Scalp Acupuncture for ADHD: A Supportive, Integrative Approach

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that typically begins in childhood and may persist into adolescence and adulthood. It is characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can affect learning, emotional regulation, relationships, and daily functioning. Increasingly, ADHD is also understood through the lens of neurodiversity—as a natural variation in brain development—where certain traits such as creativity, energy, and divergent thinking may be strengths, depending on environmental and social contexts. From a biomedical perspective, ADHD is highly heritable and associated with differences in brain structure, function, and neurochemistry. Neuroimaging studies have identified changes in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, corpus striatum, and cerebellum, while dopamine and norepinephrine play key roles in attention, motivation, and impulse control. These neurological features interact with environmental factors, shaping how symptoms present and how challenging they become over time. Scalp acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique that involves stimulating specific zones on the scalp that correspond to functional regions of the brain. It has been widely used in neurological rehabilitation, including stroke recovery, and is increasingly explored as a supportive therapy for neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. In clinical practice, scalp acupuncture aims to influence brain function, neural regulation, and sensory-motor integration rather than targeting symptoms in isolation. Conventional treatment for ADHD most commonly involves stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, with non-stimulant options used when these are ineffective or poorly tolerated. While medications can be effective, side effects such as reduced appetite, sleep disturbance, headaches, and emotional changes are common, and not all children respond adequately. Behavioural therapy, cognitive training, neurofeedback, and other non-pharmacological approaches are also used, though their availability and long-term adherence can be challenging. As a result, many families seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options, including acupuncture, to support their child’s wellbeing. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that acupuncture—particularly when used alongside medication or behavioural therapy—may help improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, learning difficulties, and conduct problems in children with ADHD. Some studies also report reduced medication side effects when acupuncture is used as an adjunct. Importantly, acupuncture appears to be safe and well tolerated, with no major adverse events reported in published trials. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the current evidence. The overall quality of studies remains low, with methodological concerns such as small sample sizes, inconsistent outcome measures, and limited blinding. As such, while findings are promising, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend acupuncture as a standalone or routine treatment for ADHD at this time. More rigorous, well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed. In practice, scalp acupuncture may be considered as a supportive, integrative option within a broader, individualised care plan. When used thoughtfully and in collaboration with other therapies, it may help support regulation, attention, and overall quality of life—while respecting each child’s unique neurological profile and strengths.

References:
Zhao et al. (2025, Complementary Therapies in Medicine): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103163 Ang et al. (2023, Medicina): https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/2/392