On the Spectrum
On the spectrum is a phrase commonly used when talking about Autism. It is also relevant when describing other disorders, for example Personality Disorders, such as Schizoid. There has even been talk in the scientific community about a strong overlap and developmental continuity between Autism and Schizoid Disorder.
I was mildly Autistic when I was a preteen (younger than 12). I recall trying on a pair of corduroy pants in JC Pennys and dancincing around with a seething chant, “they feel weird!” (not the first or last time that happened). Later after I graduated high school, a polarity therapist was working around my root chakra or inferior hypogastric plexus plexus and he indicated the amount of tension I was holding was indicative of a mild Schizoid disorder.
My intuition tells me that Autism is often related to and presymptomatic of a Personalty Disorder.
Chinese Medicine Treatment Options
Chinese medicine talks about four main patterns of Autism that a patient may present with.
In my clinic I always start with Spirit Pearls because of its calming the Shen, opening the Orifices, and nourishing Blood herbs, and usually keep that as their base and standby prescription.
Most patients come to the clinic with a combination of patterns in the beginning so they’re prescribed one or more formulas and given instruction on improving their lifestyle (diet and exercise).
Along with the Spirit Pearls presentation there is often Liver Qi Stagnation, Phlegm, and/ or Qi and Blood deficiency.
Liver Qi Stagnation is addressed with Ease Pearls (a version of Xiaoyao Wan), Phlegm by Earth Pearls (Wuji San), and Qi and Blood deficiency by the good ol’ Guipi Tang.
One patient was diagnosed with Asperger’s, was able to attend college, and went on to become a proficient draftsmen and successful city planner. He had some difficulty relating with romantic interests in college and took to drinking alcohol to calm his Shen with unsatisfactory results.
Over time he quit his alcohol use, cleaned up his diet, and only required Spirit Pearls to manage and improve his condition.
