China clinic claims acupuncture enhances intelligence by stimulating brain

The Acupuncture IQ Boost Clinic at Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, which went viral in May, uses head acupuncture to promote oxygen supply to the brain.

Hong Shouhai, an acupuncturist at the clinic, said: "Acupuncture works by stimulating the head, which activates cells and boosts their activity. Simply put, this is how acupuncture helps enhance intelligence," reported the South China Morning Post.

Another acupuncturist, Zhou Haijiang, said among the treatment at the clinic, the Baihui Point, situated at the topmost part of the head, was employed to stimulate the brain and invigorate the mind.

The "Four Intelligence Points" includes four points surrounding the Baihui Point and are used to address issues like headaches, insomnia, and memory lapses, Zhou said, adding that the Fengchi Point at the upper neck's back helps boost the oxygen flow to the head and face, aiding in memory enhancement.

The clinic sees 40 to 50 patients daily, including students and office workers.

Its claims sparked online debate, with some questioning their veracity.

Ma Guanfusheng, attending physician of the Hexiangdong Massage Department of Xiamen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, told Xiamen News that the "intelligence" of acupuncture cannot be simply called improving IQ.

In principle, acupuncture is a method of regulating the physiological functions of the human body by stimulating acupuncture points.

"Blood circulation in the brain can be enhanced, the brain microenvironment can be improved, and the recovery of brain function can be promoted. At the same time, acupuncture can also regulate the body's yin and yang balance, qi and blood circulation, and improve insomnia symptoms," Ma said.