Autism Therapy: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

definition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Herbs, acupuncture, cupping, massage, and other forms of healing used throughout thousands of years by the Chinese. It is a considered a subset of complementary and alternative medicine.

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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.


Tui na, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), may help children with autism improve sensory issues and self-regulatory deficits. A recent research study, A Model and Treatment for Autism at the Convergence of Chinese Medicine and Western Science: First 130 Cases, looked at 130 children with autism who received Tui na, Their parents were taught how to administer the technique, which is a hands-on approach that includes brushing, kneading, and pressing on areas of the body. Not only did the children show increased improvements in sensory issues, but parents showed less stress as well.

Read original article: Autism Treatment Research Focuses on Efficacy of Chinese Medicine Tuina Methodology


KL Biomed is a biomedical- and holistic-based support network for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. This Malaysian group focuses on complementary and alternative treatments (CAM) for autism as well as empowering families to research what works best for their children. While KL Biomed advocates checking with a DAN doctor before beginning treatment, some of the therapies they promote include: naturopathy, homeopathy, HBOT, cranial-sacral therapy, neurofeedback, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and dietary supplements. KL Biomed runs an online forum where parents can share information on what is working for their children. KL Biomed's belief is that relying on the collective knowledge of a lot of parents is better than using just one source for treatment information.

Read original article: Empowering Parents


Facial reflexology is a new type of reflexology in the United States and shows therapy benefits for some children with autism. Traditionally, reflexology has been associated with massage and/or pressure on the feet to help heal other parts of the body and improve overall health. According to the American Reflexology Certification Board, reflexology "is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction which causes a physiological change in the body." Lone Sorensen, who runs a reflexology institute in Barcelona, Spain, has used the same principles on the face. She has brought facial reflexology techniques to the U.S. and has currently trained a number of reflexologists in North Carolina. Sorensen says that facial reflexology is a combination of "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), South American Zone Therapy and Vietnamese face maps with the modern science of neurology." A practicioner, Cyndi Hill, has a center in North Carolina called Shalom Regel Reflexology. Hill explains that facial reflexology was developed mostly for children and when she applies massage pressure to certain parts of the face, it may help neurological functions in children.

Read original article: Facial Reflexology Comes to Salisbury


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses moxibustion with acupuncture as treatment for children with autism. TCM believes that autism results from decreased energy in the brains of children. It tries to increase the energy flow with moxibustion (burning mugwort herb in a special bamboo "hat"). The autism therapy also involves acupuncture at points on the child's head. Dr Wang Ruihua, of Ruijin Hospital, in Shanghai, has been studying and using moxibustion intervention for over 12 years. "Comprehensive treatment also involves herbal medicine, behavior training and stimulation of peripheral nerves, like brushing the fingers with brushes. Dr Wang sets five goals for his patients - acquiring the ability to repeat words, initiate language use, think logically, communicate with others, and adapt to society."

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