I was born with ADHD and ASD but wasn’t diagnosed until my forties. I’d always known I was different, hyper-aware that I processed things differently from others. Strangely, getting the diagnosis brought a sense of relief, but of course, it didn’t change the symptoms! I tried medication but didn’t like how it made me feel. I even completed an ADHD Coach Certification, but to be honest, I found it a bit... boring! I believe it’s crucial to find what truly works for you, and here I’d like to share how Reiki can support some of the lesser-known signs of ADHD.
When we think about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the symptoms that often come to mind are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. However, ADHD can also present in subtler ways, like trouble managing emotions, difficulties with sleep, or feeling overwhelmed by sensory input. These aspects are often overlooked, yet they have a big impact on daily life for many individuals with ADHD.
As a Reiki Master based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, I’ve worked with many clients who experience these lesser-known symptoms. Reiki, a gentle energy-healing practice, has proven to be a helpful tool for managing them, providing my clients with calm, clarity, and a sense of grounding. In this blog, I’ll explore how Reiki can help with specific ADHD challenges, along with real-life stories from my practice. If you’re looking for alternative ways to support yourself or a loved one with ADHD, Reiki may be a beneficial option.
Emotional Dysregulation and Reiki
One lesser-known symptom of ADHD is emotional dysregulation, which involves intense emotional responses that can feel difficult to control. People with ADHD might experience sudden mood swings, frustration, or even anger that seems out of proportion to the situation. Calming down can be challenging, which can lead to misunderstandings in relationships and heightened stress.
In my own experience, I sometimes get into a state where I just can’t regulate myself. At these moments, I turn to Reiki for support. During a Reiki session, I lie down on the therapy bed, knowing that my Reiki therapist is there to help me feel grounded and centred. Just being in the calming energy field of another person helps me to release the stress I’m holding onto. I go into the session feeling like a wound-up spring and come out feeling calm and balanced.
Reiki works by calming the nervous system and activating what’s called the “parasympathetic” or “rest and digest” mode. This helps to reduce the body’s stress response, creating a safe space for emotions to be processed and released. For anyone struggling with emotional dysregulation, Reiki provides a moment to pause, breathe, and re-centre, which can make a world of difference.
Sleeplessness and Reiki
Sleep can be a major challenge for people with ADHD. Some experience insomnia or find that their minds are too active to relax at night, while others go through phases of sleeping excessively. I’ve worked with both adults and children who have struggled with sleep, and Reiki has often been a turning point for them.
One mother brought her nine-year-old son to me, desperate for a solution. He had never slept through the night since he was born, and it was exhausting for both him and his mum. She wasn’t sure if he’d be open to Reiki, so we decided to have a chat first. He eyed the cosy therapy bed and hopped right on, seeming eager to try it out. Within minutes of starting the session, he was fast asleep, much to his mum’s amazement and tears in her eyes.
She later told me that he slept soundly that night and even performed better in school the following week and hadn't been removed from school once. A huge improvement!
Reiki helps with sleep by calming the mind and body, creating a sense of deep relaxation. For people with ADHD who often struggle to “switch off,” a Reiki session can provide that sense of grounding and calm they need before bedtime. Many clients have found that integrating Reiki into their routine helps them fall asleep more easily and experience more restful nights.
Time Blindness and Reiki
Time blindness is a common but lesser-known symptom of ADHD. It refers to the difficulty many people with ADHD have in accurately perceiving the passage of time. This can lead to challenges with time management, lateness, and a feeling of “time slipping away.”
It’s something I still struggle with, even during Reiki sessions! I get so absorbed in the energy work that I lose track of time entirely, which has taught me to rely on alarms and leave gaps between clients.
Reiki can help with time blindness in a couple of ways. First, by helping clients feel more grounded and present, Reiki sessions can create an awareness of the “now.” This can make it easier for them to focus on tasks without getting completely lost in them. Additionally, I often teach clients simple grounding techniques they can use daily to help them stay connected to their sense of time and prevent it from “slipping away.”
Intrusive Thoughts and Reiki for Mental Clarity
Intrusive thoughts are those sudden, unwelcome thoughts or images that pop into our minds and can be hard to shake off. For people with ADHD, these can be particularly distressing and lead to increased anxiety. Reiki has proven to be a powerful tool for clearing mental clutter, providing clients with the calm they need to regain control over their thoughts.
