Tai Chi for ADD or ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are a growing problem with not only children but adults as well. Tai Chi is a wonderful adjunct therapy for treating ADD because it augments many of the mood management techniques recommended for sufferers.

Research at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine has shown that adolescents with ADHD who participated in two Tai Chi classes per week for five weeks displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and improved conduct. Experts on ADD management Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., and John J. Ratey, M.D., wrote, "Exercise is positively one of the best treatments for ADD. It helps work off excess energy and aggression in a positive way, it allows for noise-reduction within the mind, it stimulates the hormonal and neurochemical systems in a most therapeutic way, and it soothes and calms the body."

ADD usually includes a tendency to obsess over some imagined problem without being able to let go of the mind chatter. As the body stretches and opens through the graceful movements of Tai Chi, we are able to let go on a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual level with each exhale. Tai Chi's slow flowing routine is all about letting go of outcome and learning to love the process.

I once read an article that said kids cannot benefit from Tai Chi/Qigong because they cannot learn all the intricacies of a form. Well, they may not be able to learn the small details of a form, but they do not need to in order to get some benefit from the movements. As a volunteer Tai Chi instructor in the schools and after-school program teacher, I have seen first hand the benefits of even a few minutes of these calming exercises with children. I have had children in my classes who experience the symptoms of ADD (I really dislike labeling them as "being ADD"). Even with a short attention span, they can learn one or two simple movements such as "Sinking the Chi" and "Rooster stands on One Leg" that can help them focus, even if only for a few minutes at a time. As an Energy Therapist, I also see that performing these movements helps to unwind the scrambled energy systems.

In the children's classes, we also use breathing as a way to become more body aware. Most children enjoy placing their hands by their lungs and feeling the movement that they are in control of with each inhale and exhale while visualizing two balloons getting bigger and smaller in the process. I also teach them to pay attention to how their body feels when they are in this relaxed state. It may be only a few minutes of peacefulness they are experiencing, but each time they do it, it is reinforcing those positive neuro-pathways in the brain. These kids learn that this state of relaxed breathing is a safe place for them to go anytime they are feeling upset or out of control. It not only gives them a tool and the self-confidence to use it, but the deep breathing calms the central nervous system and releases tension.

To quote one third grade teacher whose class I worked with: "I feel the deep breathing, flexibility, balance and coordination the students experienced while doing Tai Chi increased their physical and mental well-being, and enhanced their learning!'

Tai Chi is a mood elevator; it requires no preparation and no special equipment. The slow mindful movements have much to offer people who suffer from ADD.

Rate Article

Related Videos
Play Video Tai Chi Infection Protection	Play Video The Five Elements in Tai Chi Meditation	Play Video Performing Tai Chi Guided Meditation	Play Video How to do the Gentle Routine in Tai Chi	Play Video How to do Seated Tai Chi Routine

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Martial Arts" article category.

People interested in the above article "Tai Chi for ADD or ADHD" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Is Combat Jujitsu the Hottest Martial Art Today?

Combat Jujitsu is one of the hottest trends in martial arts today. In fact, a lot of martial arts masters are creating a new and unique form of all martial arts known as combat martial arts. Learning combat Jujitsu can have a lot of benefits. Jujitsu is a very skilled martial arts that uses a lot of different moves such as holds, mounting, grappling, takedowns, and a whole lot more. If you are persistent, determined and disciplined you can learn Combat Jujitsu and experience an entirely new level of personal development through it.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is A Modern Form Of Jujutsu, The Ancient Japanese Martial Art

The ancient Japanese martial art of jujutsu was developed to fight bare handed against armed and armored opponents during Samurai days. This technique depended on balance and leverage to use the opponent's momentum against himself and throw him off balance.

The Filipino Martial Arts: Eskrima, Kali, Arnis

The concepts and skills taught in Eskrima are traditionally simple. Flashy techniques, with little practical battlefield use receive no attention. It is the basics, well trained and understood, that get you successfully through a fight. Experts in the arts might sometimes preform intricate techniques but only those that had survived the test of practicality.

Karate Then and Now

Upon hearing the word "karate", people often think of the physical aspects of this martial art. The kicks, punches, and other seemingly impossible moves of karate masters are just the surface of what is truly a martial art steeped in philosophy. For anyone who wants to get into karate, it would be advisable to understand some of the long history and deep philosophy that have helped to make karate what it is today. By understanding the philosophy and history of the defensive martial art known as karate, people will be better disposed to take advantage of the many physical and mental benefits that karate has to offer.

Muay Thai Boxing Gloves

Muay Thai Boxing began thousands of years ago in Thailand to help the Siamese army as a way of combat against their enemies. Today, Muay Thai Boxing is a form of martial arts, although it looks grueling and devastating with the powerful kicks and fighting that appears to be going on in the ring, it is actually a very calming sport. Muay Thai Boxing is in fact used for anger management and self-control in many people.

The Sport Of Modern Fencing

What are considered the modern Olympics started in 1896, and fencing competitions have been an integral part of every Olympic Games since that time. Fencing will be just one of the great sports featured in the 2008 Summer Olympics when sports teams from around the world meet to compete in Beijing, China.

The Guard In MMA

The guard has been a position utilized in Mixed Martial Arts competitions for a very long time. Although the origins of the position are the subject of much debate, the general consensus is that what we call the guard evolved from Japanese Jujitsu and Judo. Since the position was introduced to Brazilian fighters decades ago, the guard has become a very powerful weapon.