Acupuncture for Autism

Acupuncture for Autism

 A study conducted in Beijing noted that acupuncture increases brain levels of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT), which are known to be involved in social behaviors. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) is often used in clinic to produce a similar stimulation to that of manual acupuncture on acupuncture points. In their study, Zhang et al. applied TES to children with autism in order to assess its therapeutic effectiveness in treating autism. Seventy-six autistic children receiving rehabilitation training were randomly divided into 2 groups: a treatment group receiving TES for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks (n=37), and a control group that did not receive TES treatment (n=39). A series of rating scales was used to assess outcomes. In addition, plasma levels of AVP and OXT were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment. The treatment group showed a significant improvement over the control group in their emotional response, fear or anxiety, level & consistency of intellectual relations, as well as general impressions on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). They also showed improvements in the sensory and related factors in the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Additionally, children in the treatment group accepted a greater variety of food after TES treatment. The researchers noted that TES appeared to be effective in autistic children who showed passive and aloof behavior, but not in children whose behaviors were more active. The plasma level of AVP was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment. In addition, the increased plasma AVP level seemed to parallel the improvement of some of the behavior factors in CARS, including adaptation to environmental change, listening response, perceptive response, and fear or anxiety. The researchers thus concluded that TES is an effective treatment option for autistic children with a passive and aloof social interaction style, and that changes in plasma levels of AVP and possibly OXT may be involved in mediating the therapeutic effect of TES.

To read the full research report, click here.