The Chinese Acupuncture Institute Claims "Getting Acupuncture on the Head Raises IQ"... Netizens Debate Its Authenticity Fiercely

Operating IQ-Boosting Clinic at Chinese Oriental Medicine Clinic
Popular Among Students and Office Workers... "Method of Supplying Oxygen"
Netizens Debate "Fraud" vs "Likely Effective"
In the Past, 'Chongmyeongtang' Was Popular in Korea... No Proof of Effectiveness

A traditional Chinese medicine clinic in China has claimed that acupuncture can increase intelligence quotient (IQ), sparking heated debates among netizens.

A broadcaster, Noh Hong-chul, receiving acupuncture on his head in a variety show. This image is not directly related to the article.
[Photo by MBC 'Infinite Challenge']

On the 21st, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a newly established acupuncture clinic at the Zhongyi Medical University in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, claims that inserting needles into the head can raise IQ. The clinic asserts that by placing needles on patients' heads to promote oxygen supply to the brain, memory can be improved.

Acupuncturist Zhou Haijiang expressed confidence, saying, "By inserting needles into the four meridians, including the most important Baihui acupoint on the head, the head feels refreshed, and ailments such as headaches and insomnia can be treated." He further explained, "Inserting needles into the acupoint located at the upper back of the neck increases oxygen supply to the head and face, which helps improve memory."

The acupuncture clinic sessions last at least 30 minutes, and patients are recommended to visit twice a week. Currently, 40 to 50 patients participate in the acupuncture clinic daily, most of whom are office workers or students.

As this story became known, netizens worldwide, including locally, have engaged in sharp disputes and debates. Most netizens responded with comments such as "It's a scam," "How can acupuncture make you smarter?" "It seems like a lie since needles are not inserted into the brain," and "Do they really think acupuncture can solve what medicine cannot?"

On the other hand, some netizens reacted positively, saying, "It's a revolutionary treatment," "It might be effective for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)," and "Students should definitely try it."

Meanwhile, in Korea, traditional medicine related to intelligence has also been popular in the past. One such prescription in Korean traditional medicine is 'Chongmyeong-tang.' The medicine consists of Baekboksin (白茯神), Wonji (遠志), and Seokchangpo (石菖蒲), among others. According to the Donguibogam, it is said that "taking Chongmyeong-tang enables one to memorize a thousand words," and at one time, some parents misunderstood Chongmyeong-tang as a "medicine that makes you study better." However, this medicine is primarily used to treat memory loss and forgetfulness, and its effectiveness in improving concentration has not yet been clearly verified.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.