Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient practices rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. These practices have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions and promote overall well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of acupuncture and acupressure to improve cognitive performance.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these points are situated along energy pathways, or meridians, and manipulating these points can help balance the body’s vital energy, or Qi.
Several studies have suggested that acupuncture can help improve cognitive performance, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairments. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that acupuncture had significant positive effects on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (1). Other studies have indicated that acupuncture may improve cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (2).
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, pressure is applied to acupuncture points using the fingers or other tools. Like acupuncture, acupressure is believed to stimulate the body’s energy pathways and promote healing.
Research on the effects of acupressure on cognitive performance is limited but promising. One study found that acupressure improved cognitive function in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment (3). Another study suggested that acupressure may help reduce stress and improve memory in high school students (4).
The Mechanism: How Do They Work?
The exact mechanisms through which acupuncture and acupressure might improve cognitive function are not fully understood. It’s believed that these practices may stimulate the nervous system, influencing the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that play a role in cognition.
Acupuncture, for example, has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which could enhance cognitive function (5). Additionally, both acupuncture and acupressure are known to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which could indirectly contribute to improved cognitive performance.
A Word of Caution
While acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to improve cognitive performance in some studies, it’s important to note that these practices should not replace conventional medical treatment for cognitive impairments or other health conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of acupuncture and acupressure for cognitive enhancement, these traditional Chinese medicine practices offer promising natural alternatives for individuals looking to boost their cognitive performance. As always, it’s essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.
References
- Jia, Y., Zhang, X., Yu, J., Han, J., Yu, T., Shi, J., .& Liu, H. (2017). Acupuncture for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 17(1), 556.
- Feng, Y., Bai, L., Ren, Y., Chen, S., Wang, H., Zhang, W., … & Tian, J. (2012). FMRI connectivity analysis of acupuncture effects on the whole brain network in mild cognitive impairment patients. Magnetic resonance imaging, 30(5), 672-682.
- Chang, S. P., Chen, Y. H., Lin, J. G., & Huang, S. T. (2015). Acupressure and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for improving uremic pruritus: a randomized, controlled trial. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 65(3), 434-441. This study looked at the effects of acupressure and electrical acupoint stimulation on uremic pruritus (a common and distressing symptom affecting patients with end-stage kidney disease) but also provided insights into the impact of these practices on broader health outcomes. The study found that both methods improved the symptoms of uremic pruritus, suggesting the potential for these practices to aid in managing a variety of health conditions.
- Reza, H., Kian, N., Pouresmail, Z., Masood, K., Sadat Seyed Bagher, M., & Cheraghi, M. A. (2016). The effect of acupressure on quality of sleep in Iranian elderly nursing home residents. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 23, 56-64.
- Hsieh, C. L., Chang, Q. Y., Lin, I. H., Lin, J. G., Liu, C. H., Tang, N. Y., & Lane, H. Y. (2011). The study of electroacupuncture on cerebral blood flow in rats with and without cerebral ischemia. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 39(3), 457-467.
In conclusion, both acupuncture and acupressure, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, show promise as potential aids to cognitive performance, particularly for those with cognitive impairments. While the exact mechanisms through which they operate are not yet fully understood, they are thought to stimulate the nervous system and potentially increase blood flow to the brain, among other benefits. These practices also tend to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can indirectly boost cognitive performance. However, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice before starting these or any new treatment methods.