Poor Memory and Concentration
Poor memory and concentration plague all of us from time to time, particularly when we are overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or fatigued. Up to 30% of adults report sometimes having trouble remembering why they walked into a room, recalling where the car is parked, or having trouble recalling words and dates. If occasional, memory lapses such as these are usually no cause for concern.
However, when these symptoms become a more ongoing problem, the underlying cause should be investigated and addressed. Doctors are concerned primarily with determining whether there is an immediate medical issue (such as stroke) or neurological problem. They will typically ask questions about when and how the problem occurs, as well as conducting any necessary tests. Another possible cause of memory loss or poor concentration is polypharmacy (taking several medications at once). A doctor can also assess whether side effects from medication combinations need to be managed.
From a Chinese medical perspective, there are many possible underlying causes for poor memory and concentration. In women, common causes include lack of sleep, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, stress, and depletion from pregnancy/childbirth. For women undergoing fertility treatments, chronic stress/anxiety and side effects from medications may also contribute.
Treatments for poor memory and concentration depend on the underlying constitutional imbalance. Practitioners will assess overall vitality, digestive health, endocrine functioning, any physical issues such as anemia, and impact of stress in order to determine the cause of memory issues. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutritional/lifestyle recommendations are all effective ways to gently correct imbalances and restore clear, focused thinking. Contact the licensed, board-certified practitioners at TCRA to discuss any memory and concentration issues you may be experiencing.