Autoimmune Disorders

Are you dealing with an autoimmune disorder? If so, then please consider using Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine as a treatment option. Autoimmune disease can often be frustrating to treat, but I consistently see good results using the tools of Chinese medicine.  

Autoimmunity happens when your body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues of its own body, as it loses the ability to tell the difference between its own cells and those of invaders. Approximately 1 in 15 Canadians has an autoimmune condition, and this number continues to climb, as it has since the 80s. Studies have shown that many challenges of modern life can trigger these diseases, including stress, lack of exercise, poor diet, food allergies and sensitivities, lack of sleep and sleep. I don’t know about you, but looking around, I don’t see many of us who aren’t affected by at least one and usually more of these factors.

Autoimmune diseases are defined by the healthy tissues that they attack. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome are diseases of the joints and muscles. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease are diseases of the digestive tract. Hashimoto’s, Graves and Addison’s diseases are autoimmune conditions of different parts of the hormonal system.

My experience is that these conditions often respond well to the Chinese medical approach. My patients often report great improvement in their quality of life when they have been consistent with herbal medicine, acupuncture and followed their treatment plan. Often, for example, they find that simple adjustments to diet can have profound healing effects.

How do I approach autoimmune conditions? The same way that I approach any other disease – I start with a complete health history and symptom list, which helps me understand where and how the illness is manifesting. I identify which organs are not functioning properly, where in the body there is inflammation, where circulation is impeded and inadequate, and choose herbs and acupuncture points that precisely target these imbalances. I also look at any dietary and lifestyle habits that may be negatively impacting your body’s ability to heal. I also frequently look at the effects of mindset and attitudes to see if there are any changes in thinking and outlook that could support your healing.

In short, I look at you and your health challenges holistically and as an integrated whole, and use my training, experience and intuition to map a way forward for you so you start to quickly see improvements in your symptoms and overall condition. Autoimmune conditions are complex, but my experience is that they often respond well to Chinese medicine, especially when my patients are able to adopt a healthier lifestyle and diet to go along with the treatments I provide.

So, if you are suffering from an autoimmune illness, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have, or to book an initial consultation. There is usually lots we can do using acupuncture, herbal medicine and the other tools of Chinese medicine to correct underlying root causes, alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. There is a way forward. I look forward to hearing from you.