Chinese Medicine approaches Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder from a different sign/symptom basis than western medicine, resulting in more individualized care plans which use diet and lifestyle alterations, acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat those affected.
AD/HD Takes Three Primary Forms
Once broken down as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), these problems are now classified as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). As more work has been done to understand the condition it has become clear that some people have only attention deficit, some are hyperactive and some are affected by both aspects of the disorder.
This reclassification reflects that change:
- AD/HD-I (predominance of attention deficit or inattention)
- AD/HD-HI (predominance of hyperactivity and impulsive behavior)
- AD/HD-C (combination of behavioral criteria)
TCM’s Interpretation of the Three Forms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine development is linked to the Kidneys, where the essence originates. All forms of AD/HD reflect Kidney Deficiency in that they indicate developmental problems.
AD/HD-Inattention: Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency results in lack of concentration, a tendency to be off in one’s own world, poor memory and slow mental reaction. Dampness or Phlegm may play a role in attention deficit problems as Phlegm can cloud thinking.
AD/HD-Hyperactivity/Impulsiveness: Often linked to Kidney Yin Deficiency, sometimes with Liver Yang Ascending, these cases exhibit such signs as irritability, loud and boisterous behavior, being easily excited and inability to sit still.
AD/HD-Combination: In this case any of the above patterns may present in varying degrees. In these case, the individual assessment is especially critical to ensuring that an appropriate Traditional Chinese Medical treatment plan is developed.
Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations for AD/HD
Not surprisingly, Traditional Chinese Medical theory expects children to be active and exuberant. All children should be encouraged to be involved in some daily physical activity. Chinese martial arts training combines vigorous physical activity with the need for mental concentration but any sport or activity which provides an outlet for the excess energy is valuable.
Being active during the day should also have a positive effect on sleep. Problems with sleep are common in AD/HD cases.
Children with AD/HD may react to certain food products, with dyes and sugar having been connected to the disorder, particularly in the case of AD/HD-HI. Observing the child to determine if there are particular foods that trigger hyperactivity, impulsiveness or irritability is the first step.
In addition to eliminating those foods and reducing sugar intake, increasing the percentage of high quality, easily digested proteins and complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals will aid in bringing the body into balance.
When Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Indicated
If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to help the AD/HD patient function normally, a TCM practitioner may be able to help. Studies have shown Chinese herbs to be very effective in treating AD/HD. Acupuncture or acupressure on calming and tonifying points can help as well. Traditional Chinese Medicine can also provide guidance on further refining the diet for the individual, based on the healing properties of foods.
Whenever Traditional Chinese Medicine is being used as part of a health care plan, it is important to maintain open communication between the physician and the TCM practitioner to avoid any herb-drug interaction issues and to ensure optimum care.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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