Benefits of Acupuncture – Acupuncture for Autoimmune Diseases

by | Jan 18, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Autoimmune diseases affect many people across the globe, and you might be affected too. If so, you know that conventional medicine can only do so much to help you manage your condition. But did you know that acupuncture may be able to help as well? Studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases, and it may be just what you need to start feeling better. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider giving acupuncture a try. 

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that occur when the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own cells and tissues. In most cases, our immune system produces antibodies capable of harming healthy body cells. Conversely, these antibodies protect from foreign invaders (antigens) like bacteria and viruses in healthy people. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), around 23.5 million people in the United States suffer from immune-mediated disorders.

Autoimmune diseases can affect any organ or tissue in the body, including the brain, joints, skin, and heart. There is no one cause of autoimmune diseases, and they can vary in severity from person to person. Some common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. There is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms.

Many autoimmune diseases have unknown etiologies or causes. The disease processes of these diseases are adequately understood; however, the underlying reason for the mismanagement of the immune system is still unknown. Autoimmune conditions are associated with various risk factors such as genetic factors, age, sex, and ethnicity. For instance, SLE is more common in females of child-bearing age. Some symptoms that are linked with many autoimmune problems include:

  • Arthralgias or joint pain – which may involve big joints such as the knee and/or small joints such as joints in the finger.
  • Rashes 
  • Poor appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss 

In most instances, autoimmune diseases are treated with medications and lifestyle changes, but there is currently no cure for them. Managing autoimmune diseases requires ongoing care and monitoring to ensure that symptoms are kept under control.

Is Acupuncture Right for Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of acupuncture will vary depending on the individual’s specific autoimmune condition. However, there is some evidence that acupuncture may be helpful for autoimmune diseases.

One study published in the journal PLoS One looked at the effect of acupuncture on autoimmune hepatitis, a type of liver disease. The study found that acupuncture could reduce markers of inflammation and improve symptoms in participants with autoimmune hepatitis.

Another study, published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine, looked at the effect of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. The study found that acupuncture could reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including pain and stiffness. Moreover, acupuncture is utilized to treat the accompanying symptoms of these diseases, e.g., acupuncture for insomnia helps get better quality sleep and overall wellness.

Moreover, a pilot study involving 52 patients with SLE showed that acupuncture has the potential to decrease the pain and discomfort associated with the disease. Patients received ten acupuncture sessions, and around 40% experienced pain improvement. Also, ten acupuncture sessions were associated with no risks or side effects. 

Many people with autoimmune diseases find that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and pain and improve overall wellness. If you consider acupuncture as a treatment option for your autoimmune disease, discuss your case with your healthcare provider to see if it may be right for you.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Autoimmune Diseases

To put it simply, acupuncture falls in the category of holistic care. Holistic care is proven to have far better and long-term effects in managing any disease, including autoimmune disorders. Acupuncture is a safe technique that aims to increase your body’s energy balance, which in turn regulates the immune system and helps the body fight any harmful effects.

Another significant advantage of getting acupuncture therapy is going home without side effects. Most medical treatments for autoimmune conditions have various side effects, ranging from stomach ulcers to insomnia, lethargy, and a weaker immune system. Contrarily, acupuncture achieves its goals via regulating the body’s existing chemistry causing relatively no side effects. 

What to expect during acupuncture treatment for autoimmune diseases?

If you are considering acupuncture treatment for autoimmune diseases, it is essential to understand what to expect during a treatment session.

Generally, acupuncture treatment for autoimmune diseases will last around 30 minutes. The practitioner will need to know about your specific condition in order to target the right areas of your body.

You may feel some discomfort as the needles are inserted, but this should only be temporary. Once the needles are in place, you can sit back and enjoy the relaxation and healing benefits of acupuncture.

Some people experience an immediate improvement in symptoms after their first acupuncture treatment for autoimmune diseases, while others may require multiple treatments before they start to see results. Be patient and let your body respond in its own time – there is no set timeline for how long it will take to see improvements.

The cost of acupuncture treatments for autoimmune diseases

The cost of acupuncture treatments varies depending on the practitioner’s location and experience. However, on average, an acupuncture session costs between $50 and $75. Some health insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of acupuncture treatments, but this varies from plan to plan.

If you are living with an autoimmune disease, we hope you will give acupuncture a try. The benefits of acupuncture for autoimmune diseases have been well documented. We believe it can be an essential part of your treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start feeling better!

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