Many middle-aged and elderly people have had this experience: I forget where I put the keys just before leaving the house; a familiar name is on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t remember it; sometimes I even feel disoriented while walking on a familiar road. Usually, the initial reaction to the above behavior is panic. Is there something wrong with my brain? Could this be a sign of Alzheimer’s?
So, they start researching, getting checkups, buying brain-boosting supplements, eating handfuls of walnuts, and taking expensive medications without stopping. However, the result is often that a lot of money is spent, but no significant improvement in brain function is observed. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long emphasized this: “The kidneys produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow.” The meaning of this sentence is very simple — the brain is not an independently operating machine, but a place where the essence of the whole body converges.
When the brain “doesn’t work,” it’s often not a problem with the brain itself but with the “supply system.” The root cause of brain degeneration is in the kidneys, not the brain. You can think of the body as an oil lamp. Oil is the kidneys; the flame is our thinking and consciousness.
When you are young, there is plenty of oil, and the fire burns naturally strongly, resulting in quick reactions and a good memory. As you get older, if you are chronically fatigued, exposed to cold, or emotionally stressed, the oil is gradually depleted, and the flame naturally flickers. At this time, if you desperately try to “fan the flame” (boosting brain function, stimulating the brain), the effect will naturally be limited. What is truly useful is replenishing the oil, clearing the pathways, and removing blockages.
Why does supplementing make things worse? Many elderly people start supplementing themselves aggressively as soon as they discover “kidney deficiency.” The result is often internal heat, mouth ulcers, and high blood pressure, and the brain becomes even more sluggish. The problem lies at a crucial point: the pathways are blocked. The kidney qi must reach the brain through the spine, which is the “highway of Yang energy.”
If there is excessive dampness and phlegm in the body, this is like a traffic jam, and even the best nutrients cannot reach their destination. Over time, this leads to a common constitution — internal heat and external cold, and an imbalance between water and fire.
The face looks flushed, but the hands and feet are cold; the brain is restless, and sleep is difficult, but the legs and feet are weak. This state is precisely the environment that the brain fears most. True “brain health” begins with restoring circulation. A renowned physician summarized it in one sentence: Brain degeneration isn’t about the brain being broken, but rather about it being “frozen” and “obscured.” What’s frozen is the Yang energy, and what’s obscuring it is cold, dampness, and phlegm. Therefore, truly effective methods for brain health don’t rely on medication, but on three things: clearing blockages, warming, and calming.
Three brain-boosting techniques
The following “three brain-boosting techniques, taking 5-10 minutes daily and costing nothing, directly address the root cause.
Finger combing and toe gripping
The purpose is to balance the upper and lower bodies and clear the meridians. Every morning, use the pads of your fingers to comb your hair from the hairline at your forehead to the back, then down to the base of your neck. Apply firm pressure until your scalp feels warm.
At the same time, while sitting or standing, forcefully grip the ground with your toes for 3-5 seconds, then suddenly release. Repeat about 50 times until the soles of your feet feel warm. This action stimulates the Du meridian (governing vessel) and the kidney meridian, allowing Yang energy to rise and kidney energy to flow. Many people feel a noticeable improvement after doing this: a clearer head and brighter eyes.
Midday naps
Midday naps give the brain a “bath.” The hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (midday) are when the heart meridian is most active. Even if you don’t fall asleep during your midday nap, simply closing your eyes and sitting quietly for 20 minutes, clearing your mind, nourishes the heart blood. These 20 minutes are more beneficial for elderly people than sleeping an extra two hours after staying up late. It allows the brain to clear metabolic waste and relieves drowsiness.
Ginger and jujube warming tea
Ginger and jujube replenish Yang energy from the spleen and stomach. The method is simple: every morning, boil three slices of ginger with the peel on, three broken jujubes, and a small amount of brown sugar in water, and drink it. The goal is not to supplement, but to warm. When the spleen and stomach are warm, qi and blood are generated; when qi and blood are sufficient, clear Yang energy can reach the brain. However, do not drink this in the afternoon to avoid excessive dispersion.
In summary
The most crucial point is not to be afraid. Traditional Chinese medicine says that “fear harms the kidneys.” The more you fear dementia, the faster your kidney energy is depleted; the weaker your kidney energy, the more vacant your mind becomes. Memory loss is often just your body telling you: “I’m a little cold; I don’t have enough energy.” It’s not a death sentence, but a cry for help.
Spend 5 minutes every day doing these exercises. The goal isn’t speed, but consistency. Body repair takes time. Aging is irreversible, but you can choose whether to be confined to a wheelchair or to enjoy a vibrant and active retirement with full mobility and mental acuity. The power of choice lies in your hands, your feet, and your daily lifestyle. May every elderly friend have a clear mind, a warm heart, and age with dignity.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Amanda
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