ADHD Treatment: A Holistic Approach With Ayurveda
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition impacting both children and adults, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Conventional treatments for ADHD typically involve a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications. However, alternative therapies like Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine originating from India, can provide a unique, holistic approach to managing ADHD.
Understanding ADHD under the Ayurveda Concept
ADHD is not mentioned as an entity in Ayurveda. However, some irregular behaviour has been recorded in Ayurveda, that could possibly be linked with ADHD.
Dhee’s vitiation (rational thinking)
Smriti’s (memory)
Dhriti (the retaining/intellect force of the mind)
This triggers/causes irregular behavior that leads to improper interaction between the senses and their goals. This results in impulsivity, overactivity, and inattention, which are the distinctive features of ADHD.
It is generally defined that there are two subdoshas in the part of Smriti (memory):
Sadhaka Pitta (monitors emotions and their effect on the functioning of the heart)
Prana Vata (controls the mind, sensory perception, and brain)
As Ayurveda refers to these two ADHD subdoshas, Medhya (non-tropical herbs that enhance mental function and balance) and Herbs that pacify Vata are the main lines of treatment.
Vata dosha controls the functions of movement, activity, the process of thought, expression, perception of sense objects, etc. Things experienced by the sense organs should be distinguished between helpful or negative, good or bad, and this is achievable by the smooth functioning of the mind.
According to Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three biological energies, or doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. ADHD is primarily associated with an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement, thought, and perception. Individuals with ADHD often exhibit characteristics of a Vata imbalance such as restlessness, difficulty focusing, and impulsivity.
Treatment of ADHD:
Adhd is the predominant Vata dosha behavioral condition that affects manovaha strotas. As a result, a therapy that corrects the imbalance of the dosha improves and normalizes brain problems with memory, intelligence, focus, learning capacity, speech production, etc. Can prove successful in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
To manage ADHD, Ayurveda aims to restore balance in the Vata dosha through a combination of dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body practices. In addition to psychotherapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, etc. The use of ayurvedic treatment methods will accelerate progress. Medicines to improve the digestive system, intellect, and mental state are provided in Ayurveda and panchakarma therapies.
Dietary Adjustments: Ayurveda recommends a diet that calms the Vata dosha. This includes warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods. Consuming adequate amounts of good-quality fats, like ghee and olive oil, can also be beneficial as they are grounding and nourishing for the nervous system. Foods that aggravate Vata, such as cold, dry, and raw foods, or stimulants like caffeine, should be minimized.
Herbal Remedies: Several herbs are used in Ayurvedic medicine to calm the nervous system and enhance focus.
1. Ashwagandha
It is the strongest herb used to improve the nervous system. It enhances brain function, improves comprehension and cognitive function. Widely used to reduce tension, anxiety, forgetfulness, sleeplessness, boost physical ability, and as herbal rejuvenation. It’s going to complement Vata Dosha.
2. Brahmi
It’s a great memory-enhancing Ayurvedic herb. Its antioxidant action helps improve cognitive abilities and improves memory.
Its antioxidant action helps improve cognitive abilities and improves memory.
3. Guduchi
Improves digestion, relieves ama, enhances immunity, improves cognitive and memory performance relieves anxiety and stress.
4. Shankapushpi
Increases intelligence and memory used in mental illness, anxiety, relieves sleeplessness, depression, improves metabolism, immunity, and physical stamina.
5. Ghee
Ghee is highly beneficial for memory improvement. Ayurveda suggests that it be included in the regular diet. Daily, including dietary ghee with proper dosage, It helps improve digestion, memory, intelligence, smooth functioning of the sense organs, wisdom, immunity, luster, speech. It feeds and rejuvenates the body of all ages. It’s a compromise between Vata and Pitta dosha.
Lifestyle Modifications: Regular routines and structure can help balance Vata. A consistent sleep-wake schedule, regular meal times, and a predictable daily routine can provide a sense of stability and calm. Regular exercise, particularly calming activities like yoga, can also be beneficial.
Mind-Body Practices: Practices like meditation and yoga can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Specifically, mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment without judgement, can enhance self-control and attention. Yoga poses, or asanas, can help reduce restlessness and promote calmness.
The principle involved in treating ADHD
Deepana and Pachana—
This theory corrects the digestive fire and digests ama. In this way, it corrects the appetite, removes the canal obstructions by eliminating the ama and helps to properly feed all seven tissues.
Strotoshodhan (cleansing the channels) –
Primarily the channels that perform brain functions are affected. The natural flow of doshas is obstructed and causes a loss of attention, learning impairment, impaired memory, etc. Ayurvedic herbs, such as helping to remove obstruction in channels particularly manovahastrotas. Because of its penetrating and digestive properties, it clears the canals by digesting the ama and helps the brain to function normally.
Effective Therapies for ADHD
Panchakarma treatment for ADHD
It is commonly used in children to develop voice, memory, and intelligence. ‘Vacha’ indicates ‘talking.’ Rejuvenates the brain and nervous system. It balances the Vata with the Kapha dosha. Helps improve the digestion force. Due to its scraping properties, it eliminates excess Kapha and is thus commonly used in obesity.
1. Abyanga (body oil massage)
Body oil massage is performed in a classical approach that helps alleviate Vata dosha, relaxes the muscles of the body, and soothes the mind.
2. Shirodhara
A classical technique for pouring medicinal liquids over the head. And is used to treat heat-related illness. It calms your mind, increases your concentration, relieves sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, etc. Vata relieving liquids is more effective for patients with ADHD.
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that Ayurvedic practices should complement, not replace, conventional ADHD treatments. Ayurveda should be part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan that may also include medication, behavioral therapy, and other interventions.
Ayurveda provides a holistic and personalized approach to managing ADHD, targeting not just the symptoms, but the overall well-being of the individual. By focusing on dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body practices, Ayurveda aims to restore balance in the body and mind, promoting focus, calmness, and improved control over impulses. As with any treatment approach, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to develop an ADHD management plan that’s tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
Recovery from the adverse effects of autism and hyperactivity and issues with attention can be achieved. Seek support that aligns with your values and take good care of your agni!
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