Using Yoga to Calm the Body and Mind
It is known that yoga is a mind-body exercise that is more than just exercise – and this mind-body connection has been studied. We are aware that it can improve the symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, chronic back pain, migraines, and ADHD.
In 2016, Harvard Health reported that in 2012, 3 percent of the nation’s children were doing yoga regularly. While that may not seem like a large number, that was 400,000 more children practicing yoga than the year 2007.
The uptick in yoga practice has prompted an increase in research on yoga in children, and it has found that “yoga can improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behavior, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children. Emerging research studies also suggest that yoga can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by improving the core symptoms of ADHD, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can also boost school performance in children with ADHD.”
In yet another research study conducted in India in 2012, 69 school-age children attended a once or twice weekly yoga class. After one year, the parents and teachers of the students completed questionnaires – 46 percent of the teachers reported that the children had significant improvement in behavior, and 92 percent of the parents reported a significant improvement in behavior.
I could go on and on about the research regarding yoga and ADHD but suffice it to say – a regular yoga practice works to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture restores energy flow. While I have not tried it myself, many people with ADHD feel they benefit from acupuncture. It is said to improve focus and calm the mind and body.
The purpose of acupressure is to bring back balance in energy systems of the body and treat illnesses, calm emotions, and rejuvenate the spirit. Who couldn’t use a little rejuvenation of the mind?
I have recently begun to use some simple acupressure routines in the morning and at times during the day when I start to feel overwhelmed or stressed. I’m not sure yet about the full benefit, but I do know that taking a few moments to calm my breathing and get back in the moment certainly helps.
Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Symptoms
“Mindfulness” is quite the buzzword these days. Meditation for ADHD may be hard for those who find it difficult to stay in one place. However, according to researchers, mindfulness-based training is an effective intervention for treating ADHD.
Although there are several definitions of mindfulness, one research study cites mindfulness as, “a trait or set of skills such as being nonreactive, observing with awareness, acting with awareness, describing with awareness, and adopting a nonjudgmental approach towards one’s experience.”
Mindfulness training, through the use of meditation, helps to gain mindfulness, which subsequently reduces ADHD symptoms.
Research is promising regarding using mindfulness meditation training to treat ADHD in all age groups, but is probably not recommended as a standalone treatment and should be utilized along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other treatment options as indicated. Further research needs to be conducted in larger trials.
Essential Oils and Herbal Supplements
You can purchase several different brands of essential oils and herbal supplements to ease ADHD symptoms. I’ve tried a couple of the herbal supplements but didn’t find any that were especially helpful for myself. Others have told me they have had fantastic results with them.
There are also different essential oils that can be used to ease symptoms. I have seen several online that were mixtures of oils such as vandiver, frankincense, patchouli, and ylang ylang, all of which are useful for calming the mind, soothing the nervous system and supporting the immune system.
I have tried a couple of the oils that I believe do help.
Using a bit of the oil at the temples or back of neck you catch the scent of it throughout the day. I don’t particularly like the smell though, so for me, it’s kind of a toss-up over how much it helps versus if I can stand to smell it all day.
There are many choices regarding your personal alternative treatments for ADHD plan. Different things work for different people. Listen to your body and do what is best for you.
I have found that proper nutrition, exercise, and meditation are the best things I can do to keep my symptoms at a manageable level. These alternative treatments for ADHD are relatively easy and always within my grasp.
It might take a little planning, but anything you do to take care of your body and mind is never wasted.
Resources
Harvard Health (Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Harvard Health (More Than Just a Game: Yoga for School-Age Children)
