Qigong Sensory Therapy for Autism

​As an occupational therapy assistant I have worked with many children with autism.  The latest numbers from a government study suggests that 1 in 45 children, ages 3 through 17, have been diagnosed with autism.  These numbers are expected to increase.  While finishing up my schooling for occupational therapy I was looking for a way to integrate occupational therapy with my passion for alternative medicine.  I came across Qigong Sensory Therapy (QST).
 
I saw the results from my own personal qigong practice, so I was excited to hear about the studies conducted with children with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.  I called several of the occupational therapists that were already using QST in their practice.  Each and every one of them told me that it was the single most used tool in their toolbox, and used it everyday.  They explained their experience with what they have seen, and I was hooked.  I jumped on the Qigong train, and let me tell you what a ride it’s been!
 
It was a 5 month training program that started in Oregon, then home studies involving a case study.  Since learning this technique I can tell you from my own personal experience it has changed families’ lives, forever.  There is no other treatment like it in the world.  Currently, there are no treatments that work for severe autism, along with mild autism like this one does.  The studies concluded that:
 
After five months of treatment:

• Sensory problems improved by 38%; touch improved by 49%
• Autistic behavior decreased by 32%;
• Social skills increased and children were more affectionate 
• Receptive language increased
• Parenting stress decreased by 44%

 
After two years of treatment: 

• There was 100% recovery of the sense of touch
• The average decrease of autism severity was 44%
• Over 50% of high-functioning children moved off the spectrum

A study evaluating treatment in older children (aged 6-11) showed similar results.
*These results taken from The Qigong Sensory Treatment Institute’s website.
 
 
There have been children treated with their diagnosis removed.  Yes, REMOVED!  This treatment technique is so easy, yet so powerful.  
 
Qigong Sensory Therapy is an evidence-based medical massage protocol that is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  There are 12 simple movements that work on acupuncture points and meridian channels on the front and back of the body.  These movements normalize the sense of touch, which was found to be unbalanced in 100% of children with autism.  Once the sense of touch is normalized the sensory systems can start working together more effectively.  I know some children with autism don't seem to show any abnormalities with the sense of touch, but research done with skin biopsies show every child with autism had a loss of C-tactile fibers.  See that study HERE.  Treatment with QST also detoxes and de-blocks the body and gets the energy moving the way it’s meant to.  As a result, the child becomes more tolerant to touch, helping them interact with people and the environment around them, and improving emotional and learning development.  
 
I have seen amazing results with children that went through QST.  One particular child (almost 3 years of age)  came to me with zero eye contact, was non-verbal, not eating, not sleeping well, not walking, and had abnormal bowel movements.  After one week of treatment he was eating everything given to him and had normal bowel movements.  His sleep improved as well. After one month of treatment he was saying 3 word sentences, walking and started making eye contact.  After 3 months of treatment his doctor rescinded his cerebral palsy diagnosis and took autism off the table as well.  The boy was saying 5 word sentences, had almost normal eye contact, and learning to run.  This boy was lifted from his fog.

​These are miraculous results.  Qigong Sensory Therapy works.  Is this a cure for autism?  No.  There is more than one cause of autism.  An authorized QST therapist will be able to help you decide if QST will benefit your child.  
 
If you would like more information you may contact us, or find a QST practitioner in your area at www.qsti.org.  I feel honored and privileged to have found this effective technique to share with others.  Find the book from QSTI HERE to learn the massage protocol at home, or click HERE to find a practitioner near you.

Elaine Evenhouse