Massage For Health Five: Calming The ADHD Mind

 One of the most commonly diagnosed neurological "disorders" and one that has recently been getting a lot more attention (ironically) given to it is ADHD, but what it is and how can massage make a difference for those people who struggle to master their superpowers (because let's face it ADHD people can seriously accomplish things neurotypicals can't begin to comprehend)? Read on to find out.

What is ADHD?



Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by the following:

  • Difficulty paying attention/ hyperfocus on things that have caught your interest
  • Trouble staying on task especially if it doesn't provide dopamine
  • Lack of typical organization (think seemingly random piles of stuff everywhere that only make sense to you or inability to keep track of time)
  • Need to move frequently/ motor that is always running usually on several different actions
  • Desperate need for continual stimulation
  • Restlessness/ fidgety body movements
  • Impulse control problems (you think it, you say it/ you decide to do it it must be done NOW)
  • Can't wait for anything 
  • Can solve problems in ways others cannot even think of
  • Relentless imagination abilities
  • Heightened empathy/compassion
  • Perseverance for things that are challenging as long as interesting
  • Can multitask like a boss
  • Are never ever described as "boring" or "predictable"
Effects Massage Has on People With ADHD

Massage is an essential part of any person diagnosed with ADHD's self-care routine, right up there with exercise, rest, vitamins, and therapy (if you need that, some don't). 

Though mostly done in small sample sizes and testing predominantly with adolescents, all indicators point to massage helping reduce symptoms of ADHD. Specifically, it is shown to reduce stress levels, promote focus ability, and improve sleep quality. I have found that many people who struggle with depression/anxiety aspects of this diagnosis also feel mentally more balanced and those who are fidgety feel more calm physically after a massage. Over time regular massage enables people to hone their bodies and minds to accomplish more and feel less agitated in their day-to-day lives. 

The types of massage that I have found to be most effective are slow, deliberate pressure for sixty to ninety minutes per session once or twice a month. The effects of using this kind of massage are nearly immediate: the heart rate slows as the body enters rest and digest mode calming the overactive nervous system, and the brain sends out dopamine and endorphins slowing thinking and fidgety feelings (massage brain kicks in because of this), and restlessness turns into a sense of calm and well being overall.

One of the coolest things I've found with ongoing maintenance massage for ADHD people is that it helps them handle stresses that would have previously caused anxiety better, focus better on tasks (yes, even the boring ones you have to vs the fun ones you want to), and decreases their restlessness even between visits thereby enabling them to better use their super powers without so many of the more unpleasant side effects of having them. Now that is what I call important self-care. 

Want to Learn More?

Follow these links to read more about ADHD and how massage helps. 



Stay strong. Stay healthy. Keep fighting for yourself, you’re worth it.

From: Ame Hinman at Hinman Healing


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