and mental concentration. Gradually, over the course of several months, our patients observe their vitality returning and they are able to regain a normal and full life.
Brain fog does not have to become part of your life. If you or someone you know suffers from an inability to concentrate or a lack of mental clarity, support for restoring a good quality of life may be available through a naturalistic approach like in Traditional Chinese medicine. If necessary, it is also our approach at TOW to work with other mental health professionals and neurological specialists to ensure that the highest quality of care is given. I invite you to speak to any of our doctors about your mental health concerns. |
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Food for ThoughtBy Jessica Chen
According to recent studies, a brain healthy diet consists of foods that increase blood flow and are low in cholesterol, and high in antioxidants. Such a mix is not only beneficial to the brain but also to the heart, the aging process and diseases conditions such as diabetes. Providing good nutrition for our brain is a must. As we move towards our golden years we realize that our minds just do not work the way they use to. Progressive aging of our brain can trigger symptoms of dementia, which can lead to diseases like Alzheimers. According to the National Health Institute (NIH) 4.5 million Americans suffer from this disease. Free radicals have been identified as a major cause of the loss of cognitive function associated with aging. Our brains are bombarded daily with free radicals from polluted air, unhealthy food, and lifestyle. They cause a low-grade inflammation, which damages normal cell structure and function. Thankfully, through an increase in scientific research, we now know the importance of good nutrition for brain health. So why not help ourselves in slowing down the aging of our brain by nourishing it with the right “brain foods”. We can then cruise through our golden years clearly and keenly. The heart or cardiovascular system is a complex organ that plays a major role in nourishing and maintaining the blood flow throughout the whole body including the brain. In order to provide the brain with nutrients, the blood flow must be smooth and blood vessels must be clear of any obstructions such as from a plaque build up.
Our
brain consists of 60 percent fats. Deep seawater fish such as salmon are
rich in Omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce inflammation and promote
good circulation thus supporting nerve cell activity in the brain.
Chinese
Medicine believes that herbs and foods that resemble certain body parts
are actually beneficial to that particular body part. So it is not
surprising that walnuts which is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants
also resembles a brain. Walnuts are also the only nuts that contain a
significant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods
that are small and compact in size tend to have an abundance of Qi, so
the smaller the food, the better the Qi. It is no wonder that out of 50
fruits and vegetables blueberries contain the highest antioxidant
properties. The phytonutrient rich anthocyanidins found in the blue-red
pigments of blueberries protect the brain by neutralizing free radical
damage.
Eggs
represent birth of life. They are full of energy. Therefore they are a
great help in strengthening the Kidneys and hormones. The choline
compound together with the sweet and lubricating properties of eggs act
to nourish and lubricate the brain cells. A yoke contains 315 micrograms
of nourishing choline, which plays a key role in synthesizing and
transporting the fats which are essential to brain health and function.
Full of vitamins and minerals, leafy greens are just plain good for you. Dark leafy greens are especially rich in folate, which helps the body break down homesteine, an amino acid that is toxic to nerve cells. The dark greens also contain an abundance of iron, which helps to build heart blood which goes to provide oxygen and nourishes the cells of the brain. Generally vegetables have cooling and cleansing properties. They help the brain discard unwanted substances such as bad fats and debris that accumulate in the brain thus helping you focus. Foods to Avoid Foods high in cholesterol and trans fats should be avoided as they degrade and block the blood vessels thereby reducing blood flow to the brain. For further questions or concerns regarding nutrition for a better mind and body ask about our nutritional counseling. |
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COOKING FOR CLARITY
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Nervous System Overload
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)By Dr. Qineng Tan
The cause of MS is relatively unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease that has been associated with certain viruses and environmental contaminants. The symptoms of MS are varied and caused by the immune system attacking the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerves within the central nervous system. The damage caused by the attacks disrupts the transmission of nervous responses. Often the first signs of MS are sensations of numbness or tingling in the legs or arms accompanied by muscle weakness, spasticity and dizziness.
