Approximately 7-9% of children suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and that number grows every year. This condition can last into adulthood and make daily functions difficult to manage.
The most commonly prescribed Western drug for ADD and ADHD, Ritalin, has questionable side effects. With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we can relax hyperactivity in the brain and work with the body to treat attention deficit disorders naturally.
What are Attention Deficit Disorders?
Attention deficit disorders are brain disorders that make it difficult to concentrate or control impulses. Children with attention deficit disorders may have trouble following directions or paying attention, becoming quickly bored or frustrated with tasks. While these all are common in children, attention deficit disorders interfere with their ability to function at school and at home. Adults with attention deficit disorders may struggle with time management, organizational skills, and goal setting. These disorders interfere with their careers as well as their personal lives.
Acupuncture and Attention Deficit Disorders
Acupuncture treatment stimulates the brain to help balance the hormones causing hyperactivity and lack of focus/attention. Acupuncture also releases endorphins, helping to improve mood and calm nerves. In studies, acupuncture had an 84.77% success rate at treating attention deficit disorders. Laser acupuncture or auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) are the most popular acupuncture techniques for treating young children, since they are the least invasive.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Attention Deficit Disorders
Chinese herbal medicine has been used in the United States since the 1980s for treating attention deficit disorders with excellent results. It is a much gentler treatment than Ritalin or other Western pharmaceuticals intended for attention deficit disorders. Chinese herbs can restore chemical balance in the brain, boost blood flow to the brain to encourage development, and calm the nerves that cause hyperactivity.
Chinese herbal medicine alone had a 78.77% success rate at treating attention deficit disorders in studies. Since every diagnosis in Chinese medicine is specific to the individual, Chinese herbs should be prescribed and administered only by a licensed TCM practitioner.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complementary alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of ADHD and ADD. When implemented properly along with therapy and lifestyle/dietary changes, it can greatly improve quality of everyday life.
If you or a loved one have an attention deficit disorder, call us today at (321) 972-2940 to set up an initial health consultation today.
Sources:
Acupuncture Improves Outcome for Children with ADHD. (July 15, 2016). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1647-acupuncture-improves-outcomes-for-children-with-adhd
Treating ADHD and ADD with Acupuncture. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/14/treating-adhd-and-add-acupuncture