Those familiar with acupuncture are aware of its myriad of benefits — pain relief, relaxation, inflammation reduction — the list goes on.

When tiny acuneedles are inserted at specific points along the body, big changes can happen. This is particularly true for scalp acupuncture.

Currently, one in 68 children in the United States are diagnosed as being along the Autism Spectrum. While symptoms can range from minimal to severe, there are often verbal, linguistic and social deficits that prompt diagnosis.

Parents of children with autism are often proactive in seeking new treatments that may help to improve their chid’s condition and thus, their quality of life. For many, acupuncture can help.

In a study released last October, the Baptist University in Hong Kong achieved an overall efficacy rate of 97% in treating autistic children with the holistic treatment.

A total of 68 autistic children between ages 2 and 10 were treated with scalp acupuncture resulting in, “alleviating problems of impaired social interaction and delayed verbal communication.” The participants were also, “less likely to have behavioral problems and be abnormally sensitive to noise, as well as being less picky towards food.”

How did it work, exactly? Ana Yau Chuen-hueng, a lecturer from the university’s school of Chinese Medicine who led the study explained, “Autism is related to a disorder with brain function … scalp acupuncture could strengthen the links between nerve cells and improve their functions.”

Yau Chen-hueng also said that perhaps children under age three could benefit more from the treatment, as it is durig that time period that the brain develops at its fastest speed.

While she reiterated acupuncture is not a cure, it proved effective at improving some symptoms which is very promising, providing hope to those who need it.