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Attention
without the Deficit |
By Marty Calliham, L.Ac.
A lot of people comment on the profound effect their acupuncture
treatment had on their mind, improving their attention span
or mood, even though they were being treated for something else.
Some folks walk out of their session, happy
and perplexed, and ask, “What did you DO?”
By the time a person has had several acupuncture
treatments, there is no longer any doubt that the mind and body
are connected, because both benefit together by the acupuncture.
Attention Deficit Disorder is one of the most
prevalent mental disorders in children and adolescents. It is
increasingly diagnosed in adults as well. Many people simply
have never learned how to get quiet and silent, or even know
that it is possible.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory,
the Heart houses the mind and is yang fire, while the Kidneys
produce the substance for the physical brainnd are yin water.
In good health, the mind is rooted in the physical body and
there is a balance of yin and yang. If the mind is not rooted,
there will be agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness, and insomnia.
Most of us know what this feels like.
Keeping the mind/body in balance is the name
of the game. One strategy is regular acupuncture. Here are some
other suggestions:
· Drink plenty of water, both now in
the summer and year-round.
· Eat whole grains, vegetables and fruits,
nuts, seeds, and beans.
· Check your diet for food additives,
refined sugars, and food sensitivities or allergies. Eliminate
the suspected food for three weeks and see what happens.
· Try an omega 3 or flax oil supplement
every day.
· Move your body! In particular, actions
that cross the midline of the body help the two halves of the
brain coordinate better. In good health, the mind is rooted
in the physical body and there is a balance of yin and yang.
If the mind is not rooted, there will be agitation, hyperactivity,
restlessness, and insomnia. Most of us know what this feels
like.
Keeping the mind/body in balance is the name
of the game. One strategy is regular acupuncture. Here are some
other suggestions:
· Drink plenty of water, both now in
the summer and year-round.
· Eat whole grains, vegetables and fruits,
nuts, seeds, and beans.
· Check your diet for food additives,
refined sugars, and food sensitivities or allergies. Eliminate
the suspected food for three weeks and see what happens.
· Try an omega 3 or flax oil supplement
every day.
· Move your body! In particular, actions
that cross the midline of thebody help the two halves of the
brain coordinate better. This helps assimilate information,
whether verbal/linear or non-verbal/global.
· Get plenty of sleep and high-quality
restful activities. This means spending time away from reading
(very left-brain) and away from electronic devices.
Thanks to Frances Meiser for assisting with
this article. She is coauthor of Overcoming Senior Moments,
available on Amazon.com.
Your Most Valuable Asset
By Marty Calliham, L.Ac.
Your most valuable asset is your good health!
It is the means by which you can earn a livelihood for yourself
and your family.
Keep yourself healthy and strong with good sleep,
good nutrition, and regular acupuncture
Your acupuncturist,
Marty Calliham
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