For some reason, ADHD seems to afflict boys more often than girls.
However, since ADHD appears as a neurological disorder and chiropractic and acupuncture care attempt to reduce nervous system disturbances, many parents who want a natural, non-drug solution for their child have found acupuncture and chiropractic care helpful.
Common Symptoms
- Inattention, hyperactivity and being easily distracted
- Difficulty concentrating and sitting still
- Inability to control impulsive thoughts and behaviors
- Easily distracted by noises and activities
- Always moving—fingers, hands, arms, feet or legs
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
From Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives, ADD and ADHD are characterized by Liver wind rising with shen (spirit) disturbance arising from Liver yin deficiency. Therefore, acupuncture treatment and herbs calm the mind and nourish the underlying deficiencies. Many herbs in this formula have been shown to be effective to enhance concentration and memory. Furthermore, acupuncture care and these herbs are safe and natural, and do not have the harsh side effects of drugs.
It is important to realize that though drugs may be effective, they have serious short- and long-term side effects. Furthermore, these drugs have significant abuse potentials, and their use must be monitored carefully. On the other hand, acupuncture care and use of herbs is not only effective to improve focus and attention, they also improve memory and learning ability. Acupuncture care and herbs are much safer than drugs, both for short- and long-term uses. Lastly, practitioners and parents must both recognize that optimal treatment of ADD and ADHD requires more than just taking drugs or herbs, it also requires dietary, environmental and behavior changes. Combination of all these modalities ensures long-term success.
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Begin by making nutritional and lifestyle changes. Rule out environmental factors by reducing your child’s exposure to substances that are increasingly common these days:
- Remove food dyes, preservatives and additives from the diet
- Focus on natural, organic foods grown without pesticides or herbicides
- Determine if an allergy is involved such as dairy or gluten and eliminate
- Eliminate all sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Reduce the use of cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners and other chemicals
These are wise choices whether your child has the symptoms associated with ADHD or not!
Common ADHD Drugs
The most common treatment is the prescription of a Class 2 psychotropic drug.
A popular approach to controlling symptoms of ADHD is to administer regular doses of methylphenidate. More commonly known as Ritalin®.
Ritalin® is a schedule II controlled substance related to, and producing similar effects as, amphetamines and cocaine. The side effects, including personality changes and permanent changes to the brain, cause many parents to look for alternatives.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic: Safe and Natural
Instead of treating the various symptoms of hyperactivity, we look for imbalance of Qi and/or disturbances to the child’s nervous system. We often find problems caused by spinal distortions in the upper neck.
In fact, this link between the spine, brain stem dysfunction and ADHD is common. A thorough chiropractic examination can reveal noticeable spinal distortion, even a reversal of the normal neck curve. That’s why we often recommend a schedule of safe and natural chiropractic adjustments to help reduce the accompanying nervous system tension.
Find Out More
As parents, we want the best for our children. If your child exhibits the symptoms of ADHD, you know it affects virtually everyone your child is in contact with. As you consider your options, get a thorough Oriental medicine and chiropractic evaluation. Call our Office today!
