Memory & Brain Health

In Western medicine, memory is categorized into four types: short-term, long-term, working, and sensory memory, each serving various functions in information processing and retention (Baddeley, 1992, Psychological Review). The neurobiological substrates of these memory types have been explored extensively, suggesting that different brain regions are responsible for each (Eichenbaum, 2000, Neuron).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes memory loss to five disharmonious patterns, often accompanied by symptoms like dizziness and insomnia. These include 1) Blood Deficiency, usually resulting from insufficient Spleen Qi, affecting nourishment (Chen et al., 2013, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine); 2) Kidney Yin Deficiency, leading to false heat symptoms due to fluid depletion (Wang et al., 2018, Chinese Medicine); 3) Yin Deficiency, which compromises cooling and nurturing functions; 4) Heart Blood Deficiency, affecting the mind (Shen), often stemming from inadequate Spleen Qi (Huang et al., 2019, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine); 5) Kidney Essence Deficiency, related to both Kidney Yin and Yang, impacting brain development (Li et al., 2016, Journal of Integrative Medicine). These perspectives offer holistic approaches to memory-related issues.