Autism Therapy: Qigong

definition of Qigong: Qigong is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that seeks to align the body using breath, movement and awareness. Originally from China, qigong is used to balance the life energy (chi/qi). While a child can be taught to perform qigong, some therapists may use the qigong approach to balance the energy of the child by touching energy points.

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Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, by Silva, LMT, Schalock M., Ayres R., Bunse C., and Budden S., published in 2009, summarized Apr 1, 2010

Qigong massage therapy may help reduce the symptoms of autism in young children, both at school and at home.

This study looked to see if 5 months of qigong massage therapy would improve symptoms of autism compared to controls. The study showed that qigong massage reduced symptoms of autism as measured by tests of behavior and abilities. The children who received qigong massage showed improved sensory and physical systems. The children also gained skills for social learning. The authors plan to expand the study to look at the effects of qigong massage on the nervous system (vagal tone).


Outcomes of a Pilot Training Program in a Qigong Massage Intervention for Children with Autism
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, by Silva, LMT, Ayres R., and Schalock M., published in 2008, summarized Nov 20, 2008

Qigong massage may be able to help children with autism improve sensory issues and problem behavior.

This study was designed to see if Western-trained people would be able to perform Qigong massage on children with autism and see results. They found that the 80-hour Qigong Sensory Training program was able to train therapists to provide Qigong massage. The authors found no difference in outcomes between children who were high-functioning and those who were low-functioning. The study did not have a control and it was small (26 children). The authors are now working on a larger randomized controlled study.


Improvement in Sensory Impairment and Social Interaction in Young Children with Autism Following Treatment with an Original Qigong Massage Methodology
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, by Silva, LMT, Cignolini A., Warren R., Budden S., and Skowron-Gooch A., published in 2007, summarized Aug 17, 2007

Chinese massage may help children with autism develop social skills and basic living skills.

This research was the result of eastern and western therapists working together to see if Chinese energy (Qigong) massage can help children with autism. Western thought says that a child must have healthy touch in order for the brain to develop right. Chinese medicine believes that autism happens when the sense of touch is blocked and energy cannot enter the mind through the skin. Qigong therapy is designed to remove the blockage to the sense of touch. Qigong therapy was able to help many aspects of autism including bowel function and sleep.


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Qigong Massage as Therapy for Autism

May 17, 2010

Karen Erikson works to heal blind and abused ponies, but was unable to find a therapy that worked for her son with autism. After 2 years of Qiqong massage, some of that time as a participant in a research project led by Dr. Louisa Silva, her son, Jake, is a verbal and social youngster. Pam Tindall, of Possibilities Consulting, a Silva-trained qigong massage therapist, was assigned to work with Jake. Qigong massage is based on the thinking that the problem with autism is that sensory information is blocked, so the therapist works to unblock it. Tindall explains that, “the protocol is a type of patting motion more like a hands-on light touch session than a muscle-kneading massage...clearing out energy blockages along the body's 12 primary meridians, or energy pathways as identified in Chinese medicine.”

Read original article: Mom Says Qigong Massage Helps Autistic Son


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Qigong sensory training program

Mar 25, 2007 by Anonymous

a massage therapy that my four year old son is involved with. We are presently involved with a study group that has been looking into the benafits of of qi-gong massage therapy on spectrum autism. I Belive the study has been going on for about three years. It is non evasive, no drugs are involved, my son greatly enjoys his "rub downs" whitch he receives every day, and it appears to help ground him in "this world". His verbal and social skills have improved, and we play catch. He's also beginning to buddy around with me.


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