The pathology of ADD revolves around the Heart, Liver and Spleen and their respective emotional-mental-spiritual faculties, i.e. the Mind (Shen), the Ethereal Soul (Hun) and the Intellect (Yi).
In general, we can say that both ADD and ADHD are characterized by a pathology of the both the Intellect (Yi) and Ethereal Soul (Hun). However, in ADD there is prevalence of an Intellect (Yi) pathology, while in ADHD there is more a pathology of Ethereal Soul (Hun). The Mind (Shen) is involved both in ADD and ADHD.
The Mind is responsible for thinking, memory, emotional life, cognition, intelligence, wisdom and ideas. Therefore, it is obvious that the Mind is involved in the pathology of ADD and ADHD, but especially the former. In this disorder, the Mind is weakened and thinking, memory and concentration are all affected.
Giovanni Maciocia believed the Ethereal Soul (Hun) plays a pivotal role in the pathology of ADD and ADHD (especially the latter). The Ethereal Soul is responsible, for ideas, plans, projects, inspiration, creativity. The Ethereal Soul is constantly searching and moving and I believe that in ADD and ADHD (and especially the latter), there is an excess of such movement of the Ethereal Soul. Children and adults suffering from this disorder find it difficult to focus and concentrate on one thing at the time because the Ethereal Souls movement is excessive.
Crucial to this pathology is the relationship between the Mind and the Ethereal Soul: in ADD and ADHD, the movement of the Ethereal Soul is excessive and the Mind does not perform adequately its function of control and integration.
Therefore, the excessive movement of the Ethereal Soul causes the impulsive, restless and chaotic behaviour in ADHD. Interestingly, the Ethereal Soul is responsible for artistic inspiration and children suffering from ADHD are often artistic.
The Intellect (Yi) of the Spleen is responsible for focussing, concentration and the ability to apply oneself to a job in hand, all qualities which are lacking in those suffering from ADD or ADHD (especially the former). Thus, a pathology of the Intellect (and therefore of the Spleen) is a definite feature of the pathology of ADD.
Please note that the Intellect is affected not only by a deficiency of the Spleen but also by Full conditions such as Dampness and/or Phlegm obstructing the Spleen (and therefore the Intellect).
As always in pathology, a disorder may manifest with Full or Empty conditions. A Heart deficiency is nearly always present in ADD and ADHD. Heart-Heat may especially cause ADHD but this is often combined with a deficiency of the Heart. This deficiency may involve Qi, Blood or Yin. Please note that Heart-Heat also stimulates the excessive movement of the Ethereal Soul.
Obstruction of the Heart by Phlegm (with or without Heat) may also be present in ADD; if there is Heat, then this condition is more likely to cause ADHD.
The movement of the Ethereal Soul (Hun) may be excessive either because of a deficiency of Liver-Blood and/or Liver-Yin or because of Heat or Fire in the Liver. In ADHD, there is more likely to be Heat or Fire.
The ADHD patient with Liver-Fire is confrontational and particularly difficult.
A deficiency of the Spleen (usually of Qi or Yang) weakens the Intellect and is a feature of ADD. However, the thinking, focusing and concentration of the Intellect may also be impaired by Dampness and/or Phlegm affecting the Spleen.
Phlegm in the Brain is a common factor in ADD and ADHD. Remember that Phlegm may accompany both Full or Empty patterns: for example, Liver-Fire and Heart-Fire with Phlegm or Spleen-Blood and Heart-Blood deficiency with Phlegm. The formula Dispel Clouds resolves Phlegm.
Lucid Mind Formula:
Pattern:
Liver-Blood and Liver-Yin deficiency, Heart-Blood deficiency, Liver-Yang rising.
Ingredients
Suan Zao Ren Semen Ziziphi spinosae
Bai Shao Radix Paeoniae alba
Chuan Xiong Rhizoma Chuanxiong
Sheng Di Huang Radix Rehmanniae
Fu Shen Sclerotium Poriae pararadicis
Gou Teng Ramulus Uncariae
Huang Qi Radix Astragali
Bai Zi Ren Semen Platycladi
Zhi Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis preparata
Da Zao Fructus Jujubae
Fu Xiao Mai Fructus Tritici levis
Ban Xia Rhizoma Pinelliae preparatum
Chen Pi Pericarpium Citri reticulatae
Gua Lou Fructus Trichosanthis
Classical Antecedent
Suan Zao Ren Tang Ziziphus Decoction.
Action:
Nourish Liver-Yin and Liver-Blood, nourish Heart-Blood, subdue Liver-Yang, calm the Mind, settle the Ethereal Soul (Hun), tonify the Intellect (Yi), strengthen the Mind (Shen).
Indication:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor concentration, always on the go, constantly in motion, dashing around touching or playing with whatever is in sight, talking incessantly, inability to sit still at dinner or during a school lesson or a story, running around the room, touching everything, fidgeting incessantly, inability to focus, getting bored with a task after only a few minutes.
Tongue: Possibly without coating.
Pulse: Rapid, Floating-Empty.
*Product contains gluten / Not wheat free.
Caution and Contraindications
There are no specific cautions or contraindications to this formula.
Order Lucid Mind from Little Treasures or other classical herbal formulae from The Three Treasures website. .