Children are in a constant state of hypnosis. Children live in their imaginations. As they play and dream they become pilots, dentists, firemen, astronauts, mothers: their worlds are unlimited and very real. Vivid imaginations and mental pictures make them ideal subjects for hypnosis, provided they are old enough to maintain an attention span. Most children I work with are six years and older. Many inhibitions, which later affect adults, will not have yet developed in children. They are open and moldable. Because of their ability to visualize and be creative the use of hypnotherapy can train their minds to focus and to feel calm in all environments. This is why hypnotherapy is so effective for children with ADHD. Children often enter hypnosis readily without outside influence. Imaginative play, fantasies, daydream, even punishments may involve automatic hypnosis. Strong criticism by parents or teachers can produce imprints in a child's mind that will create low self-esteem. Using hypnosis we can also help a child to feel better about themselves.
The Signs of ADHD There are three major signs of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Distractibility - Inability to focus on one thing at a time, such as reading, listening to an instructor, playing a game, or doing any activity for long periods of time. Becoming distracted by noises, movement, smells, or their own thoughts. Hyperactivity - Marked by an excess of energy - talking non-stop, consistently moving, unable to sit still, sleeping only for short periods of time. Impulsivity - Acting without thinking, for example; running out in the street after a ball, knocking over a plant while running across the room or forgetting books on the way to school.
To attain the best results possible with any ADHD treatment, some naturopaths recommend that the listener take daily supplements including: Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Zinc, Evening Primrose Oil, DMAE (highly recommended), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C and Gingko Biloba.
In addition to supplements, we highly suggest restructuring the diet to remove sodas, anything with caffeine or high sugar content, and foods with high phosphate content (ham, bacon, wheat bread, milk, etc).
Please remember to consult a physician or naturopath before taking supplements. They can direct you with the proper dosages.
These are just a few ways of naturally helping an individual with ADHD. There are many books out their that provide teachers, parents and individuals' different techniques that can assist with the treatment of ADHD. Two books that I would suggest are "The Indigo Child" and "Left Brained Children in a Right Brained World"
It is important to remember that hypnosis is not a substitution for medical treatment but a path that can help an individual to find more natural ways to healing.
