Kundalini Yoga for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that begins in childhood and continues on in some individuals through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD can manifest as either predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominately inattentive or in a combination of both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. Conventional forms of treatment for ADHD include medication and behavior therapy, although recent studies recommend Kundalini yoga as a possible ADHD management tool. This practice consists of meditation, positive affirmations, breathing techniques and movement, all designed to reduce stress, improve focus and promote feelings of inner peace and calm.

History

The knowledge of the Kundalini is primordial, recognized as serpent energy in ancient cultures and religions. Kundalini yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years, beginning in India. Yogi Bhajan was responsible for introducing it to the West in 1969. Before this, the theory and practice of Kundalini yoga was undisclosed and studied by high priests only.

Kundalini Energy

Kundalini is cosmic creative feminine life force energy, depicted as a coiled snake resting at the base of the spine, a region of the body containing nerve endings and an immense amount of energy. The word "kundalini" is Sanskrit in origin, coming from the word "kunda," which means "coil". Kundalini energy lies dormant in the root chakra until activated. Once this occurs, it rises up the spinal cord, waking each of your seven main chakras or energy centers, all of which contain nerve endings and have actions corresponding to specific processes of your physical, mental and spiritual self. The rising of the kundalini energy moves from the feminine base root chakra, clearing blockages and finally connecting with the masculine energy of the crown chakra, unifying both male and female aspects to establish balance, enlightenment and higher consciousness. Kundalini yoga incorporates mantras, meditation, breathing exercises and movement, which facilitates the rising of the kundalini.

ADHD Symptoms

MayoClinic.com reports that most ADHD symptoms occur before the age of 7. Some children display symptoms in early stages of infancy. Difficulties in focusing and performing specific tasks involving organizing or coordination, inappropriate degrees of hyperactivity and inattentiveness, forgetfulness and poor school performance in comparison to higher levels of intelligence are all symptomatic of ADHD. A child may also have appetite problems, insomnia and be clumsy. Teenagers may display signs of depression and anxiety.

Conventional Treatments

According to the National Institutes of Health, ADHD is considered one of the most common of mental disorders in both children and adolescents. It also affects 4.1 percent of adults between the ages of 18 to 44 each year. The ADHD News website lists various pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD, which include stimulants such as Ritalin, non-stimulants like Straterra, and amphetamines like Dexedrine. Side effects of these drugs include nervous tics, weight loss, sleeping problems and changes to appetite. Kundalini yoga offers a treatment free of side effects.

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

PubMed recently approved the practice of Kundalini yoga as a way of managing ADHD and other psychiatric disorders in a 2010 article, saying that meditation and yoga are an exceptional alternative therapy. In "LA Yoga Magazine," Kundalini yoga teacher Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author and founder of Radiant Child Yoga, says that when children engage in the practice of Kundalini yoga, the discipline -- which is naturally held within -- begins to develop. This, Khalsa says, takes away the need to direct or explain to a child who is constantly having difficulties processing information and following external instructions. Pressing finger pads during meditation activates specific pressure points to promote inner calm and bring focus, while singing mantras and repeating positive affirmations to music reduces anxiety while fostering a sense of security. Adults with ADHD can, as with children, benefit from the regular practice of Kundalini yoga.