Traditionally, ADHD is treated with medicines and behavior therapy. However, there are a lot of complementary therapies, when taken with the traditional medications that can help in the treatment of ADHD in children. One of these alternative treatments is acupuncture.
ADHD Treatment With Acupuncture
- Acupuncture alleviates pain, treats and prevents diseases, and promotes general health.
- Special needles are placed in different acupuncture points to restore health and function.
- These needles are retained for about 30 minutes.
- Acupuncture is inexpensive, simple, and safe.
- Different styles of acupuncture available:
- Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
- Aurical Acupuncture
- Medical Acupuncture
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- ADHD is a developmental disorder commonly diagnosed in children.
- 3-5% of school aged children are diagnosed with ADHD.
- Boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
- Symptoms of ADHD include:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Acupuncture can be a good addition to the treatment plan of individuals with ADHD because it helps moderate the symptoms of ADHD.
- It is an alternative medicine used to treat ADHD.
Acupuncture For ADHD Treatment
Acupuncture, as part of a variety of ADHD treatment options may help with:
- Improving focus and attention
- Managing moods
- Reducing fidgeting
- Improving concentration
Acupuncture may help an individual diagnosed with ADHD to gain better benefits from other treatments given to him/her.
It helps alleviate the side effects of medications given to treat ADHD.
Because children may get scared with needles that are usually used in acupuncture, needle-free acupuncture treatments, that use brushes, rollers, and blunt probes, are also available. These include:
- Stroking
- Rubbing
- Tapping
- Pressing
Side Effects Of Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is a very safe treatment method and if done correctly serious side effects are not experienced. Short-term side effects that may be experienced are:
- Light headedness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Stinging upon insertion of needle
- Slight bruising
- Residual muscle aches
Drinking water and resting after treatment may spare that patient from these side effects.
Acupuncture is relatively inexpensive. Acupuncture treatment cost varies from practitioner to practitioner.
Treatment Preparation Tips
- Bring any medical records or medications pertinent to condition.
- Eat a light meal before going to the acupuncturist for treatment.
- Wear comfortable clothes for easy access of the acupuncture points in the body.