Healing Autoimmune Conditions with Chinese Medicine at Asheville Holistic Acupuncture
Welcome to Asheville Holistic Acupuncture, where we specialize in the ancient art of Chinese medicine to offer natural, effective solutions for managing autoimmune conditions. Nestled in the heart of Asheville, our clinic is your destination for holistic care, helping you find relief from autoimmune symptoms and enhancing your overall well-being. If you’re searching for acupuncture in Asheville or natural treatments for autoimmune disorders, Asheville Holistic Acupuncture is here to help.
Understanding Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions are disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Common autoimmune conditions include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation of the joints.
Lupus: Affects skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Attacks the nervous system.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Impacts thyroid function.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Psoriasis: Causes red, scaly skin patches.
Sjögren's Syndrome: Affects moisture-producing glands.
How Chinese Medicine Supports Autoimmune Health
Chinese medicine, with its roots in ancient wisdom, offers a unique approach to managing autoimmune conditions. By balancing the body’s energy (Qi), reducing inflammation, and supporting immune function, our treatments provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Chinese medicine has been used in the treatment of autoimmune type disorders since antiquity. The Chinese medicine classics describe one of the five channel systems as being suited to treat chronic degenerative disease progressions, this is the Divergent Channels. This channel system is used to address diseases affecting the deepest regions of the body, the bones, brain, spine, endocrine system, and marrow. Commonly treated disorders include:
Hormonal Disorders - PCOS, Cushing’s Disease, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, etc.
Rheumatic Disorders (Pain in the joints)
Viral Latency Including: Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores), Herpes Zoster (Shingles), HIV, Hepatitis, etc.
Autoimmune Conditions Including: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Grave’s Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alopecia, etc.
The purpose of the Divergent Channels is to divert pathogens away from the vital organs in order to maintain maximum function in the body and preserve health. Given the option between an acute, more severe disease progression and a chronic, more slowly developing disease progression, the body will always choose the latter. This is known as disease nemesis theory and it is seen in the case of nearly every type of disease in one way or another. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, autoimmune conditions are related to this process. The body encounters a pathogen - let’s say a virus (though the same process can occur with a bacterium, fungus, or other parasite such as the recently infamous spirochete) - and this pathogen enters into a struggle against the immune system of the body. Maybe this strain of virus is particularly strong, so the immune response progressively becomes more and more intensive in an effort to neutralize the pathogen. This will lead to the mounting of a high fever, extreme fatigue, dehydration, malaise, etc. If the body is unsuccessful in eliminating the virus and the circumstances become severe such that the organs themselves become threatened, the body may resort to a tactic which will divert this pathogenic process away from the organs and to a place in the body where it may be held in latency. Since the immune system was unsuccessful in eliminating the virus, the next best thing is to neutralize the virus by making it latent. This latency is achieved at the level of the bones/marrow, and specifically at the region of the large joints — that is the hips, sacrum, pelvis, spine, shoulders, scapulae, and cranium. These are the regions where the body may divert pathogens into a state of latency.
Now, once latency is achieved, it can be maintained for some time if the body has sufficient strength of resources to do so. This can be seen, for example, in the very common progression of the Varicella-Zoster Virus which causes chicken pox in childhood. A child contracts the infection, the body struggles with the virus for several days, mounting a fever and reacting strongly. The virus is then made latent in the body only to re-emerge 70 or 80 years later in the form of shingles. The virus is made latent at the spine, and upon re-emergence it expresses along the dermatome of whichever nerve it is located. In some cases, the latent pathogen continues to display some degree of activity periodically. This may happen due to the strength of the pathogen, due to a deficiency of the host body’s resources, or it may occur as a result of the environmental circumstances such as seasonal change, or exposure to irritating or stimulating chemicals. If the latent pathogen becomes active to some degree, the immune system will respond to this in an effort to maintain latency, or in some cases just because the antibodies for this pathogen exist and its activation generates an immune response. Since the pathogen is being held latent at the level of the joints, the activity of the immune system expresses in this location. In the most direct sense, this is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. This immune system activity in the internal layers of the body can also cause interruption in endocrine function, which is directed in the brain. It may cause a host of symptoms and, depending on the severity, can progress into a number of full blown so-called autoimmune diseases.
The treatment for these types of diseases involves doing one of two things: Either provoking the release and complete resolution of the latent pathogenic factor utilizing a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, or re-establishing complete latency of the pathogenic factor so that it becomes dormant once again. These are two radically different treatment methods, utilizing opposite methods. The choice of which to follow depends on the strength of the person being treated, their age, and their willingness to follow one treatment course or another. Within the context of allopathic treatment methods, corticosteroids are often used to relieve systemic inflammation and ease symptoms in may of these disorders, especially those characterized by pain. This method re-establishes latency. Another popular treatment method is the use of immunosuppressant pharmaceuticals to relieve the symptoms. This method, though it can provide immediate relief, is the worst course to take, as it weakens the body directly and will ultimately lead to more severe disorders.
The Power of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine. This technique involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, enhance blood flow, and balance Qi. Here’s how acupuncture helps manage autoimmune conditions:
Immune Regulation: Balances immune system activity, reducing overactivity and inflammation.
Inflammation Reduction: Decreases inflammatory responses that cause pain and tissue damage.
Neurological Benefits: Modulates the nervous system, promoting the release of natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents.
Organ Support: Improves the function of organs affected by autoimmune conditions, such as the thyroid and digestive tract.
Why Choose Asheville Holistic Acupuncture?
Our clinic stands out as a premier choice for acupuncture in Asheville. Here’s why:
Expert Practitioners: Our licensed acupuncturists have extensive experience in treating autoimmune conditions with Chinese medicine.
Holistic Approach: We combine acupuncture with herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary counseling for comprehensive care.
Personalized Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective and targeted therapy.
Healing Environment: Our Asheville clinic provides a serene and supportive setting for your healing journey.
Treatments We Offer
Acupuncture: Customized sessions to target pain, inflammation, and immune imbalance.
Herbal Medicine: Personalized herbal formulas to support immune health and reduce symptoms.
Cupping Therapy: Suction cups to improve circulation and alleviate muscle tension.
Moxibustion: Heat therapy using mugwort to enhance the effects of acupuncture.
Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling: Guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes to support overall health and manage symptoms.
Real Patient Success Stories
Jessie: After struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, Maria found relief through regular acupuncture and herbal treatments at Asheville Holistic Acupuncture, significantly reducing her pain and improving her mobility.
Peter: Living with multiple sclerosis, David experienced reduced fatigue and better symptom management thanks to our holistic approach, including acupuncture and personalized care.
Emily: Suffering from lupus, Emily benefited from acupuncture and dietary changes provided by Asheville Holistic Acupuncture, achieving better control over her symptoms and overall health.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
If you’re seeking natural and effective treatments for autoimmune conditions, Asheville Holistic Acupuncture is here for you. Our acupuncture treatments in Asheville are designed to support your immune health and enhance your well-being. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey towards improved health through the power of Chinese medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture help with autoimmune conditions?
Acupuncture regulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves organ function by balancing the body’s energy (Qi).
How many acupuncture sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies, but significant improvement is often seen after 6-12 sessions.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Yes, acupuncture can complement other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, enhancing their effectiveness.
Is acupuncture safe for autoimmune conditions?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed practitioner and has minimal side effects.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is usually not painful. The needles are very fine, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and often feel relaxed during and after the treatment.
At Asheville Holistic Acupuncture, we are committed to providing natural, effective solutions for managing autoimmune conditions. Let us help you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life through the healing art of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve optimal health.