How will acupuncture treat ADHD?

5 days ago3 min read

ADHD in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ☯🌿

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is understood as an imbalance of Qi (energy), Shen (mind/spirit), and organ dysfunction, mainly involving the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems.

🔹 TCM Causes of ADHD

1️⃣ Heart & Shen (Mind) Imbalance

In TCM, the heart houses the shen (spirit/mind). When the Heart's Qi is weak, the shen becomes restless, leading to hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty focusing.

2️⃣ Liver Qi Stagnation & Liver Fire

The Liver controls the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. If Liver Qi is stagnant or transforms into Liver Fire, a child may become easily frustrated, angry, or have emotional outbursts.

3️⃣ Spleen Qi Deficiency & Phlegm Misting the Mind

The Spleen is responsible for digestion and thinking. Weak Spleen Qi leads to Phlegm accumulation, which "mists the mind" and causes brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness.

4️⃣ Kidney Essence Deficiency

The Kidneys store Jing (Essence), which supports brain development and focus. Kidney Deficiency can contribute to learning difficulties, memory issues, and slow cognitive processing.

🔹 TCM Patterns of ADHD & Symptoms

🔹 Acupuncture Points for ADHD

1️⃣ HT-7 (Shenmen, Spirit Gate) → Calms the mind, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety.

 2️⃣ LIV-3 (Taichong, Great Rushing) → Smooths Liver Qi, reduces frustration & irritability. 

3️⃣ SP-6 (Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Intersection) → Strengthens digestion and mental clarity. 

4️⃣ DU-20 (Baihui, Hundred Meetings) → Enhances focus, memory, and mental alertness. 

5️⃣ PC-6 (Neiguan, Inner Gate) → Relieves anxiety, emotional instability, and stress.

🔹 Herbal Medicine for ADHD in TCM 🌿

✔ Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Heavenly Emperor Heart Nourishing Pill) → Calms the mind, improves focus.✔ Long Gu (Dragon Bone) & Mu Li (Oyster Shell) → Reduces hyperactivity and restlessness.

✔ Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphus Seed) → Helps with sleep and emotional balance.✔ Bai Zhu & Fu Ling → Strengthen the Spleen and clear mental fog.

🔹 Diet & Lifestyle Tips for ADHD in TCM

✅ Eat Warm, Cooked Foods → Avoid cold/raw foods to strengthen digestion. 

✅ Reduce Sugar & Processed Foods → Minimize hyperactivity triggers. 

✅ Practice Qigong & Tai Chi → Helps calm the mind and improve focus.

 ✅ Massage Acupressure Points → DU-20, HT-7, and SP-6 daily for relaxation. 

✅ Herbal Teas → Chamomile, licorice, and jujube seed tea help calm the Shen.

✨ Summary

1. ADHD in TCM is caused by Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Fire, Spleen Qi Deficiency, or Kidney Essence Deficiency.

2. Acupuncture & herbs can calm the mind, improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity.

3. Diet & lifestyle changes, including warm foods, reducing sugar, and practicing Qigong, support ADHD management naturally.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ADHD is viewed as an imbalance in the body's Qi, Shen (mind/spirit), and organ systems, mainly involving the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys. Instead of treating only symptoms, TCM focuses on restoring balance, calming the Shen, and strengthening Qi to improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, and support emotional stability.