Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for Autoimmune Disorders
Over 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. This is real suffering…and there is a LOT of it out there, but few real answers. Most of the standard treatments in Western Medicine have unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. The problem is they are not solving the problem…and they can be causing others.
Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment. Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life. According to Oriental Medicine, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of Yin and Yang that disrupts the flow of Qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.
Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.
In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.
We also have herbs…including carefully-screened Asian herbs and therapeutic chocolates..which are proven to help!
To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with an autoimmune disorder, please call us at Lotus Blossom Clinic to schedule a free consultation.
Excerpts of this article thanks to Acufinder.com.
Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM
Wishing you Balance in All Things,
Dr. David and Deb Martin
www.LotusBlossomClinic.com
(239) 277-1399