Lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Crohn's disease...You may have heard of these conditions, but do you know what they have in common? They are all types of autoimmune disease and they are all lifelong conditions.

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Approximately 50 million Americans are living with an autoimmune disease. If you are facing one of these conditions, you know how crucial it is to have a treatment plan in place to help you manage your symptoms and live the healthiest, most active life possible.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be powerful allies when living with an autoimmune disease. They can help:

• Strengthen your immune system

• Relieve painful symptoms

• Reduce your stress

• Support your overall health

 

Perhaps most importantly, your practitioner will focus on YOU as an individual. Your care will be tailored to your specific needs and symptoms, so you won't ever receive a "one-size-fits-all" treatment.

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Quick facts:

Here are 5 herbs and foods rich in bioflavonoids,

which have been found to dramatically reduce

inflammation and improve symptoms associated

with autoimmune disorders.

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Green & Black Tea: Rich in antioxidants that

delay cell damage

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Apples: Reduce allergic reactions

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Ginger: Reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin

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Flaxseed & Fish Oil: These oils are rich in omega-3 acids

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Fiber: Helps decreases food sensitivities

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When the immune response goes wrong: To understand autoimmune disease, we must first understand how the immune system works. The immune system generally acts as the body's protection against foreign substances and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system is working properly, it can tell the difference between the body's own tissues and outside organisms.

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In the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system stops being able to differentiate the good from the bad and begins to attack the body's own cells, tissues, and organs. This immune response causes harmful inflammation that eventually leads to an autoimmune condition. There are about 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, and several other conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia that are currently believed to have an autoimmune component.

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Autoimmune conditions are often difficult to diagnose and treat because their symptoms and progression can vary from person to person. These conditions may either affect many organs or target one specific part of the body. The symptoms can be persistent, get progressively worse, or go into remission with occasional flare ups, and can range from being mild to so severe that they become disabling.

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The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown, but since many conditions run in families, it is believed there is a genetic relationship. Because women are at a much higher risk for many autoimmune diseases, practitioners think hormones may play a role.

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Treatments generally rely upon a variety of medications, which can help to relieve symptoms, but can also come with unwanted side effects.

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How acupuncture can help: Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole body approach to healing based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy. Energy flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body's organs, protect us from illness and keep us healthy. When the body's natural flow becomes diminished or blocked, disease can result.

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The goal of treatment is to find and treat the underlying imbalances that are affecting the body. By addressing the root cause(s) of the disease, acupuncture can help your body regain balance and help improve your overall health. Acupuncture and TCM can also help reduce inflammation, soothe uncomfortable symptoms, relieve side effects from medication, and increase your energy levels.

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During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the body in order to unblock any obstruction and allow energy and blood to flow freely. Your practitioner may also help improve your nutrition, reduce your stress, or start you on an exercise program.

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In addition, your practitioner may recommend herbal remedies and supplements designed to support your health and boost your immune system. It is important to communicate with all of your health providers in order to maximize your healing potential.

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Acupuncture and TCM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. By incorporating these powerful tools into your treatment program, you are making the decision to support and nourish your body and take control of your autoimmune condition.