Acupuncture for Pain Has Extra Benefit of Sharpening Memory

String tied on finger of elderly womanThe brain’s capacity for memory, reasoning, and comprehension (cognitive function) starts to deteriorate after age 45, according to research published on bmj.com.

Acupuncture can sharpen memory and reduce pain by deactivating areas within the brain associated with the processing of pain.

Previous research suggests that cognitive decline does not begin before the age of 60, but this view is not universally accepted. Researchers, led by Archana Singh-Manoux from the University College London, argue that “understanding cognitive aging will be one of the challenges of this century,” especially as life expectancy continues to rise.

They add that it is important to investigate the age at which cognitive decline begins because medical interventions are more likely to work when individuals first start to experience mental impairment.

The researchers observed 7,390 individuals over a 10-year period, all aged between 45 and 70. Individuals were tested for memory, vocabulary and aural and visual comprehension skills. Results indicated that cognitive decline occurred in all categories except vocabulary and there was faster decline in older people.

Acupuncture can improve learning and memory capacity by treating factors associated with memory loss, such as hormonal changes and stress.

As a primary or complementary therapy, acupuncture can also aid in pain management by regulating pain processing in the brain. Acupuncture treats pain by increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Acupuncture for pain treats:

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Back, shoulder and neck pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Joint pain

Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.

acupuncture_career_school

Subscribe to Email Updates

Sign Up for the AMC Newsletter

Recent Posts