Concentration Problems: Understanding and Acting with TCM

Note: This article discusses temporary problems and not clinical neurological cases such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Concentration is our ability to focus our attention on a task, an object, an idea, while abstracting from the rest. Acquired from an early age, this "cognitive" faculty (just like memory or learning) sharpens throughout our lives until age 45, the theoretical average start of cognitive decline (more information).

However, before reaching this threshold (which remains indicative!), it can sometimes happen that we lose the thread of an idea, get distracted, experience "memory lapses,"... and this more often than usual. These episodes of blank spells give the impression of having a paralyzed brain. They can be unsettling, and even disrupt our daily personal or professional activities.

How do such problems arise and what can be done to remedy them?

Risk Factors

Working with a state of concentration provides a considerable gain in efficiency. Unfortunately, we are not all equal in this ability, and one only has to observe the personalities of those around us to be convinced. Whether our predispositions are genetic or cultural, it is still possible to develop our faculties positively (e.g., playing chess improves memory) but also negatively. Our lifestyle is thus conditioned by our habits, the impact of which must be consciously measured in case of problems.

Fatigue: overwork is the main cause of concentration problems. Indeed, lack of rest invariably causes a decrease in brain activity, which cannot effectively purify itself of the toxins that pollute it (Cf. effects of lack of sleep). Ensuring quality rest is necessary.
Stress: exposure to excessive pressure can cause us to lose our bearings and means. Ideas get tangled, priorities rush... not to mention the resulting bodily tensions. Better management at this level is important.
Lack of exercise and smoking: a too sedentary lifestyle – just like tobacco consumption – hinders proper oxygenation of the body. Leading to poor vascularization of brain areas, this can be a source of cognitive problems. Regular physical exercise guarantees good blood circulation.
Inadequate diet (Cf. dietetics): it is important to adopt a varied and balanced diet. Certain foods such as garlic and onion are beneficial for the circulatory system, while others rich in vitamin B promote the quality of the nervous system (cereals, vegetables, etc.). Food supplements such as Gingko are also recommended, as is taking iron to deal with any potential deficiencies (especially in young women).
New technologies: their arrival in our lives – while presenting undeniable advantages – has accustomed us to the slightest intellectual effort (Cf. "Digital Dementia – how we are losing our minds and making our children lose theirs" – study by Prof. Spitzer). Not to mention the additional stress generated by this modern hyper-connectivity… Limiting their importance in daily life forces reflection and memory; a healthy exercise of returning to basics!

TCM Perspective

Problems affecting concentration (and other cognitive abilities) find several interpretations in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). The energetic state of a person and the nature of the symptoms affecting them will make it possible to pinpoint the source of the imbalance.

Supported by Kidney energy, the brain manages all our cognitive faculties. For this reason, it constitutes what is called the "Sea of Marrow" (spinal, bone, and brain). A deficiency at this level will cause problems accompanied by symptoms such as: memory loss, dizziness, tinnitus, lassitude, dazzling, or even depression.
Cognitive abilities will also be affected in case of poor irrigation of the brain. This is referred to as a "Blood deficiency," which will also cause: pallor, cold extremities (Raynaud's syndrome), tingling in the limbs, dry eyes, dry skin.
In the presence of excessive brooding/worry (Cf. Worry), the Spirit is clouded, blurred by the abundance of parasitic thoughts. This "nebulous sensation" that hinders clear-sightedness and judgment will here be attributed to a defect in the energy of the Spleen (responsible for the transport of things – physical and psychological).
When a significant and permanent lack of interest appears, the person is marked by intense lassitude preventing all cerebral work. To this can be added the sensation of "sand in the eyes" (or "dry eye syndrome"). This psychological fatigue is often the result of latent frustrations and/or repressed anger; poorly channeled Liver energy will be at fault here. Note that even relieved, this specific imbalance will resurface as long as the necessary life changes have not been made and if bad habits persist!