In Traditional Chinese Medical a similar condition to MS has been documented in ancient texts. So Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been involved in the treatment of MS like symptoms for over 2,000 years. The results of treatment vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease. In our experience acupuncture and herbs may decrease the side effects of many of the medications and assist patients to balance their lives and stabilize and halt the progress of the disease. At Tao of Wellness we have seen an increasing number of MS patients over the past ten years. We have observed that patients who have regular acupuncture treatments and take herbs, while making significant lifestyle changes, have often managed to stabilize and even slow the progression of the disease. In clinical studies and surveys conducted within the US, pain, spasticity, numbness, and tingling are among the many symptoms reported to be improved due to acupuncture treatments. In our experience additional symptoms improve such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and bowel or bladder function when using both acupuncture and herbs together. |
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All Shook Up?It may not be Parkinson’s Disease.
When you have shakes and tremors, it may not always be Parkinson’s disease. It really depends on what factors are present. Typical symptoms associated with Parkinson’s are finger tremors, unsteadiness, facial muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and slow movement. But there are many other conditions that can cause tremors such as: Brain infection, injury, tumor, thyroid conditions, psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, hereditary, heavy metals, chronic alcohol abuse leading to liver disease.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs both actively support Qi and blood circulation. As circulation improves, the inflammation in the nervous system decreases and the nerves become better able to be nourished. As a result, the shakes and tremors slowly diminish. At Tao of Wellness, we treat the root cause of the patients’ tremors, in order to normalize and help the patient return to a good quality of life. So next time you feel all-shook-up, make sure to give us a call. Our practitioners will be glad to help you recover your steady hand. |
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Many
of us have experienced feelings of spaceyness, together with difficulty
focusing and a slight feeling of being disoriented. When these feelings
cannot be associated with any identifiable disease or condition, I group
them under the nonspecific category called “brain fog”.
In my
experience poor diet and inadequate sleep are the most common causes of
digestive weakness. Excessive consumption of foods such as sugars,
dairy, wheat and fried foods are commonly implicated in the production
of dampness and mucous.
What
do we feed our most complex yet delicate organ? Everything! Well, almost
everything. 
Salmon
Walnuts
Blueberries
Eggs
Dark
Leafy Greens
Brain
fog is often a result of poor digestion and dampness obstructing the
smooth flow of Qi and blood to the brain. I have prepared some simple
and tasty recipes that will help promote the free flow of Qi and Blood
to nourish your brain, help lift the fog and improve your memory and
mental clarity.
Reishi Mushroom Memory Soup
Five
Ways to Calm Down Your Nervous System to lead you to a richer and more
dazzling Life
Know yourself. 
Be
Selective with Your Engagement. 
Not
too long ago, a patient visited Tao of Wellness with lower back pain
along with a tingling sensation in his left leg. He had seen several
doctors, and had a number of X-Ray and MRIs to reveal a moderate bulging
of the disk between lumbar vertebrate 4 and 5. When I first saw him he
had been taking different pain medications while undergoing physical
therapy, however he was feeling depressed and frustrated as nothing seem
to be helping. In fact his condition had gradually worsened as he began
to experience numbness and weakness in his left leg. I noticed he had a
tendency to roll his eyes and was unstable on his feet, especially when
walking. On questioning him further I discovered that he had been
experiencing periodic bouts of blurry vision and inspecting his walk, I
noticed that he tended to fall on his left side. These symptoms, along
with a hyperactive reflex response made me almost certain his condition
was something much more serious. My hunch was that it was Multiple
Sclerosis a disease involving the central nerve system. So I immediately
referred him to a neurologist for further testing. Two weeks later, he
returned with a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Unfortunately
this patient is just one of several thousand new patients diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) every year in the United States. 
What causes MS?
How do we treat MS?
By
Ban B. Wong
Chinese
medicine views shakes and tremors as a deficiency in the functioning of
the hepatic (Liver) system, digestive and endocrine systems. Weakness in
these body systems can create an environment whereby the nervous system
becomes malnourished. Starving nerves the very instruments used by our
brains to control movement will lead to poor neural transmission to the
muscles and ligaments. Another reason for the loss of motor control is
poor circulation, which causes inflammation in the nervous system. In
order to help patients with shakes and tremors, we use acupuncture to
balance the Qi flow throughout the body and we prescribe customized
herbs to nourish the digestive and endocrine systems.