ADHD and 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.

Having a parent with a personality disorder can be the source of your epigenetic change and drive neurogenesis in challenging ways. Generally, the sole child of such a parent will adopt reciprocal characteristics. Multiple children are often played against each other. The ‘losers’ will be likely to develop ADHD. 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.

Individuals with ADHD have a weak root chakra, otherwise known as the inferior hypogastric nerve plexus. This leads to an unrooted sense of self due to Wood Insulting Metal or feelings disrupting consciousness. According to Classical Chinese medicine, ADD/ ADHD is diagnosed as Liver Wind rising with Shen (spirit) disturbance arising from Liver Yin deficiency. To treat these disorders, both sedative and tonic herbs must be used together to restore normal balance in the Three Treasures with the addition of special Taoist Shen herbs (Yunshi, etc.).

To extinguish Liver Wind and calm Liver Yang rising (manifesting in muscle twitching or restlessness) Tianma and Gouteng (Ramulus uncariae cum uncis) are used; these herbs neutralize mood. To address Yin deficiency, Baishao (Radix paeoniae alba), Shengdihuang (Radix rehmanniae), and Maimendong (Radix ophiopogonis) are used. Baishao also softens the Liver to relieve spasms, cramps, and stiffness that may be associated with convulsion or seizure.

Maimendong also sedates Heart fire to relieve Shen disturbance. Shichangpu (Rhizoma acori) and Yuanzhi (Radix polygalae) 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 (Rhizoma ligustici chuanxiong) promotes blood circulation and relieves stagnation and pain in the channels that may be caused by long-term stiffening or twitching of muscles. Zhigancao (Radix glycyrrhizae preparata) nourishes the Heart and harmonizes the entire formula. From pharmacological perspectives, these herbs improve memory and learning abilities, eliminate toxic substances, or allergens that increase the risk of ADD/ ADHD and balance the central nervous system to relieve hyperactivity. Zhigancao has been used successfully for thousands of years for detoxification. More recently, it has been shown to have a marked detoxifying effect to with Western drugs (Ritalin, etc.).

Since ADD/ ADHD is characterized by an imbalance of neurotransmitters, leading to a disharmony of the entire body, herbs that harmonize/ balance the entire body have been used for treatment with good success. Maimendong, Baishao, Shichangpu and Chuanxiong balance the central nervous system and calm hyperactivity. They have been used to effectively reversed drug-induced excitation. Maimendong, Baishao, and Chuanxiong harmonize the cardiovascular system and minimize the fluctuation of heart rate and blood pressure. Shengdihuang regulates the endocrine 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.

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.

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