Clinics and spas offer many expensive therapies to rejuvenate the body, stimulate lymph drainage and remove toxins. These methods can also assist the ADD/ADHD sufferer and you can do them easily and cheaply at home. Try this nighttime ritual to end yours, your child’s, or your partner's day.
To Detoxify and Unwind
Draw a warm bath with one cup of baking soda, or equal parts salts (Epsom, or sea salts are great detoxifiers) and baking soda. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil, if desired, and allow a 20 minute soak. After the bath, follow with a soothing massage.
To Relax and Become Grounded
Make sure your child or partner is comfortable, and add a drop of lavender to a carrier oil such as sesame, olive, or sunflower and apply to your hands. Start at the low back with the palms flat on either side of the spine and rub up to the shoulders using steady pressure. Sweep the hands down the torso lightly and steadily and repeat the back massage three to five times. Now placing the thumbs on either side of the spine, press steadily up toward the shoulders and use the palms to sweep down the sides of the torso. Repeat three to five times, being careful not to apply pressure directly to the spine.
Massaging the feet is also a relaxing alternative. Make sure your loved one is lying comfortably, and hold the foot with both hands, sole facing you. Pressing your thumbs into the ball of the foot, massage firmly, moving the thumbs towards the opposite edges of the foot. Return and repeat the motion several times. Now, take the heel in one hand, and using the thumb of the opposite hand, massage in firm circles from the heel to the toes. Your fingers of the working hand should be wrapped around the top of the foot for support. To finish, use both hands to glide firmly down the ankle, over the bottom and top of the foot, and out beyond the toes. Repeat with the other foot.
Don't Forget Yourself
After a bath and a facial massage, try these Ayurvedic techniques:
- Scalp Massage: Eight finger widths above the eyebrows, find the spot in the middle of the scalp. Oil your palms and pat the spot lightly. Massage clockwise for 11 strokes, then tug the hair in that area once. Repeat at the crown of the head between the ears. Using the middle finger this time, repeat the same procedure at the base of the skull, just above the hairline.
- Ear Massage: Use the index finger and thumb to roll the earlobe gently. Continue along the outer ridge of the ear to the point where the ear meets the head. Repeat. Use the same technique on the middle ridge of the ear. Use the tips of the fingers to rub oil on the innermost part of the ear. Return to the back of the earlobe where it meets the head and work between the ear and head to the top point where the ear meets the head. Place your hand over the entire ear and rub until it is warm.
- Foot Massage: Massage the feet as above and give a lot of attention to the base of toes, starting with the big toe. Give each toe a tug after a thorough massage.
Massage is not only relaxing, but its benefits range from improved circulation to treatment for fibromyalgia, headaches, and depression. In today's fast-paced world of endless sensory stimulation, consider these age old methods to manage ADD/ADHD.
Sources:
Kavanagh, Wendy. Home Health Massage, Octopus Pubishing Group, Ltd, 2002, p. 162.
Sachs, Melanie. Ayurvedic Beauty Care, Motilal Banarsidass Publshers, Delhi, 1995.
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