Treating ADHD

W/ Classical Chinese Medicine

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is the catchy phrase that has recently drawn the attention of the health community. ADHD was officially known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) from 1980 to 1987; prior to the 1980s, it was known as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood. Symptoms similar to those of ADHD have been described in medical literature dating back to the 18th century. In China the same condition was coined ‘’Wood Insults Metal’ (feelings disrupting consciousness) well over a thousand years ago.

Pathogenesis

Individuals with ADHD have a weak root chakra, referenced as the inferior hypogastric nerve plexus in the West. This leads to an unrooted sense of self due to Wood Insulting Metal or feelings disrupting consciousness. The good news is that if you stay attentive to the twists and turns and find an adequate role model/ teacher, good things will eventually appear.

According to Classical Chinese medicine, ADD/ ADHD is diagnosed as Liver Wind rising with Shen (spirit) disturbance arising from Liver Yin deficiency. To treat this disorder, both sedative and tonic herbs must be used together to restore normal balance in the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen) with the addition of special Taoist psychoactive Shen herbs (Yunshi, etc.).

Treatment W/ Chinese Herbal Medicine

To extinguish Liver Wind and calm Liver Yang rising (manifesting in muscle twitching or restlessness), Tianma (Gastrodia) and Gouteng (Uncaria) are used; these herbs neutralize mood and balance emotions. To address Yin deficiency, Baishao (Peony), Shengdihuang (Rehmannia), and Maimendong (Ophiopogon) are used. Baishao also softens the Liver to relieve spasms, cramps, and stiffness that may be associated with convulsion or seizure. Maimendong sedates Heart fire to relieve Shen disturbance. Shichangpu (Acorus) and Yuanzhi (Polygala) are two aromatic herbs that disperse phlegm obstructing the orifices and help restore cognitive and sensory functions. They are often used for forgetfulness and inability to concentrate. Chuanxiong (Cnidium) promotes blood circulation and relieves stagnation and pain in the channels that may be caused by long-term stiffening or twitching of muscles.

Maimendong, Baishao, Shichangpu and Chuanxiong balance the central nervous system and calm hyperactivity. They have been used to effectively reverse drug-induced excitation. Maimendong, Baishao, and Chuanxiong harmonize the human system to ensure normal production and release of endogenous hormones. In certain formulas Xiakuqiu, Jiegeng, and Xingren reverse the counterflow from the Liver Insulting Metal, helpful when treating headaches and dizziness.

Zhigancao (Licorice) nourishes the Heart and harmonizes the entire formula. Zhigancao has been used successfully for thousands of years for detoxification. More recently, it has been shown to have a marked detoxifying effect with Western drugs (Ritalin, etc.).

Western Pharmaceutical Treatment

For treating symptoms they can be very effective acutely (excessive symptoms), but most patients have a mixture of excess and deficient qualities to their condition. With continual treatment, symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, etc.) start to manifest from the deficient end of the spectrum (exhibited by a weak or thin pulse, etc.). Medications like Ritalin, etc, are seen as an excessive form of treatment in the holistic paradigm (Chinese medicine, naturopathy, etc.).

Long Term Maladies

Colon Cancer, which is found in significantly higher percentages of patients with ADHD, is one of the more difficult outcomes for ADHD if left untreated. This is possibly related to a weak root chakra or deficient inferior hypogastric nerve plexus not being able to properly nourish and detoxify the area. Science Direct and the National Institute of Health have been writing about the herbal formula Dahuang Zhechong Wan’s efficacy in treating colon cancer. DZW has been used for the treatment of abdominal masses (tumors) for thousands of years. Wood Insulting Metal, Metal referring to the Lung and Large Intestine (Colon), is a Classical Chinese Medicine term that speaks to the etiology of ADHD and the emotional dysregulation involved.

Patient Self Healing Strategies

Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and biofeedback are effective treatment modalities. Living in an intentional community, what is known as a Sangha in the Buddhist tradition, helps to bolster recovery. Whether that’s found in a Zen Center, a Christian church, or Qigong group, the important thing is relying on something bigger than our self to lend support, guidance, and be an ocean that we can give back to.

ADHD or Wood Insulting Metal is harmonized through feeling. Pay attention to the sensations of your feet while walking — to your back, buttocks, and legs while sitting or laying down. Feeling your body with each breath and letting go of thinking or obsessive feelings is radical acceptance.., or in layman’s terms, ‘only natural’.

Clearspring’s online clinic is offering Classical Pearls as the base formulas for ADHD treatment.