TCM Self-Massage for Forgetfulness: Acupressure Points for Memory Enhancement
Published 2026-06-02 · 441 words · Acupressure
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), forgetfulness (健忘) is closely linked to the functions of the Heart, Spleen, and Kidneys. The Heart houses the Shen (spirit), the Kidneys store essence and govern bones and marrow, connecting to the brain—the 'house of the primordial spirit.' The Spleen governs thought and intention. When Qi and blood are insufficient, the brain becomes empty; when the Heart and Kidneys fail to communicate, or when phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis disturb the Heart, forgetfulness can arise.
TCM categorizes forgetfulness into three main patterns: Heart-Spleen Deficiency, Heart-Kidney Non-Interaction, and Phlegm-Turbidity Disturbing the Heart. Each pattern responds to specific acupoints. Below are self-massage techniques for each type.
Symptoms: Forgetfulness, sallow complexion, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, poor sleep, abdominal distension, poor appetite, pale tongue with thin coating, weak pulse.
Treatment Principle: Tonify the Heart and Spleen. Use points: LU9 (Taiyuan), CV17 (Danzhong), CV6 (Qihai), ST36 (Zusanli).
Massage all points morning and evening. Taiyuan promotes blood circulation and protects the Heart. Danzhong regulates Qi flow and improves coronary blood supply. Qihai warms Yang, strengthens the root, and supplements Qi. Zusanli fortifies the acquired foundation, boosting Qi and blood. Together they nourish the Heart and Spleen, enhancing memory.
Symptoms: Forgetfulness, restlessness, lower back and knee soreness, possibly nocturnal emission or premature ejaculation, five-palm heat, red tongue with little coating, thin rapid pulse.
Treatment Principle: Supplement the Heart and Kidneys, communicate Water and Fire. Use points: HT7 (Shenmen), PC6 (Neiguan), KI3 (Taixi), KI1 (Yongquan).
Practice morning and evening. Shenmen nourishes the Heart and supplements Qi. Neiguan calms the Shen and regulates Qi and blood. Taixi nourishes Kidney Yin and Yang, raising Kidney water. Yongquan, the Jing-well point of the Kidney channel, extinguishes Heart fire by generating water. Together they harmonize Water and Fire, resolving forgetfulness.
Symptoms: Forgetfulness, drowsiness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, phlegm in throat, greasy white tongue coating, slippery pulse.
Treatment Principle: Clear the Heart, transform phlegm, calm the Shen. Use points: KI23 (Shenfeng), CV14 (Juque), ST40 (Fenglong), SP9 (Yinlingquan).
Massage morning and evening. Shenfeng and Juque clear the Heart and calm the Shen, while strengthening the Spleen and Stomach. Fenglong is renowned for transforming phlegm and calming the spirit. Yinlingquan strengthens the Spleen to dry dampness. When dampness is resolved, phlegm dissolves, the Heart is at peace, and memory sharpens.
References
Huangdi Neijing (Suwen, Lingshu) discusses the relationship between the Heart, Kidneys, and brain in memory. The Bencao Gangmu and Zhenjiu Dacheng provide detailed acupoint indications for forgetfulness. The principles of tonifying the Spleen and Heart, communicating Heart and Kidney, and transforming phlegm are rooted in classical TCM theory.