Clearing the Clouds: Acupuncture and Brain Fog in Modern Life

If you've ever walked into a room and forgotten why, stared at a screen with no clue what you’re reading, or brewed a coffee then left it in the microwave—congrats, you’ve met brain fog.

Brain fog isn’t a formal diagnosis, but it’s real, common, and frustrating. People describe it as poor concentration, forgetfulness, mental fatigue, or just feeling “off.” Whether it’s post-viral, hormonal, stress-related, or tied to poor sleep and diet, both Western and East Asian medicine recognise that this foggy state is a sign your brain (and body) aren’t firing on all cylinders.

From a Western perspective, brain fog can stem from blood sugar fluctuations, inflammation, hormone imbalances, poor sleep hygiene, and even gut dysbiosis. Treatment often includes dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and supplements like B-vitamins or omega-3s. It’s a useful approach—but it often takes time, and there’s no quick fix.

In East Asian medicine, brain fog is seen as a disruption in clarity, rooted in organ systems like the spleen (responsible for clear thought and focus), the kidney (long-term vitality), and the liver (emotional flexibility and tension). If your digestion is weak, your sleep poor, or you’re emotionally overloaded, your head will often feel the weight of it. Many acupuncture approaches allow practitioners to fine-tune treatments based on subtle presentations, targeting both the cause and the fog itself.

So how long does it take to clear the fog?

Acupuncture isn’t a magic bullet, but it works best with consistency. A typical course might involve weekly sessions for 4–8 weeks, depending on the severity and cause. You should begin to notice shifts—better sleep, improved recall, steadier focus—around session three or four. Western interventions may also require several weeks to take effect, especially if you’re trialing dietary or supplement-based changes.

Lifestyle Tips to Help Your Brain Feel Brighter:

• Protein at breakfast stabilises energy and sharpens focus.

• Movement before screen time—even 10 minutes—activates the nervous system.

• Digital hygiene: avoid multitasking tabs and doom-scrolling.

• Nasal breathing and mindfulness exercises help centre your thoughts.

At Misun Wahya Foundation on Mort St, Toowoomba City, Dr. Ash Dean, Doctor of East Asian Medicine and acupuncturist, helps patients clear brain fog by combining metabolic Western insights with East Asian diagnostic wisdom—because focus shouldn't feel like a full-time job.