THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. HYPERACTIVITY (MBD SYNDROME) A behavior pattern in children characterized by excessive activity, inability to concentrate and clumsiness is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Although some children do show temporary improvement in their behavior from the amphetamines or Ritalin routinely prescribed for this condition, these drugs are seriously addicting, increase the incidence of strokes in teenagers and are popularly called "speed' when they are obtained illegally. "MBD" means minimal brain dysfunction, which is considered to be the cause of this syndrome. Research has indicated that chemical anesthesia given to mothers for childbirth, artificial food colorings and preservatives, drugs taken by pregnant women and malnutrition may produce brain dysfunction in children. Acupuncture as anesthesia for childbirth could reduce the incidence of this disorder. Acupuncture is a more effective and much safer treatment for hyperactive children than any drug. Although children may not be very cooperative with their first acupuncture treatment, they apparently feel so much better afterwards that they become very willing to have more. Six to ten treatments can give relief from this syndrome in most cases. All drugs should be discontinued under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Nutrition should be improved by increasing the proteins, raw vegetables and fruits in the diet and eliminating "junk foods". Certain vitamins may be helpful. next