"Understanding ADHD before label the child, recognising signs and providing support"

Introduction:

ADHD or attention deficit hyper activity disorder is one of the most common neuro developmental and behavioral disorder among children. It is characterized by three different patterns: inattention, hyperativity and impulsivity. In India prevalence of ADHD according to a survey found 8.8% in preschool children 6.3% in primary school children. Boys are affected more often and estimate suggest about 10 million Indian children maybe diagnosed yearly. It is need of the hour to understand ADHD among children, its early signs to identify  and to take early interventions in prevention of ADHD.

Symptoms and signs:

Inattention: 

lack of attention / distractibility, difficulty with organization and forgetfulness / lack of memory. 

Hyperativity: 

1. Fidgeting: Tapping hands/feet, squirming in their seat. 

2. Unable to stand still or staying seated- when expected to stay seated, running/climbing inappropriately. 

3. Always moving 

4. Unable to play quietly 

5. Excessive talking 

6. Interrupting games or conversations.

Impulsivity:

Involves acting, speaking, or reacting quickly without thinking the consequences, often characterized by interrupting, impatience, risky behavior, and emotional outbursts.

Impact on daily life : 

Persistent symptoms of ADHD impact on child's daily life by disrupting focus, impulsive control and activity regulation, leading to challenges at home, in school and society. This commonly results in poor academic performance, strained relationships, high stress & low esteem.

Breaking the stigma:

Children with ADHD are not badly behaved but are struggling with self regulation. We need to focus on training the children to be calm by focusing on neurodiversity, emphasizing ADHD brains to be creative, adventurous and capable of deep focus.

Diagnosis and support: 

ADHD in children is diagnosed by professionals, using diagnostic criteria DSM-5-TR and other tools, rating scales. The symptoms of ADHD must be present before the age of 12 and can be identified as early as 3 to 5 years of age. The symptoms of ADHD lasting over 6 months affecting daily routine in multiple settings like Home, School and Society. There is no single test for ADHD, it needs proper History,  Physical examination, and inputs from parents and or teachers.

Treatment involves combination of behavioural therapy educational support and sometimes medication.

Ayurveda perspective of ADHD :

In Ayurveda Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered as a type of Unmada with Predominence of Vata Dosha. It is managed through a holistic approach aimed at calming the aggravated Vata dosha, improving cognitive abilities (by using Medhya Rasayana), and promoting overall mental balance. Treatment focuses on Panchakarma  treatment procedures (natural therapies & detoxification) Herbal medicines, and lifestyle modifications.

Key Ayurvedic Treatment Options:

Panchakarma Therapies

Personalized detoxification procedures are used to pacify aggravated Vata and nourish the nervous system.

1. Basti (Medicated Enema): Considered one of the most effective therapies for Vata imbalance. It helps calm the nervous system and improve behavioral control.

Other Panchakarma procedures may be advised based on the child’s individual constitution and symptoms.

2. Shirodhara

A deeply relaxing therapy in which warm medicated oil or herbal milk is poured continuously over the forehead.

Benefits:

Reduces hyperactivity

Improves attention and concentration

Calms anxiety and restlessness

Enhances mental clarity

3. Nasya Karma

Administration of medicated oils or powders through the nostrils to stimulate and strengthen brain function.

Benefits:

Improves cognitive function

Enhances memory and alertness

Promotes mental calmness

4. Medhya Rasayanas (Herbal Tonics)

Specific Ayurvedic herbs are used to support brain development and behavioral regulation:

Brahmi (Centella asiatica): Improves concentration and reduces ADHD symptoms

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Acts as a natural brain tonic and calms the mind

Vacha (Acorus calamus): Supports speech, learning, and cognitive functions

Ashwagandha: Helps manage stress, anxiety, and emotional instability

These herbs are prescribed in safe, child-appropriate formulations.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary Guidelines:

To balance Vata dosha, children are advised to follow:

Warm, freshly cooked, and easily digestible foods

Regular meal timings

Avoidance of junk food, excess sugar, and cold beverages

Daily Routine:

A structured lifestyle plays a major role in ADHD management:

Fixed schedules for sleep, meals, and study

Adequate rest and limited screen time

Calm and supportive home environment

Yoga and Mindfulness:

Gentle physical activities and relaxation techniques help improve attention and behavior:

Simple yoga postures

Breathing exercises

Meditation and mindfulness practices

Conclusion:

Ayurveda offers a safe, natural, and effective approach to managing ADHD in children by addressing the root cause rather than only controlling symptoms. With proper guidance, Ayurvedic therapies can significantly improve focus, behavior, and overall quality of life.

Note:

Ayurvedic treatments should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician, especially in children. Self-medication is not recommended.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are those of the author, developed through AI-assisted collaborative writing. Sources and data from various evidence based research articles and internet.

“SWARNA PRASHANA” – The Golden Drops.

 

• What is Swarna Prashana ?

= Swarna + Prashana

Swarna – Gold Particle / Ash of Gold / Gold Nano particle.

Prashana – Made to lick / Act of consuming.

• Concept of Swarna Prashana :

Concept of Swarna Prashana is explained in Ancient Ayurvedic Texts, At the times when the superior metels like gold and silver are used in treatment aspect ( i.e to achieve Deha siddhi). Swarna Prashana method is explained in Ayurvedic texts mainly in – Kashyapa Samhita ( Ancient text of Ayurveda Pediatrics ), Shusruta Samhita, Ashtanga Sangraha etc..The aim of Swarna Prashana is Same but there is slight difference of opinion in method of preparation and installation of the same to the child.