Many of my clients work in high-stress jobs like HR and have come to me feeling completely overwhelmed by their “mental to-do lists.” After just one Reiki session, they often report waking up the next day with a renewed sense of clarity, able to tackle tasks with ease.
Reiki helps by balancing the energy centres in the body, particularly the “third eye” chakra, which is associated with mental clarity and intuition.
By cleansing and clearing this energy centre, Reiki can help reduce brain fog, making it easier to let go of intrusive thoughts and feel more focused.
Managing Sensory Overwhelm with Reiki
Sensory overwhelm is common for people with ADHD. Many experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, and even touch, which can lead to irritability or panic. Being in a loud, crowded environment, for example, can be overwhelming and make it hard to concentrate.
Reiki can be an effective way to manage sensory overwhelm, as it helps the body and mind relax, which can make stimuli feel less intense. During a Reiki session, clients are often able to disconnect from the external world and retreat into a state of peace and calm. I also teach clients self-Reiki techniques they can use whenever they feel overwhelmed, whether they’re at home, at work, or in public.
Social Anxiety and Reiki for Clearing Energy
Social anxiety can be a real challenge for individuals with ADHD, who often feel self-conscious in social situations due to impulsivity or inattentiveness. On top of that, many are highly sensitive to the energy of others, which can make social gatherings feel overwhelming.
Personally, I find large crowds challenging because of the sheer amount of energy I pick up from others. Reiki has been essential in helping me clear this “excess” energy. By clearing and balancing the energy body, Reiki can help individuals feel more centred and resilient in social settings, reducing the impact of social anxiety.
For example, I’ve created a free video, “Reclaim Your Energy: Reiki to Call Back Your Energy,” which guides clients through steps to clear any excess energy they may have picked up during the day. This technique can be especially helpful for those who feel drained or “weighed down” after spending time in social settings or crowded spaces.
If clients are particularly sensitive to the energy of others, I teach them grounding techniques and encourage them to practise self-Reiki before and after social events. This can help them stay balanced and prevent them from feeling “overloaded” by external energies.
Conclusion How Reiki supports ADHD symptoms
ADHD can be a complex and challenging condition, with nuanced symptoms that go beyond what many people typically expect.
Reiki offers a gentle, supportive approach to managing some of these lesser-known symptoms, from emotional dysregulation and sleeplessness to sensory overwhelm and social anxiety.
Whether you’re looking for a complementary therapy to work alongside traditional ADHD treatments or simply seeking a way to find more calm and clarity, Reiki may be able to help support ADHD symptoms.
If you’re in or near the Alderley Edge, Cheshire area, I invite you to book a session with me to experience the benefits of Reiki for yourself.
FAQs
Can Reiki replace ADHD medication or therapy?
Reiki is a complementary therapy that works best alongside conventional treatments. It’s not a replacement for medication or therapy but can offer additional support.
How often should I have Reiki sessions for ADHD?
While benefits can be felt from a single session, regular sessions may lead to deeper, longer-lasting improvements.
Is Reiki suitable for children with ADHD?
Yes, Reiki is gentle and safe for children. It can be especially helpful for children with ADHD who struggle with sleep, focus, or managing emotions.
How soon will I feel results with Reiki?
Many clients feel immediate relief, but the full effects may become more noticeable after a few sessions.
Can I practise Reiki on myself to manage ADHD symptoms?
Yes, self-Reiki techniques can be practised to manage sensory overwhelm, quiet racing thoughts, and create a calm bedtime routine.
About Penelope Silver - The Reiki One
With over 17 years of experience as a Reiki Master and advanced EFT practitioner, I specialise in supporting individuals with ADHD and related challenges. My practice, based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, focuses on providing calm, clarity, and grounding for clients navigating the unique experiences ADHD brings—whether it’s emotional overwhelm, sleep difficulties, or managing daily stress. Through gentle, personalised Reiki and EFT sessions, I create a peaceful, supportive environment where clients can release tension, reconnect with themselves, and build resilience. Whether you're an adult, a parent of a child with ADHD, or simply seeking greater balance, I’m here to guide you on your journey to well-being.
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