Forgetting what was just said, repeating the same things, misplacing belongings, frequently leaving items behind when going out—in severe cases, even failing to recognize family members... The causes and mechanisms of dementia remain unclear, and no specific cure exists, leading many to seek medication.
Traditional Chinese medicine attributes dementia to various pathological mechanisms including kidney deficiency with essence depletion, insufficient heart qi, blood stasis obstruction, and phlegm obscuring the heart orifices. Learning certain surface stimulation therapies can help prevent and treat these conditions.The human body surface contains meridian points corresponding to the five zang organs and six fu organs. Stimulating these points regulates organ function and activates the body's neuro-humoral-endocrine system to produce endogenous "medicines."
1. Ear Pinching. As the saying goes: "Comb your hair often, rub your ears, knock your teeth, swallow saliva, massage your abdomen, and tighten your anus."The kidneys open into the ears. The earlobe area corresponds to the head and face region of the ear, where acupuncture points closely relate to the brain and cheeks. Regularly pinching, pulling, and massaging the earlobes can enhance beauty, refresh the mind, and prevent dementia. Method: Use the index fingers and thumbs of both hands to pinch, pull, and lift the earlobes on both sides. Pull downward and front-to-back, moving the entire ear in a 360-degree motion.Rub your ears for 3-5 minutes each morning and evening until they become flushed and warm. Alternatively, use Wangbuluxing seeds to stimulate the auricular meatus's vagus nerve. Modern research reveals that the vagus nerve within the auricular meatus is the only superficial branch of the vagus nerve. Stimulating it activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, slowing the progression of dementia.
2. Press and knead the Hegu point on the back of the hand and the Tai Chong point on the foot. Use the thumb of one hand to press the Tai Chong point on the same side (the depression in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones on the top of the foot), applying pressure until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt.Repeat for 1–3 minutes, once daily. Tai Chong is the source point of the Liver Meridian, promoting blood circulation and dispersing stasis. Modern research indicates that stimulating Tai Chong reduces acetylcholinesterase in the brain, increases acetylcholine secretion, and enhances spatial awareness.Simultaneously, apply pressure to the Hegu point on the back of the hand (located between the first and second metacarpal bones, approximately level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone). Apply pressure until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt, for 3 minutes each time, then switch hands. Perform once daily. The combined use of Hegu and Tai Chong, also known as Opening the Four Gates, promotes qi and blood circulation, enhancing brain sensitivity.