Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

Register | Login

About

Membership

Study

Online

Workshops

1 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

& Retreats

Certication

Programs

Humanitarian

Projects

Yoga

International

2 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

Shop

Donate

Home / Yoga International / Health Articles / Treating ADHD Naturally

Treating ADHD Naturally

Holistic health expert Carrie Demers, MD, answers your questions about attention decit hyperactivity disorder. By Carrie Demers, MD

My eight-year-old son was just diagnosed with ADHD. My husband and I cant decide if we should give him medication or pursue alternative treatments. What do you recommend? This is a tough dilemma for many parents. On one hand, studies show that commonly prescribed medications like Ritalin and Adderall are helpful for 60 to 75 percent of children who are properly diagnosed with ADHD: their ability to focus increases, their grades improve, and they feel better about themselves. On the other hand, these medications are psychostimulants with many potential side effects: insomnia, headaches, abdominal pain, weight loss, and depression. Research on the long-term effects of these drugs is insufcient, but in 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about side effects such as stunted growth and psychiatric problems. From a holistic point of view, chemical overstimulation of the nervous system isnt healthy. Fortunately, there are many natural treatments that are effective both alone and in conjunction with drug therapy. Although my answers here are framed by the case of a child, they are applicable to teens and adults as well. Ayurvedas Answer

3 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

In ayurveda, ADHD is classied as a vata imbalance. Vata is wind energy: its light, changeable, dry, cool, and mobile. It governs the movement of our bodies and our thoughts. Everyone has some vata in their prakriti (constitution), but those who have a predominance of this light, expansive energy (i.e., a vata constitution) tend to have sensitive nervous systems, so they experience the world with a heightened intensity. As a result, theyre prone to anxiety, inattention, restlessness, and sleep problems. Ironically, these children will often seek out sensory-stimulating activities (such as action movies or sugar-laden foods), creating a vicious cycle that agitates their already overactive nervous systems. Commonly prescribed ADHD drugs stimulate the brain cells to release more of the neurotransmitters called dopamine and norepinephrine, which generally enhance a childs ability to control impulsive behaviors and concentratebut they also cause increased activity in the central nervous system (CNS). I would venture to say that these drugs perpetuate the underlying cause of ADHDoverstimulation of a sensitive CNSthrowing your childs vata energy further out of balance. According to ayurveda, adopting a vata-pacifying lifestyle is the best natural option for your son. Create a Routine Children with ADHD are drawn to new activities, adventure, and change. Yet theyre balanced by the opposite: activities that are calming, relaxing, and nurturing. Your son needs regularity and structure to counter his natural tendency toward chaos: a regular time to do his homework, exercise, relax, eat, go to bed, and wake up to begin a new day. Heres some advice about how to create a vata-calming environment for him at home. Relaxation Do a 5- to 10-minute relaxation with your son at least once a day. Lie down on the oor or in bed in shavasana (corpse pose), supporting your heads with a pillow and covering up with a blanket to stay warm. Then ask your child to feel his body from head to toe. Turn the practice into a game; together, pretend you are a scoop of ice cream melting in the sun, or that youre sinking into a huge feather pillow. Imagine your breath is like the waves of the oceanor ask your child to instruct you. The idea is to get your child to relax and deepen his breath, which helps his CNS switch from a sympathetic mode, which is a ght-or-ight state, to a parasympathetic mode, which is a nourishing and restorative state. Try this when your child comes home from school, or before supper or bedtime; these are times when our kids can be most overstimulated. Bedtime Massage Oil is the quintessential vata balancer, so a bedtime massage is particularly calming for children with ADHD. To begin, wet your hands and pour a teaspoon of organic unrened oil in your palm. (Olive, almond, and sesame oils are especially grounding.) Then rub your hands together and massage the mixture into your childs skin. Let the oil soak in for a few minutes, then towel off any remaining residue. Try to do this at least once a week. If you dont have time to give your child a head-to-toe treatment, just massage his feet (covering them with socks to protect the sheets). If your child has trouble falling asleep, this bedtime activity will help. Diet and Nutrition Despite multiple studies in the last 20 years suggesting that diet and food additives can exacerbate hyperactivity, the current medical stance is that there is no causal link between food and ADHD. In my own practice, parents who have reduced their childs intake of sugar, rened foods, and foods with chemical additives (food dyes, preservatives, MSG, etc.) report signicant improvement in their childs behavior over four to eight weeks. These children are also less disruptive and more focused when they eat plenty of cooked vegetables and whole grains, along with moderate amounts of protein and organic unrened oils.

