Autoimmune Conditions & Acupuncture

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues. There are many different autoimmune conditions, and symptoms can vary considerably depending on the systems affected.

People living with autoimmune conditions may experience symptoms such as pain, inflammation, fatigue, digestive disturbances, sleep problems and periods where symptoms flare and settle.

Acupuncture for Autoimmune Conditions

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatment to help support some of the symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions.

Treatment is individualised and may focus on areas such as pain, fatigue, sleep, digestive symptoms, stress and nervous system regulation, depending on the person’s presentation.

The aim is not to suppress or “boost” the immune system, or to replace medical treatment, but to support symptom management and quality of life alongside appropriate specialist care.

Autoimmune Conditions Through a Chinese Medicine Lens

Chinese medicine focuses on the individual rather than the diagnosis alone.

Treatment considers the person’s particular combination of symptoms, including digestion, energy, pain, sleep, temperature, stress and other aspects of their health. Two people with the same autoimmune diagnosis may therefore receive very different treatments.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be incorporated alongside appropriate medical and specialist management.

If you are living with an autoimmune condition and would like to explore whether acupuncture or Chinese medicine may be a useful addition to your care, please GET IN TOUCH.