Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, but it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can impact various aspects of an individual's life, including academic performance, social relationships, and daily functioning.
What is the approach of Chinese medicine towards recognizing ADHD?
In accordance with principles of traditional Chinese medicine, ADHD is believed to stem from four primary causes.
Initially, excessive consumption of rich and creamy foods by children may lead to spleen discomfort, causing an increase in internal heat within the spleen and stomach. This heat imbalance can deplete body fluids and give rise to dryness. When dryness reaches an extreme level, it may trigger a wind-like condition, characterized by its dynamic nature.
Secondly, in instances where children exhibit unusual behaviour, parents often refrain from intervening, leading to the development of entrenched habits that prove challenging to break.
Thirdly, in early childhood, when children cry and fall asleep before achieving complete comfort, it can lead to dryness of liver qi in the body, causing a subsequent imbalance of dryness, heat, and wind. This imbalance may contribute to restlessness and a tendency towards ADHD.
Furthermore, the child's selective eating habits, particularly the avoidance of vegetables, can result in constipation, subsequently causing gastrointestinal discomfort and restlessness, which leads to the disturbance of Shen (mood).
Chinese medicine places emphasis on syndrome differentiation and treatment, categorizing ADHD into three distinct syndromes. These include liver and spleen incompatibility, typically found in lean children; Qi stagnation phlegm dampness type, prevalent in overweight children; and Absent-minded syndrome, frequently observed in children with cognitive and attention deficits. By accurately identifying the specific syndrome, whether employing Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture for treatment, a more targeted approach can be taken.
Authored by Chris Wu
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