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Disclaimer: Before starting any form of treatment, consult a mental healthcare professional. Ayurvedic treatment cannot cure ADHD and you need to see a psychiatrist, RCI-registered clinical psychologist, clinical psychologist associate, or PsyD for a proper treatment plan and guidance.
In the vibrant city of Thiruvananthapuram, where life never takes a break, there are Ayurvedic solutions waiting to help adults dealing with ADHD. In this blog, we have discussed in detail how Ayurveda can make a difference in managing ADHD and set off on a journey toward better well-being.
It can be frustrating if you've been having difficulty staying focused on work or having the motivation to complete your to-do list. When you don't accomplish the goals you set for yourself, it's all too simple to blame yourself.
You might be wondering if this means you have ADHD. The answer is….maybe.
ADHD symptoms could impact certain parts of your behaviour. People are sometimes labelled as lazy. Perhaps, a better way to put it would be lack of motivation.
Individuals with ADHD are not, in fact, lazy. The idea stems from misconceptions about how ADHD impacts people.
ADHD is typically caused by a combination of biological or genetic factors as well as environment or life experiences. Studies showed variations in the brains of ADHD youngsters and normally developing children.
What are the characteristics associated with ADHD?
People with ADHD frequently have a lot of energy and a lively personality. Individuals with ADHD are frequently creative, imaginative, and spontaneous. Also, people with ADHD frequently have a distinct perspective because of their tendency to 'think outside the box.'
People with the condition may also battle with difficulties in school and academic achievement, social interactions, and everyday routines. Consider your mind to be a race car with bicycle brakes. ADHD symptoms might make it difficult to suppress responses or contemplate the effects of actions in that moment. This creates a challenge for the skills required to organize or plan ahead of time.
ADHD: Adults Vs. Children
ADHD affects people throughout their lives. For many years, ADHD was assumed to be primarily a childhood disorder. But, a meta-analysis of a new study suggests that around 15% of children with ADHD retain the full diagnostic criteria by the time they turn 25.
Many people do not realize they have ADHD until they are adults. Adults with ADHD frequently have challenges at work, difficulty organising stuff or paying payments on time. They also face difficulty in building relationships and suffer from poor emotional regulation.
Ayurveda viewpoints of ADHD
Ayurveda does not recognise ADHD as a separate entity. However, some unusual behaviour has been observed in Ayurveda that may be related to ADHD.
- Dhee's (rational thinking)
- Smriti's (memory)
- Dhriti (the mind's power /intellect)
It causes/triggers irregular behaviour. This leads to an incorrect interaction between the five senses thus causing impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, which are characteristic of ADHD.
Principles of Ayurveda in treating ADHD
Panchana and Deepana
This regulates the digestive fire and helps in the digestion of ama. It corrects appetite and removes canal clogs by eliminating ama. Also, it aids in the proper feeding of all seven tissues in this manner.
Strotoshodhan (Cleansing the channels)
The channels that mediate brain processes are primarily affected in ADHD.
The natural flow of doshas becomes blocked, resulting in a lack of concentration. Additionally, leading to decreased memory, and other symptoms. Ayurvedic herbs, for example, may help in the removal of obstacles in channels, especially manovahastrotas. It clears the passageways by digesting the ama and aids the brain to operate normally due to its penetrating and digestive characteristics.
Simple Ayurvedic Practices
Fresh, organic foods prepared with smart cooking methods are recommended by Maharishi Ayurveda. This means they are cooked in a way that doesn't hinder nature's intelligence. Maintaining an Ayurvedic diet that balances the specific subdosha that may be generating the imbalance is helpful.
Daily abhyanga- ayurvedic oil massage is another effective approach to balance the doshas. It also improves learning ability. If time does not allow for a daily massage, doing it every weekend will suffice. The aroma oil can be applied to an aroma diffuser near the bed at night to aid in a deeper, more regulated sleep.
Ayurvedic Herbs for ADHD
Disclaimer: Supplements don't cure any disorder. They only ease up the process of recovery and are an important factor for holistic improvement.
Ashwagandha
It is the most powerful plant for boosting the brain's function. It promotes understanding and cognitive performance. It is often used to relieve stress, anxiety, forgetfulness, and sleeplessness, as well as to improve athletic capacity and as a natural rejuvenator. It complements Vata Dosha.
Brahmi
Brahmi is an excellent Ayurvedic herb for improving memory. Its antioxidant activity boosts cognitive functions and memory. It also helps improve digestion, alleviates ama, boosts immunity, cognitive and memory efficiency, and helps with anxiety and stress.
Shankapushpi
Shankapushpi improves digestion, immunity, and energy levels. It also helps increase intelligence and memory in mental illness, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Ghee
Ghee is said to have beneficial effects on memory. Ayurveda recommends including it in one's normal diet. It improves metabolism, memory, intelligence, smooth working of the sensory organs, wisdom, immunity, and speech when used on a daily basis. It nourishes and revitalises the body of all ages. It is a balance of Vata and Pitta doshas.
How to Get Help with ADHD?
Are you feeling unsure on how to get help with ADHD? If taking medication is not the preferred way of treatment, you could try investing in therapy. It is a great idea to work with a professional who knows about ADHD. Rocket health can be a great option for you. Our online platform can connect you to mental health professionals who help you in your journey with ADHD. Book your session today.
Resources
What is ADHD? (2021, January 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=and%20school%20support.
-,Causes%20of%20ADHD,-Scientists%20are%20studying
D. (2023, March 4). TREATMENT OF ADHD WITH AYURVEDA. EliteAyurveda Blog & Articles.
https://eliteayurveda.com/blog/treatment-of-adhd-with-ayurveda/
Ayurveda, Learning & ADHD | MAPI | Maharishi AyurVeda. (n.d.).
https://mapi.com/blogs/articles/ayurveda-learning-and-adhd
Wilkins, F., & Nikolaidis, A. (2023, May 2). How Is the ADHD Brain Different? Child Mind Institute.
https://childmind.org/article/how-is-the-adhd-brain-different/#:~:text=Scientists%
20have%20seen%20differences%20in,it’s%20more%20active%20than%20usual.
Asherson, P., & Agnew-Blais, J. (2019). Annual Research Review:
Does late-onset attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder exist?
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(4), 333-352. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13020
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