针刺治疗儿童孤独症谱系障碍研究进展OA

Autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are neurodevelopmental disorders,clinically manifested as early social impairment,repeti-tive behaviors,and restricted interests.The disease is in the brain,with pathogenesis involving deficiency of mental nourishment,congen-ital insufficiency,cerebral marrow malnourishment,and obstruction of brain channels by phlegm and blood stasis.Syndrome differentia-tion involves the Heart,brain,Spleen,and Kidney.The mechanism of acupuncture treatment for ASD may be related to the regulation of brain functional connectivity,neurotransmitters(γ-aminobutyric acid,glutamate),reduction of inflammation,and modulation of immu-nity.Clinically,treatment is often based on syndrome differentiation of different organs:from the perspective of the brain,acupuncture at various head acupoints can nourish the sea of marrow,awaken the brain,open orifices,and regulate the mind to enhance intelligence;from perspective of the Spleen and Stomach,acupuncture to tonify the Spleen and Stomach can transform the essence of food and drink to nourish the brain marrow and coordinate the movement of Qi to restore the primordial spirit;from the perspective of the intestines,based on the gut-brain axis theory,acupuncture can regulate gastrointestinal Qi movement,unblock the Fu and adjust Qi,thereby trea-ting the mind via the intestines and improving abnormal behaviors in children with ASD.Existing studies provide a preliminary explana-tion for the biological mechanisms of acupuncture in treating children with ASD and offer new directions for further in-depth research.