Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is categorized by a collection of symptoms. The pathology of ADHD, which is the understanding of the cause and effects of disease, is unique to the individual. This is because symptoms of ADHD manifest quite differently in each person. ADHD can also co-exist and or overlap with other conditions.
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical science that understands individuals are unique, and therefore holistic healing needs to be as unique as the individual. While ADD and ADHD are not specifically identified in its ancient texts, the symptoms are. Ayurveda as a holistic medical science provides deep insights into why varying collections of symptoms manifest in individuals. As well as profound solutions to restore balance and harmony.
Before diving into the Ayurvedic view on ADHD, I want to be clear that a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD is not a diagnosis of something being “wrong with you.” In fact, many people with ADD/ADHD or symptoms associated with these conditions are very successful, extremely empathetic, exceptionally gifted, uniquely creative and highly functional. All too often, however, individuals with ADD or ADHD can be undervalued, cast aside or severely misunderstood.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a chronic disorder of attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination that affects adults and children where the cause is not specifically identifiable other than subjective testing.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD can present differently in different individuals, with some people primarily showing symptoms of inattention (often referred to as ADD) and others showing predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (often referred to as ADHD). A combination of both is also common.
Symptoms of Inattention:
Difficulty Sustaining Attention: Trouble focusing on tasks or activities, especially for extended periods.
Careless Mistakes: Making errors in schoolwork, work tasks, or other activities due to inattention to details.
Does Not Seem to Listen: Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly.
Difficulty Following Instructions: Struggling to complete tasks or follow through on instructions.
Disorganization: Poor organizational skills, leading to messy work or living spaces or forgetting to complete tasks.
Avoids Tasks Requiring Sustained Effort: Avoidance of tasks that require prolonged mental effort, like homework or preparing reports.
Loses Things: Frequently losing items needed for tasks and activities, such as keys, books, or tools.
Easily Distracted: Being easily sidetracked by extraneous stimuli.
Forgetfulness: Forgetting daily activities, such as chores or appointments.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:
Fidgeting: Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in the seat.
Leaving Seat: Getting up from the seat when remaining seated is expected.
Running or Climbing: Inappropriate running or climbing in situations where it is not suitable.
Inability to Play Quietly: Difficulty engaging in quiet, leisure activities.
“On the Go”: Appearing to be constantly in motion, as if “driven by a motor.”
Excessive Talking: Talking excessively without regard for social appropriateness.
Blurting Out Answers: Blurting out answers before questions have been completed.
Difficulty Waiting Turn: Impatience in waiting for one’s turn.
Interrupting or Intruding: Interrupting others or intruding on conversations or games.
Ayurvedic Understanding of ADHD
The Ayurvedic doshic perspective on ADHD assesses the condition through the lens of energy and elements moving through the body and mind:
- Vata (air and ether) Imbalance: Vata dosha is responsible for movement and activity in the body and mind. An excess of Vata can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and hyperactivity.
- Pitta and Kapha Imbalances: While ADHD is primarily linked to Vata imbalance, Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas can also play a role. Pitta imbalance could contribute to irritability and frustration (excess fire resulting in heated emotions) whereas a Kapha imbalance could lead to lethargy and difficulties with motivation and sustained effort (excess earth resulting in stagnation).
The Ayurvedic elemental perspective on ADHD, therefore, breaks down the condition in to three distinct categories:
- Etheric vata: distracted without excessive activity (the dreamer)
- Airy vata: excessive activity leads to distractions (the mover)
- Earthy kapha: obstruction to receiving (the slug)
Ayurvedic Approach to Treatment
Ayurvedic treatment for ADHD focuses on restoring balance to the doshas, particularly calming vata. This can be achieved through diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and specific therapies. Here are some common approaches:
Diet
- Warm, Nourishing Foods: Emphasize warm, cooked foods that are grounding and nourishing, such as whole grains, root vegetables, and dairy products. See our Brain-Boosting Carrot and Dal Soup as warming and grounding option.
- Healthy Fats: Include ghee, sesame oil, and other healthy fats to support brain function and nervous system health.