Basically Swarna Prashana is a part of Jatakama Samskara (Rituals done immediately after birth) Acc. To Hindu parampara. During this, Swarna Bhasma(~Classically prepared Ash of gold is made compatible to body ) is made to lick mainly along with Honey and Ghee ( other extracts of herbs possessing rejuvenation, immune modulator effects are added accordingly).

Benefits of Swarna Prashana Samskara – Child develops Non Specific Natural Immunity against many diseases, Improves memory, concentration, overall growth and development.

• Age Group – From Birth to 16 years of Age – Dosage of Swarna prashana differs Accordingly.

• Indications – Normal children, Mainly Children of Vata, Pitta Prakriti.

• Contra Indications – Kapha Prakriti Childrens – Suffering from – Kapahja vyadhi’s, Indigestion, Fever, Diarrhoea, Dysentry etc.

• Frequency – Generally Swarna Prashana is done once on every Pushya Nakshatra Day of every month as per Indian calendar.

Swarna Prashana done on every month continuously from birth to minimum of 5 year of age is beneficial. In children who suffer from repeated infections, children who become sick on and off, in case of immune deficiency state can continue up to the age of 16years or as Ayurvedic Doctor Advise.

• Why on Pushya Nakshatra Day..?

 Acc to  Hindu culture, Ayurvedic text reference and belief that, Pushya Nakshatra day is holey day- Swarna prashana done on that particular day will bring enhanced effect of the procedure and more beneficial to the child.

• Note: Consult Authentic Ayurvedic Hospitals or Clinics for Swarna Prashana, where Ayurvedic Pediatrician or Ayurvedic doctor are available. Before administering Swarna Prashana Drops to every child, need brief medical examination about general health condition and assessment of Growth and Development by Ayurvedic Doctor.

Shayyamutra (~ Bed wetting)

 

Introduction:

In Ayurveda shayyamutra is mentioned in Sharangadhara samhita. Shayyamutra is involuntary passage of urine during sleep, in contemporary science it is known as Nocturnal Enuresis or Bedwetting. It is a common problem in children. It becomes concern when this problem persists beyond the age of 7years. Although bedwetting is a serious issue, due to which child and family members feel ashamed or embarrassed. It can become one of the causes for stress to child and family.

Most of the children stop bedwetting as they grow older as they reach to 4 to 6 years of age. Even if it persists beyond the age of 6 years, it becomes a cause to worry.

Causes for Shayyamutra :

There are many causes for shyayamutra and it is treatable. Acc to contemporary science bedwetting can also due to genetic cause- if a parent or sibling has the sme issue. Acc to Ayurveda the formation and excretion of urine is controlled by Pranavayu, vyanavayu, Avalambaka kapha, and Apana vayu. Excretion of urine is one of the main functions of Apana vayu, which is controlled by Prana vayu and Vyana vayu. In children < 6years of age there is incomplete development of Dosha and Dhatu’s ( Aparipakwa dhatu avastha). Therefore the Doshas in them are not able to control the proper functioning of excretion of urine. Hence shayyamutra is common among children before the age of 6years.

Other causes for sayyamutra:

a.      Kapha kara Ahara – Intake of excessive sweets, curd, oily foods.

b.     Atinidra – Excessive sleep.

c.      Chinta, Bhaya, Shoka – Stress Anxiety and sorrow.

d.     Emotional poblems, Behavioural problems, and

e.      Worm infestation

Acc to contemporary science, recurring bedwetting may be due to underlying medical conditions like – Urinary tract infections, Diabetes, Constipation, Anatomical malformations of urethra, Spinabifida etc..

 

Ayurveda Treatment principle:

a.      Krimiharana – Deworming.

b.     Normalizing Kapah and Vata dosha’s

c.      Satvavajaya chikitsa – Counseling – to improve the confidence and self-esteem of the child.

d.     Medhya drugs – To improve the brain function.

e.      Other treatment accordingly to treat the underlying cause.

 

Common herbs useful in the treatment of Shayyamutra / Bedwetting:

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (convolvulus prostrates), Vidanga (Emblica ribes), Guduchi (Tinospors cordifolia), Yeshtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Bimbi (Leucas aspera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) etc.

Autism Awareness Month - Ayurveda can Help..

 

World Autism Awareness Day – 2^nd April

 

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Early symptoms of autism  can develop in a child before the age of three. Those symptoms include, lack of eye to eye contact, repetitive behavior, difficulty in verbal and non verbal communication, social interaction and play. Even though symptoms Autism might not be evident before the age of two, become evident after the age of three. Some early indicators of autism include your child not smiling, not displaying enjoyment, not babbling, and not beginning to speak.

The early identification and appropriate treatment of Autistic features are necessary to ensure appropriate psychological, behavioural, and social development. Ayurveda is beneficial for Autism. Autism might be classified as a minor form of Unmada in Ayurveda. Hence Ayurvedic treatment mainly aims at alleviating Vata dosha. For this, the child is subjected to Special Ayurvedic Treatment procedures – 

 

* Abhyanga ( massage) with medicated oil.

* Swedana (sudation).

* Matra basti ( Medicated enema).

* Shirodhara (pouring of medicated liquids).

* Picchu dharana (medicated swabs on head).

* Nasya ( Medicated nasal drops).

* Ayurvedic oral medicines.

    The improvements in Autistic features are expected after 3 to 4 course of Ayurveda treatment. Improvement is also depends on age of the child, chronicity of the condition and the number of presenting Autistic features.