ADHD

Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD often struggle with relationships and fail to achieve their career potential. If you find ADHD symptoms tough to manage, call Acupuncture by Sue, helping patients in and around Queens, New York City. Chinese medicine and acupuncture specialist Sue Du, LAc, MS, provides effective treatment based on proven interventions that could transform your life without medication. Call Acupuncture by Sue to arrange an ADHD evaluation or complete the online booking form today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD causes three kinds of problem behaviors: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It begins in childhood, often disrupting home and school life, and is usually lifelong.

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Frequently losing things
• Disliking focused tasks
• Not listening
• Poor organizational skills

Hyperactive children have endless energy and can’t sit still. They’re often disruptive in class,  impatient, and challenging for parents and teachers. Impulsivity (acting without thinking through the consequences) usually occurs alongside hyperactivity. You may have inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a combination.

Awareness of ADHD is growing, but many people enter adulthood without a diagnosis or continue to struggle despite receiving treatment.

What non-pharmaceutical treatments are available for ADHD?

The main ADHD treatments are behavioral therapy and medication. Behavioral therapy can be invaluable, showing you how to manage the thoughts and behaviors that cause problems in daily life. Medication — typically stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate — helps certain patients by increasing activity in parts of the brain controlling ADHD behaviors.

Some people don’t react well to stimulants or their alternatives; others dislike the idea of taking medication long-term. If you’re looking for non-medication options or ways to enhance your existing ADHD treatment, Sue offers several complementary therapies, such as acupuncture.

How might traditional Chinese medicine help with ADHD?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture, is a well-established complementary ADHD therapy. TCM recognizes the connection between your mind, body, and spirit and the importance of qi – the vital energy flowing through you. TCM herbs and acupuncture treatments seek to rebalance qi and rid your body of harmful influences.

Many people with ADHD lack the ability to detoxify their bodies, meaning toxins can build up and cause inflammation. TCM practitioners believe this toxic overwhelm is a key factor in ADHD symptom severity. Sue can advise you on dietary and lifestyle changes to boost your overall health and reduce ADHD symptoms.

The most widely-used Chinese ADHD medicine is rehmanniae radix preparate, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Sue also uses auricular acupuncture, inserting tiny, thin needles into the outer ear. She varies treatment to suit your unique needs, expertly tailoring every patient’s care for optimal results.

Call Acupuncture by Sue to learn more about acupuncture and TCM for ADHD, or schedule a consultation by completing the online booking form.