Acupuncture for Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of Americans annually, disrupting their daily lives. Diagnosing and treating these disorders involves considering various factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, diet, lifestyle, and stress. These imbalances trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis. Although no known cure exists for these conditions, prescription medications are commonly used to manage symptoms. However, these medications may have side effects that can be as harmful as the disease.
In recent times, Acupuncture has become a popular therapy for individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions. The practice is renowned for alleviating pain and symptoms linked to these ailments, regulating the immune system, calming and stabilizing the nervous system, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Autoimmune Disease Causes
When we catch a cold, our bodies react by fighting off the virus or bacteria. This fight can result in symptoms like fever, sore throat, body aches, chills, and rashes. These symptoms indicate that the immune system is working to eliminate the pathogen. However, the body cannot distinguish between foreign cells, such as viruses, and healthy cells in autoimmune conditions, which can lead to the release of antibodies that attack and damage healthy tissue. Some autoimmune disorders affect only one organ, like Hashimoto's disease, which can cause fatigue, hair loss, digestive problems, poor concentration, and cold sensitivity by attacking the thyroid. Other conditions affect the entire body, such as multiple sclerosis, which attacks the protective layer of nerves and disrupts communication between the brain and body. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include balance problems, dizziness, neuropathy, vision loss, and paralysis.
The exact reason behind autoimmune diseases, as seen through Western Medicine, remains unclear, making treatment challenging. There are various theories, including a genetic tendency or the presence of a foreign pathogen, such as Lyme disease, caused by parasitic invasions. The symptoms of autoimmune conditions can be gradual and unusual, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, dry skin or eyes, and difficulty focusing. Some autoimmune diseases can advance rapidly, such as Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Chinese Medicine's View on Autoimmunity
Acupuncturists take a holistic approach to healing and focus on the individual's pattern of symptoms rather than the Western diagnosis. Chinese Medicine acknowledges that even if two people have the same Western diagnosis, they may have different root causes and require separate treatment plans to address the body's root imbalance.
Acupuncture treatments aim to restore balance in the body by calming overactive areas and boosting deficient ones. The treatments help shift the body from a "fight or flight" response to a "rest and digest" state, reduce inflammation throughout the body, promote healthy movement, nourish vital resources such as Qi (energy), blood, and fluids, and alleviate pain associated with various conditions.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Immune Modulation
Managing symptoms of autoimmune conditions can also be done through Chinese herbal prescriptions. Studies have found that specific Chinese herbs, including Huang Qi, Reishi, Ren Shen, and Jianghuang, can help regulate the immune response and alleviate systemic inflammation and pain. Chinese herbs are a helpful addition to Acupuncture in managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. These prescriptions can speed up the treatment process, resulting in quicker positive results for patients.
Dealing with severe pain and other symptoms caused by an autoimmune condition can make it hard to live a "normal" life. However, studies show that Acupuncture can help reduce the excess cortisol levels in the brain that cause chronic stress and promote a sense of calm. If you struggle to manage your autoimmune symptoms, don't hesitate to ask for help. I understand your difficulties (personally) and would be happy to assist you. I offer complimentary consultations to see how Acupuncture can help you.
Cheers to quality of life by living in health & wellness Sarasota.
Dr. Jen
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