The following is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health by R. G. Heft (Acupuncture Physician FL 1992- 2002) based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the questioning and counseling of 10,000+. TCM is based on the theory, observation that everything, including the body is an ongoing balance of opposites, many of which we control through diet, herbs, exercise, thought, etc.
For the serious, health-minded person: If you cannot afford or do not want to risk $20 or less for an unknown author, book (available on Amazon), then I will give, send you the E Book (adobe file, 1.005 KB) for free. No gimmicks. It is the only thing I have to sell unless you want to pay for my advice, the majority of which you will find in this article, and my book, concerning this one symptom, which is why I wrote the book, to make you not only smarter but also independent. Read the whole book, beginning to end (317 pages), before making any changes. The information is complex yet simple. Consult with a doctor if necessary. You are smart enough to understand.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficite Hyperactive Disorder are characterized by the psychiatric profession as neurological disorders that tend to attack children producing the following symptoms: (ADD) cannot stay focused, cannot pay attention, easily distracted and (ADHD) same symptoms as ADD, but also hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These symptoms are generally observed in school.
Dr. Phil, on a recent show, outlined the cause and treatment plan, which included seeing a specialist, such as himself (licensed psychiatrist and or psychologist). The treatment plan was 1. Medication, in general: Ritalin (amphetamine, stimulant drug), Adderal (amphetamine), etc., 2. Counseling, 3. Therapy and 4. Training, including simple things (parents be clear and consistent, teach children to stick to a schedule, organize, etc.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) would diagnose the child, symptoms as poor diet and lack of discipline. There no diagnosis of ADD and ADHD in TCM and Ayurvedic medicine, both 5,000+ years old. Neither would define the symptoms as a neurological disorder. Nor would they recommend stimulant drugs, amphetamines to a child, unless it was a serious life threatening emergency, as the mususe of amphetamines can create neurological disorders and or drug addiction.
The Chinese physician would recommend the following treatment plan.
1. Better diet: Most inattention, hyperactivity disorders are caused by poor diet: too much sugar, starch: sodas, desserts, snacks, candies, cookies, cereals, etc.) and or too much or too little protein and fat. Protein and fat build and fuel. Too much overbuilds, over fuels creating hyperactivity, impulsiveness, etc. Too little under builds, under fuels reducing attention, ability to stay focused, becoming easily distracted, etc. The correct, daily diet, meal plan would be as follows: 1/3 protein and fat, 1/3 grain, 1/3 vegetables (3- 5, cooked, raw), spices, fruit (1), soup and or tea, two to three times per day, preferably breakfaat and lunch. For more info: read "Energetics of Food" on this blog.
2. Parents: more discipline, time spent with children, to make up for the lack of discipline, attention in today's schools, overcrowded classrooms. Parents eat the same healthy diet.
That is it. No drugs, therapy, counseling, special diagnoses, etc, just common sense, good diet and mature, disciplined parenting. You do not need a specialist. You just need to eat better and spend more time in the kitchen and with your children.
The following case history is one example.
One of my customers came to see me about her eleven year-old daughter. Her school wanted to put her daughter (extremely thin) on Ritalin in addition to the drugs (4 months of Adderall and Dexedrine) she was already taking: She did not know what to do. I told her to bring her daughter in and let me question her. I had never counseled a child before but I did not think it would be any different from an adult. She brought her daughter in. I sat and questioned her. There was nothing wrong with her except for poor diet (under built) and lack of attention, at home and in the schoolroom: overcrowded classrooms. I told her mother to start feeding her more protein, building foods (red meat, hamburgers, eggs, chicken, etc.) especially for breakfast. She was already eating grains and vegetables. I also advised fish liver oil (capsules) in addition to greater personal attention. Months later she wrote me a letter thanking me saying that her daughter was now getting all A's and one B (math) without the use of Ritalin or any other drug.
Author Resource:-
Web: http://www.wordpress.com/richardheft, Acupuncture Physician (FL 1992- 2002), owner, operator, Food and Thought health food store, Hollywood, FL (1984- 2001), author, Hot and Cold Health (c) 2003