How qigong sensory treatment works

Self-regulation is not a skill that can be trained in an unstable system.
Physiological regulation depends on:

• accurate sensory input

• predictable bodily signals

• a nervous system that can differentiate and prioritise information

If sensory input is chaotic or painful, the nervous system remains in a defensive state.

QST restores the conditions in which regulation can emerge naturally.

Behaviour-first approaches work on outcomes.
QST works on causes.
Instead of asking the child to:

• inhibit responses

• tolerate discomfort

• override sensory pain and discomfort

QST changes the quality of sensory input reaching the nervous system.
When the body no longer signals danger, defensive behaviours lose their function.

Touch is the primary input used in QST, but not all touch is the same.

QST uses:

• structured touch sequences

• predictable patterns

• graded intensity

• trauma-sensitive pacing

This form of touch targets sensory nerve pathways in the skin and deeper tissues.
It is not used to calm emotions.
It is used to organise sensory input.

QST is trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive because it recognises that chronic sensory overload can create physiological trauma responses.
Touch is never imposed.
Sessions are adapted to the child’s sensory threshold and nervous system capacity.

QST does not rely on:

• exposure

• catharsis

• verbal processing

Safety is established through sensory predictability, not emotional discussion.

When sensory input becomes clearer and less threatening:

• physiological stress responses decrease

• the nervous system can shift out of chronic defence

• energy previously used for protection becomes available

This often leads to changes in:

• tolerance for everyday sensations

• attention and presence

• social engagement

• learning capacity

These changes are downstream effects, not training targets.

QST does not depend on:

• verbal ability

• cognitive understanding

• motivation to cooperate

Sensory input is processed automatically by the nervous system.
This makes QST suitable for:

• non-verbal children

• children with high support needs

• children who resist traditional therapy formats

QST is delivered through:

• Daily sessions by parents, following a structured protocol and under the supervision and guidance of a trained QST therapist

• One to two sessions per week by a trained professional, who monitors sensory responses, adjusts the approach and ensures safe progression

QST relies on consistency and sensory repetition, which is why daily application at home is combined with regular professional oversight.

Sessions follow a structured framework, not improvisation.
The focus is always on:

• sensory thresholds

• nervous system capacity

• gradual integration