Translating the concept of qi described in Donguibogam into the language of modern medicine reveals that it connects closely with various biological systems in our body. Brain fog symptoms, or cognitive decline, rarely arise from a single cause alone; in most cases, multiple factors interact. Modern science explains this from diverse perspectives across neurology, endocrinology, and psychology.
One of the most significant factors is chronic stress. Under stress, the body excessively secretes stress hormones such as cortisol. When these hormones stay elevated over an extended period, hypofunction can occur in the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation, and the frontal lobe, which governs concentration, planning, and problem-solving. As the balance of brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine is disrupted, concentration and memory decline. This corresponds directly with Donguibogam's observation that when qi is depleted, the spirit weakens.
In addition, the brain is one of the organs that consumes the most energy in the human body. Mitochondria within brain cells serve as factories that produce energy. When mitochondrial function declines because of sleep deprivation, nutritional imbalance, or chronic inflammation, brain cells cannot receive sufficient energy. Consequently, brain vitality drops and cognitive function declines, closely mirroring the condition where qi becomes deficient and the brain fails to function properly. Qi can thus be understood as a broader concept encompassing the efficient energy metabolism of brain cells.
Blood circulation is equally important. Just as Donguibogam views qi as driving the flow of blood, an inadequate blood supply to the brain prevents oxygen and glucose from being properly delivered, leading to reduced brain function. In particular, microcirculatory disorder of cerebral blood vessels is frequently cited as a primary driver of brain fog.
Recently, the gut-brain axis has also drawn considerable attention. When gut health deteriorates, inflammatory substances and toxins can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, negatively affecting brain function. This has widespread effects ranging from emotional regulation to cognitive function. It aligns with the principle in Korean medicine that the spleen and stomach are the root of post-heaven and the source of qi and blood production, emphasizing the digestive system as the foundation for the production of qi and blood. Ultimately, both modern science and Donguibogam show that every system in our body is interconnected, and an imbalance in any single area can disrupt the systemic flow of qi, manifesting as symptoms like brain fog.
