Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

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This is a very interesting article on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) from

a TCM standpoint. The article briefly touches on what Western medicine

knows, goes into some alternative theories (that the increase in

environmental toxins and decrease in nutrition may play a role), and then

touches on some of the possible side effects of drugs like Ritalin which are

used to treat the condition. (Watch out for reduced red blood cell and

platelet counts.)

 

From a TCM standpoint ADD is a Kidney Jing (Essence) Deficiency that affects

brain development. (Remember that in TCM Kidney Jing produces Marrow which

fills the Brain (aka the Sea of Marrow). In addition Kidney Yin is

Deficient which leads to an over-expression of Yang (the hyperactivity

aspect). One symptom of Yin Deficiency is agitation.

 

The general guideline for TCM treatment is to nourish Kidney Yin, open the

Heart (these affect the brain), and settle the Yang.

 

The article mentions the classic formula Zuo Gui Wan (left restoring pill)

to tonify Kidney Yin while at the same time treating Deficiencies of " marrow

and essence " . The ingredients are rehmannia, tortoise shell, deer antler

gelatin, lycium and cornus.

 

The article states, " Phlegm obstruction of the heart orifices usually leads

to confusion, inability to concentrate, and poor memory. It occurs for a

variety of reasons, but often because of weak digestion and/or poor diet,

couple with emotional disorders, especially agitation. " In this case you

also want to check how the Spleen and Stomach are doing because these are

the systems most responsible for digestion. Agitation is a symptom of Yin

Deficiency.

 

The article suggest acorus, polygala, curcuma and alpinia. " The Chinses name

for alpinia, yizhiren, means 'the seed that benefits intelligence'. " This

is a particularly good one because it " aids digestion (preventing phlegm

accumulation), astringes the kidney to restrain the essence, and prevents

the development of heat from deficiency of kidney; the deficiency heat can

cause phlegm to become 'a mist that obstructs the heart orifices.' " Fr

(Fructus - fruit of) Alpiniae's primary classification is as a Yang tonic.

This is an herb that has a very short cooking time unlike most of them.

 

Acorus (sweetflag rhizome, Chang Pu) is classified as an herb for Opening

the Orifices. Wicke reports that it does have a sedative effect and

" potentiates the effect of barbiturates. " (Wicke, vol. 2, p. 146)(It

increases the effects of barbituarates so this is an herb that a person on

barbituarates needs to be very careful of least an overdose occur.) Rx

(Radix - root of) Polygalae (Yuan Zhi is classified as an herb for

Nourishing Heart and Calming Spirit. It also disperses Phlegm. This one

should not be taken for long periods of time as it has mild hemolytic

effects (destroys red blood cells). (Wicke, vol. 2, p. 144) Curcuma

Invigorates Blood.

 

The author recommends dragon bone or dragon teeth, oyster shell or mother of

pearl, succinum, and cinnabar for settling the Yang. I have a problem with

the bone and mineral compounds which come from China. I worry about heavy

metal contamination and impurities. The article does mention that OTC

minerals sold in the West can be substituted. For example, most drug

stores, supermarkets, and discount chain stores carry oyster shell pills in

the vitamin and mineral section. Oyster shell contains both calcium and

magnesium. What these minerals do in the traditional TCM approach is they

" bear down on the rising and disordered yang. " From the Western standpoint

they also can have a calming effect.

 

The article points out that the main problem is going to be getting the dose

of the herbs right and getting kids to take them in the tradition Chinese

form of teas and honey pills. (Some herbal teas can taste pleasant -

especially after you get used to them, but some can taste very bitter or

otherwise nasty.)

 

http://www.itmonline.org/pdf/add.pdf

 

Victoria

 

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