I would like to discuss the advantages of additional holistic alternatives to medication therapy for a child or adult dealing with ADHD. I think there are a great number of benefits to many of the things I will be proposing but keep in mind that each person is a unique individual and it is important to try out what works best for the individual in all cases.
Exercise
One of the greatest therapies for a person with ADHD, when the symptoms seem to be at their peak is to shift directions to an exercise activity for about 15-30 minutes and then go back to what they are doing. Often they will find that they can concentrate better, sit for more extended periods of time and feel more relaxed and less anxious. Also, exercise first thing in the morning will set the path for a better day. This is a good habit to get into each day.
Herbal remedies:
-Herbs that calm, soothe and nourish the nervous system are chamomile, passion flower, hops, skullcap, valerian and St. Johns Wort. They can be taken safely as tea but children’s doses are ¼ to ½ of the adult dose in most cases. Catnip is a good sleep aid and safe for children. California Poppy is a safe sedative.
-Juicing with Wild lettuces will aid in sleep.
Essential oils:
Essential oils contain key ingredients that interact with the nervous system and actually stimulate healing. Essential oils actually have properties similar to human blood in that they both contain nutrients and oxygen, both stimulate the nervous system, and both aid in the regeneration of tissues. Essential oils can be absorbed or inhaled, and when you do either they are carried to the brain. They go directly to the cerebral cortex which is the processing center and they go to the hypothalamus which is the hormone command center. So in essence, essential oils can balance emotions and regulate hormones! Lavender, Frankincense and Cedarwood are some great choices among others.
Ayurvedic Study Of ADHD
In Ayurveda, ADHD is considered a Veta (wind energy) imbalance. It governs the movement of our thoughts and bodies. Those with a Veta constitution have sensitive nervous systems and they experience this world with a heightened intensity. This can make them more prone to anxiety, restlessness, inattention, and problems with sleep. To pacify the Veta there are many things that a person can do. These things seem good and well for many people no matter their constitution in all reality.
Natural Remedies For ADHD
-Routine: Routine is great in that it often will reduce the anxiety a person feels if they are highly sensitive. Knowing what is happening next and what they can count on and what is expected from them is a great way to feel confident, secure and stress free.
–Relaxation and deep breathing: The idea behind this is to switch off the brain for a bit and reset it. Switching over into parasympathetic mode and out of sympathetic mode (fight or flight) will help the body tremendously in many ways. People with ADHD often have adrenal fatigue or even worse disorders of the adrenal glands due to the overload of fight or flight mode and all the chemicals that are constantly being released into the body to prepare for danger. A 5 minute guided meditation is great as well as a 15 minute block of time coloring or working a mandala or even tapping which can help tremendously. Learning how to breathe to relax is highly beneficial and the body will reap so many benefits from 5-10 minutes of deep, relaxed breathing each day.
–Night massage: Often just 10 minutes of light touch and massage will help significantly with sleep disorders. Foot massage with lavender essential oil is great for relaxation. Even a warm foot soak in a small tub with essential oils and Epsom salts can have tremendous relaxation benefits.
-Yoga: Yoga is wonderful and great for toning and strengthening. You can actually burn a lot of calories with yoga but the brain-body connection is fantastic. It is great for calming and centering. It may even level out hormones and chemicals in the body.
It may take some time to implement these lifestyle shifts but with careful planning, and some research and a great coach and you can definitely be well on your way quickly and see some results. Working through core emotional conflicts is important when addressing ADHD and making shifts so be patient with yourself, obtain the support you need and remember this is a journey. A journey of self-awareness, compassion, growth and expansion all leading to well-being.
Disclaimer:
Information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please seek the advice of your primary Physician, Pediatrician or Naturopath.
