In a time when ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is diagnosed almost epidemically, and the traditional treatment of symptoms includes medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, some people are looking for alternative ways of managing this disorder.
The practice of yoga can be a very complementary therapy. Implementing a yoga practice is by no means an overnight fix, but instead slowly teaches a person with ADD lifelong skills to help manage the disorder long term.
It is important to take special consideration with choosing the teacher of yoga and the location where the yoga will be practiced.
In the beginning, private classes may be more effective, until certain routines can be established and self-management skills can be developed.
A 30 minute private class in a very basic, relaxing room would be ideal. The room during the practice should be free of props, musical instruments, anything that could be distracting to the ADD brain.
The teacher should be incredibly patient, and must be able to think even more quickly and creatively than the student, to keep one step ahead and always have something to offer.
A style that is very consistent, with systematic and predictable movements such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga can be helpful to set routines and help to keep the brain organized.
The biggest benefit of yoga for someone with ADD is self-awareness.
The ADD brain is always struggling with an overload of mental stimuli, lacks mental space for introspection.
It seems at times that a person with ADD is aware of every single detail in the room except themselves.
A teacher that will ask questions such as “How warm do your muscles feel?” or “Do you feel like you are exerting more than you are relaxing in this pose?” will help prompt the student to develop awareness.
Overall, a predictable practice which incorporates a lot of balancing and standing poses would probably be the most effective. Instead of traditional savasana at the end, a chime or Tibetan singing bowl that the student could play could be brought out so that the student could relax while still being engaged.
Yoga should not be seen as a quick fix for ADD.
Self-awareness, relaxation, and focus are hard enough concepts for someone without ADD to master! But with patience and consistency with the practice, a person with ADD can make huge leaps in a positive direction towards self-control, introspection, and the ability to focus.
