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Disclaimer: Before starting any form of treatment, it is important to consult a mental healthcare professional who can curate a personalised treatment plan for you.
ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder found in children.
It can influence their ability to focus, pay attention, and manage impulses.
However, the good news is that ADHD is manageable. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian holistic healing system that emphasises the balance between mind, body, and spirit, offers natural treatments that may improve the quality of life for children with ADHD.
This blog explores Ayurvedic treatment options for ADHD in India, focusing on how Ayurvedic therapies and drugs may aid children in navigating the complexities of the condition and providing them with a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Symptoms of ADHD
Children with ADHD might struggle to stay on task, follow instructions, or control their actions, often leading to challenges in school and everyday life.
Some of the common symptoms include restlessness, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty in maintaining attention, which can affect their academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
ADHD and Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, our bodies are shaped by three vital energies known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these energies are out of balance, they affect our well-being.
ADHD may be a result of an imbalance in Vata dosha. Vata governs brain functions, thought processes, and even the coordination of our senses. When Vata is imbalanced, it may lead to mental instability, speech issues, and disruptions in sensory coordination.
Children facing ADHD may have imbalances in both Vata and Pitta doshas. While Vata's instability is a big part of the puzzle, it may also affect Pitta dosha. Pitta becomes elevated, leading to high energy levels, impulsiveness, and challenges in concentrating. Vata also plays a significant role in digestion. It influences how our body's metabolism and digestion work, affecting how we process food. Imbalanced Vata may make things too dry, leading to problems like constipation, which may impact how children feel and behave. Ayurveda seeks to bring these doshas back into balance, offering a holistic approach to managing ADHD and supporting overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Children with ADHD
Disclaimer: These therapies do not address the root cause of ADHD in children and you need to be cautious while trying them out. It is always advisable to consult a mental healthcare professional who will follow a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to assess and address your mental health concerns.
Takradhara
This Ayurvedic technique involves gently pouring medicated buttermilk onto the forehead, a process that may soothe the mind and reach deep into the brain. By interacting with vital energy points known as Marmas, Takradhara has the potential to activate the immune system and enhance circulation. This improved blood flow to the brain may enhance higher intellectual functions, leading to a reduction in psychic symptoms associated with ADHD.
Thalapothichil
This is an extraordinary Ayurvedic practice, involving applying a special paste made from herbal powders and oils to the scalp. This tradition, popular in Kerala, has a simple goal: to boost relaxation and mental clarity.
Thalapothichil, meaning "covering the head" in Malayalam, is more than scalp-deep – it's a refreshing ritual. Especially useful for kids with ADHD, this therapy uses natural ingredients like Gooseberry powder, Panchagandhachoorna, and Musta to craft the paste. It's gently spread over different parts of the scalp, tucked beneath a leafy cap, and left to work its magic for 30-90 minutes.
Nasya Karma
In this Ayurvedic therapy, special herbal oils or powders are gently administered through the nostrils. This unique approach aims to enhance cognitive function and mental clarity. By targeting the nose, the gateway to the brain, this therapy not only helps clear imbalances but also strengthens various organs and channels. Nasya is particularly beneficial for the central nervous system, ensuring its well-being. This safe and painless procedure directly influences the brain, making it a recommended treatment for children with ADHD.
Herbs to improve brain function in children with ADHD
Manasamitra Vatakam
It is an Ayurvedic compound formulation with key ingredients Ashwagandha for cognition enhancement, Vacha for mental well-being, and Draksha with adaptogenic properties. With components like Bala offering antioxidant benefits and Yashtimadhu bringing anxiolytic effects, the formulation aligns with traditional Ayurvedic concepts of Medhya (cognitive enhancement) and Rasayana (cognitive promotion).
Manasamitra Vatakam may alleviate anxiety, enhance the quality of life, and even induce tranquilliser effects when combined with gold. Therefore, it may have great potential in reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms and improving overall cognitive health in children.
Brahmi Ghrita
It is a blend of potent herbs and offers a natural approach for children dealing with ADHD. One of its key ingredients, Brahmi, is recognized for its nootropic effects, aiding cognitive functions. This formulation has a history of managing psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders. Its active component, Bacoside, enhances memory, shields neurons, and improves nerve impulse transmission. Specifically, Bacoside A and B contribute to cognitive benefits and may be useful for children with ADHD.
Saraswata Churna
This is an Ayurvedic polyherbal blend, holding the potential to be beneficial support for children with ADHD. Crafted from a mix of potent ingredients like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and more, this formulation is designed to boost cognitive functions and nurture mental clarity.
Through consistent use, it has shown promise in improving Buddhi (intellect), Medha (memory), Dhriti (mind control), and even nurturing talents like Kavita Shakti (poetic abilities). For children grappling with ADHD, these aspects are crucial in addressing challenges related to attention, focus, and impulse control.
Facing ADHD can be tough for both parents and kids, but India's wealth of effective treatments offers hope. Rocket Health is here to help. Our expert doctors blend traditional wisdom with modern insights to create personalised solutions for your child's unique needs. Schedule your online appointment with Rocket Health from the comfort of your home today.
References
Travis, F., & Wallace, R. K. (2015, January 1). Dosha brain-types: A neural model of individual differences. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.172385
D. (2023, March 4). TREATMENT OF ADHD WITH AYURVEDA. EliteAyurveda Blog & Articles.
https://eliteayurveda.com/blog/treatment
-of-adhd-with-ayurveda/#:~:
text=Adhd%20is%20the%20predominant%20Vata%
20dosha%20behavioral%20condition%20that%20affects%20manovaha%20strotas.
Che, C. T., George, V., Ijinu, T. P., Pushpangadan, P., & Andrae-Marobela, K. (2017, January 1). Traditional Medicine. Elsevier eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-802104-0.00002-0
Cpt, K. D. M. R. (2023, September 19). What Are the Ayurveda Doshas? Vata, Kapha, and Pitta Explained. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vata-dosha-pitta-dosha-kapha-dosha#the-three-doshas:~:text=of%20each%20dosha.-,Vata,-Vata%20consists%20mostly
ADHD Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala | ADHD Treatment Center in Kochi. (n.d.). Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital. https://sanjeevanam.com/ayurvedic-treatments/adhd/
Sawarkar, P., Yerme, S., Mohan, M., & Sawarkar, G. (2022). Contribution of ayurveda for management of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): A case report. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S2), 488²500. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS2.5053
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