Acupuncture for the Treatment of ADD and Hyperactivity
By Susie Orenstein-Turner, L.Ac, MPA

Between three to six percent of our school children suffer from
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder (ADD/ADHD) with symptoms including inability to
focus, distractibility, and hyperactivity.  

Children can begin to show these behavior deficits as early as at
age two or three. Many reasons have been given as to why
children are challenged by attention and learning disorders. They
include brain disorders, chemical imbalances, heredity,
environmental influences nutritional deficiencies and food
allergies.  

According to Nina Anderson, author of ADD the Natural
Approach, parents are encouraged to medicate their children -
before any other options have been explored. Thus, over six
million children regularly take prescribed pharmaceutical drugs to
help control ADD and hyperactivity.  While the medications may
increase their attention span and their ability to focus on a task,
these drugs do not address the underlying problems that cause
such challenges.   

It is time we begin to ask whether attention and learning
disorders warrant the indiscriminate rush to prescribe
medications, and whether alternative treatments can reduce or
eliminate the imbalance, while causing no ill side effects.  Long -
term solutions must be considered to restore balance rather
than mask symptoms.  Alternatives to medications exist - such
as acupuncture and Chinese herbs, which have been effective in
treating individuals for 5,000 years.  

According to Anderson, hyperactivity is seen as a high energetic
state that makes it difficult to focus in one’s environment.  It can
be regarded as “a lot of energy with no place to go”.  
Acupuncture regulates this energy and creates an even flow
rather than an erratic one.  

One study, published in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxabustion,
followed 155 children ranging from 5 to 14 years old who were
administered acupuncture, and a control group of 58 children
who were administered Ritalin. The acupuncture, based on a
three-month treatment modality performed by Dr. Jiu Rui-jiao in
China, heavily emphasized head points.  The treatment success
rate in the acupuncture group was 83%, while the treatment
success rate in the Ritalin group was 88%.

Although the treatment efficacy from the two different protocols
did not differ significantly, after both therapies had been
stopped for one month, the positive treatment effect in the
acupuncture group remained at 83% whereas the treatment
positive effect in the Ritalin group decreased to 33%.  The study
showed that Ritalin controls the symptoms associated with
ADD/ADHD only as long as it is taken and it does not cure the
disease.  The advantage of using acupuncture is that it is not
short lived, and post-treatment recurrence rates are low.  

Another example of successful alternative treatment for
ADD/ADHD is a six-week clinical trial of a specific ear acupressure
protocol, led by Dr. Michael Smith, M.D, which was conducted in
2002 at the Child Psychiatry Clinic at Lincoln Hospital in New
York.  Thirteen boys were selected and responded favorably
within the first week to treatment of an acupressure bead
placement.  The bead treatment seemed to initiate a reparative
process that does not require prolonged stimulation - beyond
the six weeks, to be effective.  The boys’ obvious behavioral
changes included less fidgeting, better listening, less acting out
and reduced aggression.

Hyperactivity can also be controlled by Chinese herbs.  A four
week study, noted in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Chinese-
Western Medicine, examined 70 children who were divided into
two groups.  Thirty-seven children were administered a Chinese
hyperactive calmer.  Another 33 children were given 10 mg of
Ritalin. There were no statistically marked differences in the
therapeutic effectiveness. However, the children in the Ritalin
group experienced more severe side effects, such as loss of
appetite, than those treated with Chinese herbs.  

Nutrition: In many cases, children with attention disorders and
hyperactivity have nutritional deficiencies that are causing their
symptoms.  Once they are given the appropriate nutritional
supplements to correct the imbalance, their symptoms can be
diminished.   

Once the child’s digestive system is balanced, absorption of
essential vitamins and minerals can occur allowing the brain and
nervous system to settle down.  As a result the child can sort
out emotions and thoughts, and attain restful sleep. Naturally,
the child can then focus in school and productivity may improve.  
Supplements may include a liquid multivitamin for best
absorption, minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes, pro-biotics,
green food powders and whey protein powder.  I recommend
avoiding all foods with dyes, colors, preservatives and additives.  
Such ingredients can worsen symptoms.  

Chinese Herbs:  During the first consultation a specific formula
will be chosen to treat the underlying condition.    Symptoms
such as insomnia, restlessness and excessive activity are in the
category of excess heat. Tantrums, destructive behavior and
violence are in the heat and phlegm category.  Poor appetite,
pale face and great thirst are indicators of a weak digestion.
Lastly, frequent colds or a long term illness may indicate a kidney
deficiency.  Each category has a corresponding herbal  formula
that will be chosen as part of the treatment protocol.

In conclusion, the notion of applying the same therapeutic drug
to all children with behavioral problems is daunting.  Hopefully
this article has shed some light on alternative treatments for  
ADD/ADHD.  For those of you whose children have been labeled
with attention disorders, consider utilizing acupuncture, nutrition
and Chinese herbs before you chose to medicate.  

Attention Deficit Disorder