Acupuncture for the Treatment of ADHD
ADHD is still a somewhat elusive condition inasmuch that conventional doctors can only theorize on its cause(s). Symptoms are also just as hard to pin down as they may very well be associated with ADHD or another affliction. These include learning delays, tics or muscle spasms, insomnia, depression and behavioral problems. Psychostimulants are the conventional drug of choice for treatment of ADHD. Interestingly, even though these medications are labeled as stimulants, when administered to someone with ADHD it acts as a mild sedative, calming the individual. Currently, some of these medications go by brand such as Adderall, Ritalin and Dexedrine. Unfortunately, some pharmaceuticals have been linked to random bouts of side effects including sudden death in children with heart problems. Therefore, another approach to this condition is through holistic remedies. Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) works with ADHD using acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. These remedies enable the body to embrace their healing capabilities in a slow, safe, monitored protocol that can often have a profound, positive result.
Acupuncture: Energy Focus
Acupuncture has been studied by researchers from Japan’s University of Toyama on its effects of brain response. Labelled as a brain hemodynamic study, it was reported that acupuncture drastically diminished activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. This area is associated with hyperactivity as well as other socio-emotional disturbances such as schizophrenia and ADHD. Licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Lisanti, will determine your specific ADHD symptoms and address them by safely and comfortably manipulating specific acupuncture points such as Spleen (SP6), Liver (LR3) and Large Intestine (LI4). These points are a fraction of many others that can show great promise in alleviating this challenge in adults as well as children alike.
Clinical Nutrition: The Science of Medicinal Eating
Many weak food choices can often lead to or assist ADHD. In fact, the FDA is considering a requirement for companies to divulge food dye, especially yellow food dye #5, in their ingredients. Some theories link yellow #5 as compromising the hypothalamus which is located in the brain. This can result in restlessness, confusion, irritability and anger, four main symptoms of ADHD. IMS educates on how certain foods can adversely affect ADHD. Dyes, synthetic sugars, corn syrup, high fructose, white flour, white rice and a multitude of other choices may be playing a role in your or your child’s challenge.
Homeopathy: Calming the Deep Waters
Homeopathy is another tool that Dr. Lisanti may use in softening or possibly eliminating ADHD symptoms. This practice is over 200 years old and incorporates ‘like’ symptoms found in nature to essentially burn out a patient’s similar symptoms. Some ADHD homeopathic remedies are: Argentum nitricum – used to calm two wills at war; Calcarea bromatum – may reduce restlessness in overweight, weak muscled children; and Lyssinum – quells the easily enraged.
Many other IMS remedies can prove useful including environmental medicine, detoxification (especially heavy metal buildup) and nutraceutical supplementation. At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.
Additional resources and information for Adderall alternatives can be found here.