Acupuncture and Autoimmune Disease
Treating Autoimmune Diseases with Acupuncture
There is a rising number of autoimmune disease diagnoses in Canada. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can play a critical role in the care of such diseases. Here’s how it works.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are not the same things, although their aim is similar; to restore physiology. Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles into specific acupuncture points in order to stimulate the body’s energy systems. These energy systems are not just esoteric ideas, though they are hard to understand through a Western lens. Here’s what history tells us. If there is stagnation in an area, the Qi and/or blood in that area is not moving efficiently enough for us to feel optimal. If there is a deficiency of Qi or blood in an area, then the body is in some way deprived of nutrients and is suffering in some way. In this system autoimmune disorders arise due to a disruption in the proper flow of energy. In other words, the physiological functioning of a certain system has gone awry, and acupuncture can help open up blockages or bring qi and blood to areas of deficiency.
When Acupuncture isn’t enough to treat autoimmune disorders
Historically and still well practiced in China today, what is referred to as Chinese medicine is primarily Chinese Herbal Medicine. It is often essential in the treatment of complex conditions. Sometimes acupuncture alone isn’t enough to treat an autoimmune disease. Chinese Herbal medicine dates back over 2000 years. Over the years ideas and theories have been passed down from one generation to the next, which means that Chinese Medicine has evolved with the times. Chinese Herbal Medicine allows us to go deeper with your treatment and provides nutrition that acupuncture alone can’t really touch. Each herbal formula is unique to you and is put together for you at the time of your appointment.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Autoimmune Disease
The benefits of Chinese herbal therapy are such that you will continue to get the support you need to treat your pattern of dysfunction, daily. This helps your body remember what it looks and feels like to operate in a more balanced state. Not to mention the nutritive quality of herbs that are just not available through acupuncture alone. Typically though a person with autoimmune conditions seeking out alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in Kelowna, will be treated with both modalities. This will be decided once you and your practitioner have had a chance to sit down and do a thorough intake.
One thing to caution the reader about. Chinese herbal medicine takes years of dedication and how long a person has studied matters. Unfortunately, in British Columbia and across Canada a person can dispense herbs when they ONLY have an acupuncture license. When seeking out practitioners make sure they have a designation of R.TCMP (Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner) or DTCM (Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine). If you are wondering you can check the CTCMA website, which is the governing body for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists in British Columbia. Your time, money, and energy are worth you getting the best care possible.
If you would like to learn more about the practitioners at Acupuncture Kelowna and how they may be able to assist you on your autoimmune journey, please see our About pages. And please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
Here are some Autoimmune Conditions we have had success treating using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Hashimotos
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis
Crohn’s
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Ulcerative Colitis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Lupus
We are also experienced in treating symptoms and disorders that are often the result of or secondary to some Autoimmune Diseases. Such as:
Allergies
Fibromyalgia
Please understand that we often work with patients in conjunction with their GP, specialist, Naturopath, and other health care professionals. I often hesitate to include Western studies in these articles as they typically lack nuance and are simply looking at one mechanism of action. This is typical of Western studies and what they are very good at. While this has its place, it is not a good assessment of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine’s efficacy in this arena.
That said here are 2 studies for your interest.
Looking forward to working with you.