4 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

In addition, give your son 50 mg of B-complex vitamins and 100 to 200 mg of sh oils geared for children. These supplements nourish and stabilize the CNS while improving mood stability, mental focus, and brain function. Natural Rx Herbs that calm, soothe, and nourish the nervous system include lemon balm, chamomile, hops, passion ower, skullcap, brahmi, valerian, and St. Johns Wort. They can be taken safely as teas or tincturesjust follow the instructions on the bottle or box. (Dosing for children is one-fourth to one-half the adult dose based on their weight.) Technology Time-Out Most of our kids are perpetually plugged intexting on their cell phones, playing computer games, watching TV for hours on end. This constant electronic stimulation not only fragments their attention but also exposes them to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at potentially harmful levels. When a child is sensitive, this exposure agitates his nervous system. Sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, headaches, dizziness, memory and attention problems, and distorted vision are all possible side effects of EMR. Try to limit how much electromagnetic exposure your child is getting by reducing his screen time to an hour or less a day. Minimal Medication If you decide to give your child medication, nd a doctor who is willing to work with you to nd the minimal dose that is effective. Ask your doctor to allow your child to take holidays from the medication when intense concentration and focus arent necessary (on the weekends, during summer break, etc.). By carefully monitoring your childs behavior, you can help your doctor nd the dosage and schedule that allow him to succeed in school, while decreasing his chances of experiencing side effects. Last, But Not Least Remember, the purpose of these alternative treatments is to make your child feel loved, grounded, and nourished. Tell him that his new routine is an experiment to improve his mental focusand let him play a role in how the changes are implemented. That means that you might compromise on a few things, but it also means more cooperation. Find alternatives that he will enjoy (for example, substituting a wholesome natural treat for a sugary one, or playing with a remote-control car rather than a video game), so that you dont make his life miserable in your attempt to quell his ADHD symptoms. Together, youll nd creative ways to gradually move in a positive direction. Your child will be happierand so will you. Board-certied in internal medicine, Carrie Demers, MD, is the director of the Himalayan Institute Total Health Center.

5 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

4 comments
Leave a message...

Best

Community

Share

Tiyh

4 months ago

I am new here, My son and grandson have not received a diagnosis,but I know they are overly stimulated. Regardless of giving it a name such as ADHD, they are simply over charged. I too am overly energetic. I have my own theories as to what causes such stimulation. I believe anxiousness is the root mostly. I also believe the lack of proper care and love contributes to such behavior. I know many will abhor this point, but it's my point and experience. I do believe too much outside stimuli is detrimental for a child at any age. It just seems like common sense to consider basic energy centering, or calm practice, along with dietary adherence, with necessary supplements when needed. Practice of quality living and peace structure should be emphasized no matter what. Some of us needed more readily available than others obviously. I'm not sure what works for the most severe situations, but life changes should be incorporated at at all cost First. Miss Tiyh from Cleveland, Ohio
2

Reply

Share

Kackarat24

4 months ago

I like the idea of a healthy diet and quelling the amount of electronic stimulation. I will certainly try this with my six year old. Anything is worth a try rather than drugging kids up and changing their mental state.
2

Reply

Share

Anthony

12 days ago

I am 47 years old and a Technology Expert. I believe I am one of the top 5 in the world in Technology. Recently I was 'diagnosed' with ADHD symptoms - apparently I had it all my life. I have a family, fair business, been there done that - not bad overall. I am not recommending anything but I am just saying what 'apparently' I am and I wonder what I would have been if I was diagnosed early... would I like things to have been different... NO!!!
0

Reply

Share

kathleen garrett

21 days ago

my grandson is 7 i am his guardian we have tried riddlin and adderal both make his face muscles sore so dr. takes him off them he gets good grades in school just has trouble being good listening to teacher we are trying to find a councelor phys. for him I don't believe he is add adhd his mother and father are both bi-polar HELP

6 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

QUICK LINKS Become a Member Make a Donation Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use STUDY WITH US Attend a Seminar Self-Transformation Program Study Online Living Tantra Year-Long Group Meditation

7 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

Kumba Mela 2013 PRODUCTS & PUBLICATIONS The Neti Pot Books Media Yoga International Magazine HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS Center For Leadership & Vocational Studies Africa India Mexico Tibetan Settlements CONNECT WITH US

CONTACT US Himalayan Institute 952 Bethany Turnpike Honesdale, PA 18431 (800) 822-4547 Email Us Directions NEWSLETTER

8 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

Name *

First

Last

Your Email Address *

Send me info about: *

Himalayan Institute Yoga International

2013 Himalayan Institute. All Rights Reserved. Expand next previous Close Previous 0/0 Next

9 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

10 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

11 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

12 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

13 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM

Treating ADHD Naturally Himalayan Institute

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yoga-international-magazine...

14 of 14

4/15/13 6:54 PM