Subject: TCM Laser Acupuncture Helps Children Regain Focus
Making Hyperactivity No Longer a Barrier to Learning
Date: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Six-year-old Huang used to be a "little motor" in the kindergarten, always unable to sit still in class, looking around, and even getting up to "patrol" the classroom. The teacher had a headache, and his mother was anxious about his lagging learning progress. In addition to early intervention, the child received weekly laser acupuncture treatments under the guidance of Dr. Tsai Yi-cheng, Director of the Chinese Medicine Department at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital. The changes in the child were a pleasant surprise; after a six-month course of treatment, Huang became able to sit quietly in class and listen attentively, with significant improvements in language expression and learning comprehension. His mother said with emotion, "He is now more stable and confident, and finally able to happily learn with his classmates."
Dr. Tsai Yi-cheng explained that Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in school-age children, affecting about 9%. It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional impulsivity, which research suggests is linked to reduced activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex and delayed development in some brain regions. Early intervention during the brain development period between 3 and 5 years old may offer benefits.
According to Dr. Tsai, laser acupuncture is a modern therapy combining TCM principles with light energy. It involves using low-energy lasers to stimulate specific acupoints to promote calmness, emotional stability, and enhanced concentration. This method is non-invasive and painless.
Dr. Tsai further explained that laser acupuncture's light energy can regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve brain blood flow, helping children to be calm and focused. Combining this with personalized herbal medicine can further enhance emotional stability and sleep quality. In addition to clinical treatment, Dr. Tsai suggested home care methods to help children relax and manage emotions:
▶ Acupoint Health Care:
- Baihui Point (top center of the head): For mental clarity and focus.
- Shenmen Point (ulnar side of the wrist): For calming emotions and aiding sleep.
- Taichong Point (between the first and second metatarsals on the top of the foot): For relieving anxiety and stabilizing emotions.
▶ Gan Mai Da Zao Tea (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Tea):
Ingredients: Licorice (Gan Cao) 2 qian, Red Dates (Hong Zao) 5 pieces, Light Wheat (Fu Xiao Mai) 6 qian, Light Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye) 4 qian.
Method: Boil with 1500c.c. of water for 10 minutes and drink.
Efficacy: Calms the mind, aids sleep, relieves anxiety, and improves sleep quality.
Dr. Tsai stated that ADHD treatment outcomes are generally positive with early detection and professional care. Delays in treatment can increase the risk of comorbidities like anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, or learning disabilities in over 70% of children. He encouraged parents to seek help, noting that TCM approaches like laser acupuncture and herbal medicine offer safe, painless, and side-effect-free options.
