Acupuncture and ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral
conditions among children. In the United States
alone, approximately 4.5 million children
between the ages of 5-17 years old are diagnosed
with ADHD each year. Research indicates that
when treating ADHD, a multidisciplinary approach
is most effective; combining behavioral therapy,
exercise, dietary changes and medication. Now
acupuncture can be added as one of the treatment
methods that can successfully manage ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is
a condition of the brain that makes it difficult
to concentrate or control impulsive behavior.
Children with ADHD generally struggle with
paying attention or concentrating. They can't
seem to follow directions and are easily bored
or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move
constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to
think before they act. These behaviors are
generally common in children. But they occur
more often than usual and are more severe in a
child with ADHD. The behaviors that are common
with ADHD interfere with a child's ability to
function at school and at home.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time
management, organizational skills, goal setting,
and employment. They may also have problems with
relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.
Treatment for ADHD
Treatment for ADHD is multifaceted. It consists
of ADHD medications, behavioral therapy and
lifestyle and dietary modifications. ADHD is
best managed when families, educational and
health professionals work together to meet the
unique needs of the child or adult who has ADHD
to help them learn to focus their attention,
develop their personal strengths, minimize
disruptive behavior, and become productive and
successful. Acupuncture is an excellent addition
to any treatment plan as it is used to help the
body restore balance, treating the root of the
disorder, while also diminishing the symptoms of
ADHD.
What acupuncture can help with:
• Improve focus and attention
• Manage moods
• Reduce fidgeting
• Lower hyperactivity
• Augment mood management techniques
• Enhance concentration
If you would like to learn more about
acupuncture in the treatment for ADHD or one of
the childhood ailments listed below, please call
for a consultation.
Treating Children with Acupuncture
Children respond
extremely well to acupuncture treatments for
many conditions. When treating children, their
comfort is of the utmost importance. Treatments
tend to be shorter and acupuncture points are
usually stimulated gently with very thin needles
or with other techniques that do not involve
needles.
Needle-free acupuncture treatments may include
stroking, rubbing, tapping, and pressing the
acupuncture points with tools such as brushes,
rollers and blunt probes.
Common childhood conditions treated with
Oriental Medicine:
• Failure to thrive syndrome
• Weak constitution
• Colic, excessive night crying, temper tantrums
• Indigestion, GERD, constipation, and diarrhea
• Night terrors
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD)
• Allergies, asthma
• Cough and colds
• Eczema and hives
• Ear infections
• Bedwetting
Ginger: Tool in Global Fight Against Childhood
Killer?
Could one of the most widely used herbs in
cooking around the world be just the right
medicine for one of the deadliest conditions
children face around the world?
That’s the promise pointed at by a study
published in the American Chemical Society’s
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
In this study, researchers in Taiwan looked at
the role of a ginger extract in blocking the
toxin that causes 210 million cases of diarrhea
worldwide. The toxin is produced by
enterotoxigenic E. coli, which accounts for
380,000 worldwide deaths annually. The study
found that zingerone, a compound in ginger, was
the likely compound responsible for blocking the
toxin.
Further study is needed to confirm these
findings and determine appropriate dosage,
especially for infants. But this natural wonder
offers a very inexpensive alternative to drug
therapy and great hope to thousands of children
in poor countries around the world.
Source: American Chemical Society’s Journal
of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007
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In This Issue
- Acupuncture and ADHD
- Treating Children with Acupuncture
- Ginger: Tool in Global Fight Against
Childhood Killer?
- Enhance your Focus with Acupuncture
Point, Yintang
Enhance your Focus with Acupuncture Point,
Yintang
Acupuncture has been found to be helpful
with all types of emotional and mental
health conditions, including attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Often
used for such treatments is Yintang, a point
located between the eyebrows - sometimes
referred to as “the third eye.”
The Chinese translation for the acupuncture
point, Yintang, is “hall of impression”.
“Hall” is defined as a corridor or
passageway, or the large entrance room of a
house. An “impression” is defined as a
strong effect produced on the intellect,
emotions, or conscience. Thus, Yintang is
the entrance or passageway to the mind.
Yintang is used to improve mental clarity,
concentration and cognitive function as well
as soothe emotions and relieve stress,
anxiety and agitation.
Location: Midway between the eyebrows
Indications: Calms the mind, enhances
one’s ability to focus, soothes emotions,
promotes sleep and relieves depression.
Self Acupressure of Yintang can provide
immediate relief of symptoms. For effective
self acupressure:
• Breathe Deeply
• Focus on the point as pressure is applied
• Pressure should be strong but not
uncomfortable
• Begin when you first feel symptoms and
continue until they subside
Meditation and Tai Chi can also help calm
and focus the mind.
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