7 Ayurvedic approaches to managing ADHD

Ayurveda is an ancient whole-body healing system that uses natural approaches to keep your body, mind and spirit working in harmony. Ayurveda refers to the use of various approaches tailored towards an individual’s needs to prevent ill health and aid recovery or the management of symptoms. Examples of Ayurvedic techniques include talk therapy, herbal medicine, dietary modifications, exercise and massage.

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. Signs of ADHD are primarily categorised into difficulty concentrating and focusing, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness. People with ADHD traits may find it difficult to organise tasks, become easily distracted, have difficulty sitting still or act without thought. This can make it harder to navigate day-to-day activities and can interfere with work and personal life. This is where holistic approaches like Ayurveda can help to manage symptoms and help people to cope better. 

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Ayurveda for ADHD. Many conclude that in balancing body, mind and spirit and living harmoniously with the environment around us, Ayurveda therapy can better support people with ADHD to navigate daily life. This solidifies the fundamental principles of Ayurveda which draws on the interconnectedness between physical and mental well-being. 

The link between the doshas and ADHD

In Ayurveda, challenges with mental functions and behaviour are thought to result from imbalances within the doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) - the three main energy patterns in our bodies that govern Ayurvedic principles. The doshas are made up of the five elements - earth, fire, water, air and space - and are combined as follows:

• Vata - made up of air and space.
• Pitta - made up of fire and water. 
• Kapha - made up of earth and water. 

‘Dosha’ can be translated to mean something ‘that can cause problems.’ They are responsible for our emotional, physical and physiological health, with every person having their own unique ratio of doshas. This ratio generally results in one being more dominant than the others, which can help us to understand our own dosha and what is needed to bring back balance.

The Vata dosha (thought to be the main dosha associated with ADHD) is responsible for all movements in the mind and body, including focus and attention, breathing, blood flow and our thoughts. Imbalances in Vata can show up in ways such as restlessness and impulsivity. 

Pitta controls heat energy in the body. It exhibits fiery and intense qualities which may be associated with ADHD traits such as frustration and irritability. 

Kapha maintains structure and stability. Imbalances in Kapha may show up as inattention and lethargy. 

Ayurvedic therapies for ADHD

Alongside Western approaches to managing ADHD, Ayurveda takes a balanced view of managing symptoms. It aims to foster groundedness, stability, relaxation and mental clarity. Let's explore some common Ayurvedic techniques to help manage ADHD:

Before trying any of the following, it’s always recommended to seek advice from your GP or healthcare provider. 

1. Body oil massage 

Warm oil massage, known as Abhyanga, is thought to calm the nervous system, helping to rebalance the body and help us feel grounded. This involves massaging the entire body with warm oil from the scalp down to the toes. 

2. Regular routine

Establishing a consistent routine provides stability and reduces unpredictability. People with ADHD may be more prone to increased stress in uncertain situations. Of course, we can’t predict everything, but having set wake-up and bedtimes, meal times and time for work or study can minimise our stress response. 

3. Balanced diet

To restore doshic balance, it’s recommended to consume a balanced diet, consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. If Vata is your prominent dosha, it’s thought that warm foods, such as nourishing soups and stews can help keep you grounded. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric can also calm Vata. Diets for Pitta doshas include cooling foods like cucumber, and avoiding spicy foods. As Kapha dominance can contribute to feeling sluggish, rebalancing diets includes reducing heavy and overly sweet foods and focusing on warm foods and herbal teas. 

4. Herbal remedies 

Herbs and supplements, most commonly ashwagandha, are thought to have a number of benefits. They may help to reduce stress, anxiety and lethargy and enhance concentration. The herbs and supplements recommended will depend on your prominent dosha, so it’s advisable to work with an Ayurvedic practitioner or herbalist. 

5. Mindfulness 

Mindfulness and meditation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi, pranayama (yogic breathing) and sound therapy can help people with ADHD to ground themselves and reduce stress, which might make some ADHD symptoms worse. These techniques can benefit all three doshas. 

6. Aromatherapy 

Calming scents like jasmine, lavender, chamomile and sandalwood are thought to help soothe the nervous system and evoke feelings of relaxation. Aromatherapy can be delivered via massage, adding oils to a bath or inhaled with diffusers. 

7. Physical activity 

Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for balancing all three doshas. This might include gentle movement such as yoga, pilates, walking or swimming, or taking part in team sports. 

Having a toolkit of approaches tailored to your individual needs can be a really effective way to manage symptoms of ADHD and help you learn to use your strengths to your advantage. If you’re interested in working with a professional to explore your dosha and find what works for you, reach out to an Ayurvedic practitioner on Therapy Directory. 

If you enjoyed this article, you may find the following helpful: 

• Crystals for ADHD
• Yoga for ADHD: How can it help?