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Acupuncture for
Autoimmune Conditions

Can Acupuncture Reverse Autoimmunity?

Elias Lu, DTCM,

Acupuncture Physician

Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine in Tampa Bay, Florida

The immune system serves a vital role in safeguarding our bodies from infections while also warding off the onset of autoimmune diseases. 

 

Acupuncture, an emerging therapeutic approach, shows promise in addressing conditions stemming from immune system dysregulation.

doctor looking at x-rays of a knee joint

One of its potential mechanisms of action lies in its ability to exert a dual effect—both activating and suppressing components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. This modulation occurs through the regulation of inflammation-related cytokines and immune cell differentiation. Such a perspective resonates with the holistic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasize restoring body equilibrium and self-healing mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

 

Research suggests that acupuncture may offer benefits to individuals grappling with various autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies like those conducted by Liu et al. (2023), Ma et al. (2013), Peng et al. (2022), and Wang et al. (2023) shed light on the immunomodulatory properties of acupuncture and its role in maintaining immune homeostasis. These findings contribute to our understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine approaches immune regulation and underscores the potential bidirectional effects and mechanisms involved.

 

Acupuncture’s ability to restore and maintain immune balance holds promise in improving the quality of life for individuals grappling with autoimmune disorders. As elucidated by Wang et al. (2023), its immunomodulatory mechanisms offer avenues for further exploration and application in clinical practice. Understanding the intricate interplay between acupuncture and the immune system opens new avenues for personalized and holistic approaches to healthcare, aligning with the principles of integrative medicine.

 

To sum thing up, while acupuncture is not a cure, it may benefit patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis, lupus, RA, MS, psoriasis, and many other auto-immune conditions.

References

 

Liu, F., Wang, Y., Lyu, K., Du, X., Zhou, M., Shi, J., Na, R., Guo, Y., Wang, G., Xu, W., & Tongsen, Z. (2023). Acupuncture & its ability to restore and maintain immune homeostasis. QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians, hcad134. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcad134

 

Ma, H. D., Deng, Y. R., Tian, Z., & Lian, Z. X. (2013). Traditional Chinese medicine and immune regulation. Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 44(3), 229–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-012-8332-0

 

Peng, X., Tang, F., Yang, Y., Li, T., Hu, X., Li, S., Wu, W., & He, K. (2022). Bidirectional effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 298, 115578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115578

 

Wang, M., Liu, W., Ge, J., & Liu, S. (2023). The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice. Frontiers in immunology, 14, 1147718. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718

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Dr. Elias Lu, DTCM is an acupuncture physician with Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine. In practice for over 25 years, he integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern functional therapies to help people with chronic pain, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, depression, and many other life's challenges.

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