Have you found yourself wondering, what helps adults with ADHD? What about a child with ADHD? Have the side effects of the medications usually suggested for managing the symptoms of ADHD led you to search for holistic and alternative treatment options for ADHD? What about acupuncture?

In this article, we will be exploring acupuncture and if it works for ADHD so you can make a prepared decision for how you want to treat ADHD.

Acupuncture for ADHD

Acupuncture for ADHD can be a useful and holistic treatment choice for those looking for a natural option. Why? Acupuncture can help both children and adults manage the symptoms that come with ADHD by helping with the signals sent from the brain to the nervous system. For more information, read: Acupuncture Effects on the Body.

Now, let's get into more in-depth and explore the question, does acupuncture work for ADHD?

Does Acupuncture Work for ADHD?

This one systematic-review examined over 114 different research articles and studies to develop an understanding of how acupuncture works for ADHD. This is what it concluded:

  • 114 articles: After looking over all 114 articles, three randomized clinical trials met their criteria for being included in the review.

  • Combined treatment: The first, showed that acupuncture and behavioral health treatment for ADHD were more effective compared to only using behavioral health treatment options on their own.

  • Acupuncture on its own: The second and third randomized clinical trials, were documented demonstrating acupuncture as having a significant benefit for treating the symptoms of ADHD when compared to drug therapies often used for ADHD.

6 Acupuncture Points for ADHD

When it comes to acupuncture points for ADHD the following thirteen acupuncture points are recommended and are being used in this trial:

  1. Baihui (GV20)

  2. Sishencong (EX-HN1)

  3. Hegu (LI4)

  4. Quchi (LI11)

  5. Sanyinjiao (SP6)

  6. Taichong (LR3)

How Many Treatment Sessions are Needed for ADHD?

When it comes to how many treatment sessions are needed for treating ADHD with acupuncture, let's look at this one trial. It is meaning to see if the following treatment protocol will help those living with ADHD:

  • 6 sessions of acupuncture

  • Sessions occurring twice a week

  • A minimum of 20 minute a session

This is one option when it comes to the number of treatment sessions that may be needed for managing the symptoms of ADHD. You may also find that a minimum of 10-12 weekly sessions are beneficial for you When trying to decipher the best treatment plan, the number of needed sessions, and frequency of acupuncture sessions, always talk to the acupuncturist you are working with.

Why does the number of treatment sessions differ from person to person?

ADHD Acupuncture Treatment is Personalized

The number of treatments needed for helping a person managing the symptoms of ADHD differs from person to person because acupuncture for ADHD like other health conditions is personalized to each individual person using the principles of Chinese medicine.Want to know more about what to expect when going to an acupuncture session? Read: What is Acupuncture Treatment Like?

What will Treating ADHD with Acupuncture Cost?

The average cost per an acupuncture session can range from $75-$160. The total cost you may find yourself spending on acupuncture may be $280 to $1200 for weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture treatment for ADHD. This wide range is based on the fact that acupuncture fees differ based on location, the reason for treatment, and if you qualify for any discounts. For more information, read: How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

Complementary and Holistic Approaches to Supporting ADD/ADHD

Outside of acupuncture, there are many other ways to treat ADD/ADHD through holistic treatments. From diet, essential oils, and vitamins to hypnotherapy - for an overview of these holistic treatments for ADD/ADHD and more, read: ADD/ADHD. 

References

Hong, S. S., & Cho, S. H. (2011). Acupuncture for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 12, 173. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-173. Retrieved February 8, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3148992/

Lee, M. S., Choi, T., Kim, J., Kim, L., & Ernst, E. (2011). Acupuncture for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(4), 257-260. doi:10.1007/s11655-011-0701-7. Retrieved February 8, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK81611/