Acupuncture for Treating Autism in Encino
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, an estimated one in 500 to one in 1,000 children suffer from autism. While the source of autism is still a bit blurry some believe that nutrition, viral infections, immunizations and antibiotics carry a strong weight on those who currently suffer from autism. New research even suggests genetic ties to autism that present the disorder as a prenatal concern. Signs of autism typically appear by the age of three and are apparent through language, social communication and cognitive behavior. Autism today is classified as a spectrum disorder in Western medicine. ASD, autism spectrum disorder includes classic autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Devlopmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, also known as atypical autism. Each condition can be accompanied by characteristics such as aggression, irritability, hyperactivity, negativism, volatile emotions, temper tantrums, short attention span and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Understanding Autism & Acupuncture
Autism at its most basic understanding involves a delay in progression in standing, walking, hair growth, teeth eruption and speech. These signs of classic autism can be recognized as an imbalance of body functions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Since the mind and body work as one in Chinese medicine, acupuncture can be used to balance the flow of energy in the body, understanding that both emotional and physical well-being play an equal role in achieving optimal wellness.
Reason and awareness are most strongly affected by autism, and in Chinese medicine reason and awareness are ruled by three organ systems, the heart, the spleen and the kidney. The heart, ruling mental functions like emotional behavior and memory, the spleen is linked to the mind’s ability to study, memorize and concentrate, and the kidney rules long-term memory. When these areas are unbalanced Chinese medicine believes these symptoms or triggers can show signs or characteristics of autism.