"Not All Dementia Starts in the Brain: The Role of Gut, Qi, and Jing in TCM"

"Your Memory Runs on Blood: Why Forgetting Might Mean You're Nutrient Deficient"

“Forgetfulness Isn’t Just Forgetting — It’s the Body Trying to Tell You Something”

I. What Is Forgetfulness?

Forgetfulness is a condition in which the ability to retain or recall information decreases. This can affect both short-term memory (recent events) and long-term memory (distant past). The degree can range from minor lapses to serious conditions like dementia.

II. Modern Medical Perspective

A. Short-Term Forgetfulness

Often caused by temporary disruptions in the hippocampus, part of the brain's limbic system responsible for memory processing.

Contributing factors:

• Sleep deprivation

• Chronic stress or depression

• Deficiency of B1, B12, or folate

• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)

• Certain medications (e.g., sedatives, anti-epileptics)

B. Long-Term Forgetfulness

Usually related to neurodegenerative changes such as:

• Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906

  • Associated with beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles

• Vascular dementia

• Chronic brain inflammation

III. Psychological Perspective

Forgetfulness is not always a failure of the brain — it can be a filtering mechanism, protecting the mind from overload.

Notable researchers:

• Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885): Proposed the Forgetting Curve, showing how memory fades over time without review.

• Daniel Schacter: Developed the concept of the "Seven Sins of Memory," including distraction, blocking, and absentmindedness.

IV. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

In TCM, memory involves the harmonious function of the Shen (spirit/mind) and the Marrow (Sui 髓).

• The Shen resides in the Heart (Xin 心)

• The Marrow and brain are nourished by the Essence (Jing 精) stored in the Kidneys (Shen 腎)

• Memory also depends on:

  • The Spleen (Pi 脾) — transforms food into Qi and Blood to nourish the brain

  • The Liver (Gan 肝) — regulates blood flow and maintains emotional balance

🔍 A. Short-Term Forgetfulness in TCM

Primary cause: Heart & Spleen Deficiency — affecting Blood and Qi.

Mechanism:

1. Weak Spleen → poor digestion → insufficient Blood production

2. Heart lacks Blood → Shen becomes unstable → unclear memory

3. Stress, poor sleep, emotional disturbances → “Floating Shen” (disconnected consciousness)

Accompanying symptoms:

• Forgetting recent events

• Poor concentration, scattered thoughts

• Palpitations, spontaneous sweating

• Fatigue

• Pale tongue, thin pulse

Recommended formulas:

• 🪷 Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤) — Tonifies Spleen Qi and Heart Blood

• 🪷 Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (天王补心丹) — Nourishes the Heart and calms Shen

🧓 B. Long-Term Forgetfulness in TCM

Primary causes:

• Kidney Essence Deficiency

• Phlegm mists the mind

Mechanisms:

1. Kidney Deficiency:

   • The Kidneys govern bones and nourish the brain.

   • When Essence declines due to aging or overuse of the brain, → marrow becomes deficient, → memory fades

2. Phlegm Accumulation:

   • Excess greasy or sweet foods → dampness → transforms into phlegm

   • Phlegm blocks Qing Qiao (“mental clarity gateways”) → persistent forgetfulness

Accompanying symptoms:

• Forgetting names, long-term memories

• Tinnitus, lower back pain

• Fatigue

• Dull complexion, pale or greasy tongue coating

• Slow speech, slow thinking

Recommended formulas:

• 🌿 Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黄丸) — Nourishes Kidney Yin

• 🌿 Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan — Clears heat if Kidney deficiency causes internal heat

• 🌿 Di Tan Tang (導痰湯) — Resolves phlegm blocking the brain

V. References

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

2. Schacter, D. L. (2001). The Seven Sins of Memory: How the Mind Forgets and Remembers

3. Hermann Ebbinghaus. (1885). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology

4. Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine

5. Chen, J., & Chen, T. (2004). Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications

“Forgetfulness isn’t always just forgetting. Sometimes, it’s your body asking for help. Within our memories may lie the people, feelings, and dreams we’re not ready to lose, so listen closely before they fade away.” — Dr. Caulo Phumlarp | Caulo Care Acupuncture

This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.

Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.

A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.

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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM

Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine

Caulo Care Acupuncture

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📧 bookingcaulocare@gmail.com

☎️+1 (929) 269-4549

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