The American Autoimmune and Related Diseases Association estimates that over 50 million Americans are suffering from some form of autoimmune disease. They are the third leading chronic illness in the United States after heart disease and cancer. Women are more than twice as likely as men to suffer from autoimmune disease. There are more than 100 different forms; some of the most common types of autoimmune disease are:

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Thyroid Disease
• Lupus
• Crohn’s Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis
• Addison’s Disease
• Graves’ Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Guillain–Barré Syndrome
• Pernicious Anemia
• Autoimmune Vasculitis
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the body that are actually meant to protect the body. Two major characteristics of autoimmune disease are pain and inflammation, and although many of the overall symptoms are similar, they can vary greatly from disease to disease. The most common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:

• Muscle Pain
• Muscle Weakness
• Joint Pain
• Skin Rashes
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Low-Grade Fever
• Repeated Miscarriages
• Numbness & Tingling in the Hands & Feet
• Shortness of Breath
• Heart Palpitations 
• Dry Eyes
• Hair Loss
• Weight Issues

It is believed that autoimmune diseases may be triggered by a genetic predisposition in combination with factors such as viruses, toxins, bacteria, and some drugs. Autoimmune diseases are very complex, and the cause is not fully understood. There is no known cure for autoimmune diseases at this time. That said, there are ways to improve quality of life, including preventing further disease development, managing symptoms, and even supporting remission of autoimmune disease. 

With the right support and techniques, many people with autoimmune disease are able to enjoy a very high quality of life. 

How Can Acupuncture Help With Autoimmune Disease?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, autoimmune disease is believed to occur when there is an imbalance in the body. Acupuncture goes right to the root of imbalance to support the body’s innate healing abilities, and promote health and wellbeing. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, thin needles at specific points on the body to restore balance and support healing. 

Research has found that acupuncture may help autoimmune disease in the follow ways:

• By stimulating physical responses related to immune functioning, including nerve cells, hormones, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. 
• By positively impacting the parasympathetic nervous system response, which may help autoimmune disorders that are characterized by impaired parasympathetic abilities such as Lupus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• By helping people manage stress, which often triggers symptoms in people with autoimmune disease.
• By helping manage muscle and joint pain as well as inflammation related to autoimmune disease.

Acupuncture has also been found to positively impact blood flow, neurotransmitters, pain, thyroid hormones, the endocrine system, mood, and the gastrointestinal tract, which can offer relief for related symptoms in people with autoimmune disease.

If you are struggling with autoimmune disease, acupuncture may be the answer you have been looking for! Schedule a Vero Beach Acupuncture Appointment now!