- Avoid Stimulants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine, sugar, and processed foods that can aggravate vata.
- Hydration: Drink warm water and herbal teas to stay hydrated and calm vata. See our Herbal Tea Tonic for Focus as an option for both adults and children with ADHD.
Lifestyle
- Routine: Establish a regular daily routine with consistent meal times, sleep schedules, and activities.
- Sleep: Ensure sufficient and restful sleep
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular, moderate exercise such as yoga, walking, or swimming to balance vata energy.
- Body therapies: Including full body oil massage, Shirodhara is especially beneficial ADHD where warm herbal oil is poured over the forehead.
- Aromatherapy: Smell receptors in the nose communicate with parts of the brain and molecules can also enter bloodstream and interact with hormones and enzymes – calming aromas include lavender, ylang ylang, sweet orange and jasmine.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to calm the mind and reduce stress.
Meditation and Mindfulness resources:
The objectives for mediation are compounding. The intention is to build focus, sustain focus, and finally to merge your entire being with what you are focusing on.
ADHD and Hormonal Health
ADHD can impact various aspects of a persons life, including the female menstrual cycles. In Ayurveda, vata dosha, which is responsible for motion, plays an important role in the regulation and manifestation of the menstrual cycle. As symptoms of ADHD are predominantly the result of a vata imbalance, the regularity and manifestation of the menstrual cycle can be affected by interfering with hormonal fluctuations, PMS and PMDD symptoms, not to mention overall wellbeing.
Increasing studies are demonstrating correlations between neurodiverse pathologies and menstrual cycles. Ayurveda has a strong understanding of this relationship and provides ancient holistic nutrition and lifestyle therapies for treatment.
Because hormones fluctuate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle, so should their supportive practices.
- During menstruation, emphasize rest. Modern culture resists rest because it is associated with laziness, lack of productivity and feelings of inadequacy. Ayurveda, however, invites a re-writing of these narratives, making rest a requirement and a prescription for healing. Restful practices during menstruation can include meditation, yoga nidra, abhyanga and taking a bath.
- After menstruation and prior to ovulation, the focus shifts to building. During thistime, digestion is stronger, exercise can increase, and tasks that require more energy can be completed.
- Ovulation is when peak energy levels are present. Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, healthy fats, dates and nuts. This is the phase of your cycle where more intense exercise can be practiced.
- After ovulation (assuming conception did not take place), prioritize the management of vata through stress reduction. Digestion is weaker so it is important to eat easy to digest meals at regular meal times. Exercise should be gentle. Hydration is very important. Cultivate nourishing practices of deep rest.
Hormones cannot be balanced if one is chronically stressed. When one is chronically stressed, the body floods with unhealthy levels of cortisol. When in fight or flight response, progesterone can turn into cortisol but cortisol cannot turn back into progesterone because the body always prioritizes survival. In order to balance the hormones, the stress response has to be addressed, especially in cases of ADHD. Healing requires honoring the pace of the body and there is beauty in leaning into nature’s rhythms and the rhythms of one’s own body.
ADHD, as a diagnosis, refers to a collection of symptoms but diagnoses alone do not provide a clear understanding of the cause and effect of imbalances. Ayurveda considers the unique constitution of individuals, the pathology of their imbalances, as well as individualized treatment plans for restoring balance and harmony.
Whether child, adult, female or male, if you are experiencing ADD or ADHD, there is one important takeaway from this article that must be emphasized: nothing is inherently wrong with you. You were born from the divine. Ailments can heal. Your sensitivities can be your superpowers. Understanding how your sensitivities can serve you, and what you can do to support them, can be a guiding compass on your holistic health and inner harmony journey.
Article authored by Chloe Chaput, who is dedicated to her role as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist to work with women’s health, male and female fertility challenges, parents or caregivers, and children to address a variety of clinical health concerns at the root of their cause. Contact Path Wellbeing today to set up your appointment with Chloe Chaput, CAS.
The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace the direct advice of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a medical or other professional healthcare provider when considering a new health regime.
