Autoimmune diseases are a collective group of disorders that plague nearly 50 million people in the United States today. When a person suffers from an autoimmune disease it means their own immune system is attacking the body and altering or destroying the tissues. Autoimmune diseases include things like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Many factors play into an autoimmune disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole, allowing the patient to get a holistic treatment. The TCM treatment plan supports restoration of the function of the body at the same time it works to relief the symptoms caused by the autoimmune process. Since autoimmune diseases are often diagnosed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a deficiency pattern with heat toxins, TCM practitioners work to build the immune system and support the ability to deal with infection and inflammation.
Both acupuncture and herbal formulas are beneficial to the patient in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. When acupuncture and herbal medicine are combined, the effects are stronger than if either is used alone. Many people dealing with autoimmune diseases experience high levels of stress trying to find help with their health condition. It is comforting to receive acupuncture and experience how very relaxing the treatment is.
As autoimmune sufferers start to see improvements with acupuncture treatments and herbs, they may also be able to do things they couldn’t before, like exercise. Gentle exercise improves blood flow and increases endorphin production in the body. Receiving regular acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine can benefit everyone, even those suffering from autoimmune diseases. If you are dealing with some type of autoimmune disease, consider giving Traditional Chinese Medicine a chance. The outcomes may be life changing.
