Acupuncture for ADHD
There is an increasing interest in complementary treatment methods for supporting those with suspected or diagnosed ADHD. East Asian medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine can be well placed to support those on the neurodivergent spectrum because of the regulating effect that it has on the nervous system. Traditionally used for all types of health concerns, acupuncture can assist with many of the concerns of those with ADHD, including issues with attention and focus, as well as co-occuring issues such as sleep, appetite, energy, gut, bed-wetting, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation and menstrual concerns.
Japanese acupuncture is often called “minimalist acupuncture” because it uses fewer needles with less stimulation. Because of this, I find it is particularly suitable for those with sensitive nervous systems such as those on the neurodivergent spectrum, both adults and children.
What role can acupuncture play in management of ADHD symptoms
Acupuncture can be used alongside mainstream management options for ADHD, which can make it a great concurrent support. It interacts with both the hormonal and nervous systems to increase resilience and widen an individauls window of tolerance. This can have flow on effects for improving emotional regulation and reducing sensory overhwelm.
Acupuncture can also assist those on the neruodivergent spectrum by:
Providing more tools for nervous system regulation including breathing, tapping, stroking and acupressure for “body up” approaches to slowing down the mind
Assisting with cognition, brain fog and fatigue that commonly occurs with ADHD
Assisting with hormonal interplay: many perople on the spectrum can experience fluctuations in their systems with their menstrual cycle. There is evidence that those on the spectrum also experience more comorbid menstrual issues including endometriosis, PMDD, PMS and PCOS. Acupuncture is commonly used to assist with easing symptoms of hormonal fluctations over the menstrual cycle, and this can also assist with flare ups of ADHD symptoms.
Helping with interoception and proprioception: because of the nervous system input of acupuncture I find it can improve an individuals perception of their body, leading to a better understanding of the cues and sensations coming from their body such as hunger cues, coordination and position in space and sleep cues
Helping with sleep: those on the neurodivergent spectrum commonly struggle with sleep. Acupuncture can be used to improve sleep wake cycles and symptoms of insomnia
Helping with chronic pain: there is evidence to suggest that those on the spectrum may experience more chronic pain. This may be due to the chronic stress and hieghtened nervous system states that people with ADHD experience. Acupuncture can be used to treat symptoms of chronic pain and regulate the nervous system to turn off stuck pain pathways responsible for chronic pain
Assisting with co-ocurring anxiety and depression
This is medicine that treats the whole person and doesn’t see the mind and body as separate. which can be a missing link for people with ADHD. Depending on your needs, herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle advice or supplements may also be reccomended. If you or someone you love could benefit from this support or you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help those with ADHD, reach out and I’d love to answer any of your questions!
