Children ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder) is one of the common disorders among children. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused or paying attention (e.g. easily being distracted, frequently switch from one activity to another, etc.) and difficulty controlling behavior, (e.g. impulsive and hyperactive, constantly in motion, etc.). For some children, the symptoms may continue into adolescence and adulthood. Treatment of ADHD usually involves combination of medications (mostly stimulants), behavioral therapy, and counseling. However, many parents are concerned about side effects of stimulant medication and uncooperativeness of children with behavioral counselors.
In recent years, acupuncture, especially auricular acupuncture, has become a popular complementary therapy for treating children suffering ADHD. According to Chinese medicine, ADHD is likely caused by insufficient nourishment of the spirit/mind, agitation by some type of heat, or orifice obstruction by static blood or phlegm. Auricular acupuncture, either used alone or in combination with body acupuncture or Western medication can help calm the disruptive nature of ADHD, reduce impulsive behavior. Studies have shown auricular acupuncture treatment, if used together with medication, can also ease side effects of medication because lower doses are needed.
In our clinic, children with ADHD respond very well after two weeks of auricular therapy and continue to show noticeable improvements in the following weeks. Once the symptoms of ADHD improve, usually after one to four months of weekly treatment sessions, patients can reduce therapy gradually.
In recent years, acupuncture, especially auricular acupuncture, has become a popular complementary therapy for treating children suffering ADHD. According to Chinese medicine, ADHD is likely caused by insufficient nourishment of the spirit/mind, agitation by some type of heat, or orifice obstruction by static blood or phlegm. Auricular acupuncture, either used alone or in combination with body acupuncture or Western medication can help calm the disruptive nature of ADHD, reduce impulsive behavior. Studies have shown auricular acupuncture treatment, if used together with medication, can also ease side effects of medication because lower doses are needed.
In our clinic, children with ADHD respond very well after two weeks of auricular therapy and continue to show noticeable improvements in the following weeks. Once the symptoms of ADHD improve, usually after one to four months of weekly treatment sessions, patients can reduce therapy gradually.