Autoimmune Diseases Support with Acupuncture
Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis occur when the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. These conditions are often lifelong and can cause symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, inflammation, digestive discomfort, and brain fog (NIH, 2023).
An estimated fifty million Americans are living with an autoimmune condition, many of whom experience fluctuating symptoms that move between remission and flare ups (NIH, 2023).
At Ageless Acupuncture, acupuncture is used as supportive therapy to help reduce symptom burden, calm inflammation, and improve overall quality of life while working alongside conventional medical care (Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety, 2022).
Understanding Autoimmune Imbalance
In a healthy immune system, the body can distinguish between its own cells and external threats. In autoimmune disease, this recognition process becomes dysregulated, leading to persistent inflammation and tissue damage over time (NIH, 2023). Autoimmune conditions can affect a single organ or multiple systems and often present differently from person to person. This variability is one reason these conditions can be difficult to manage with standardized treatment approaches alone.
How Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture does not cure autoimmune diseases, but research shows it can support shows involved in pain regulation, inflammation control, and nervous system balance.
Scientific studies suggest acupuncture may help:
- Reduce chronic pain and joint stiffness associated with inflammatory conditions (Lee et al., 2008).
- Influence inflammatory signaling pathways involved in immune activity (R. Zhang et al., 2013)
- Lower stress and support nervous system regulation, which is important since stress is a common autoimmune trigger (Kim & Bae, 2010).
- Improve fatigue and overall well-being in people managing chronic inflammatory conditions (Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety, 2022).
Rather than stimulating the immune system, acupuncture supports balance and regulation, helping calm an overactive response.
Individualized Care for Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune disease does not affect any two people the same way. Acupuncture treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, energy levels, stress patterns, digestion, sleep quality, and overall health goals. This whole-person approach aligns with interactive care models recommended for managing complex chronic conditions (NIH, 2023).
Supporting the Whole Body
In addition to acupuncture, care may include guidance around stress reduction, gentle movement, nutrition, and supportive therapies when appropriate. All recommendations are designed to complement your existing medical care, not replace it, and open communication with your healthcare providers is encouraged.
Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases
Managing an autoimmune condition can feel unpredictable, but supportive care can make a meaningful difference. Acupuncture offers a low-risk, evidence-informed option to help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and support long-term resilience (Lee et al., 2008; R. Zhang et al., 2013). Research also shows that acupuncture can help regulate stress and improve overall well-being in people managing chronic inflammatory conditions (Kim & Bae, 2010; Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety, 2022). By incorporating acupuncture into your care plan, you are choosing a natural approach that supports your body while helping you regain a sense of balance and control (NIH, 2023).
If you are ready to explore acupuncture as part of your autoimmune care, schedule an appointment today. Your personalized treatment plan will be tailored to your symptoms, support your current medical care, and help you more at ease in your body.
References:
- Acupuncture: effectiveness and safety. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety
- Kim, S. K., & Bae, H. (2010). Acupuncture and immune modulation. Autonomic Neuroscience, 157(1–2), 38–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.010
- National Institutes of Health. (2023). Autoimmune diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/autoimmune-diseases
- Lee, M. S., Shin, B., & Ernst, E. (2008). Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Lara D. Veeken, 47(12), 1747–1753. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/ken330
- Zhang, R., Lao, L., Ren, K., & Berman, B. M. (2013). Mechanisms of Acupuncture–Electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology, 120(2), 482–503. https://doi.org/10.1097/aln.0000000000000101
