Can Acupuncture Support Autoimmune Disease?
Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like a constant battle within your own body. From chronic fatigue and ongoing pain to the frustration of unpredictable flare-ups, it can be an exhausting experience. While conventional medicine provides crucial support, you may be searching for additional therapies to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. You might also be wondering if there are natural, non-pharmaceutical approaches to help you cope.
Enter acupuncture. For thousands of years, this modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to support restoration, healing, and balance. But can it alter the disease process or bring relief from complex autoimmune conditions?
This guide will explain what an autoimmune disease is, how acupuncture is understood from both Eastern and Western perspectives, and explore the current research on how it may offer natural support for autoimmune symptoms and overall well-being. Our objective is to provide you with the information you need to make transparent and informed decisions on your health journey.
What Is an Autoimmune Condition?
Before we explore how acupuncture can help, it’s important to understand the mechanism of an autoimmune response.
How does the immune system normally function?
Your immune system is a complex defense network designed to identify and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. When functioning well, it can distinguish between harmful cells and your own healthy cells, a process known as self-tolerance. The immune system keeps you healthy by mounting a precise inflammatory response to neutralize a threat and then shutting down that response once the job is done.
What happens when the immune system becomes disrupted?
With an autoimmune condition, this system of self-tolerance breaks down. The immune system mistakenly identifies the body's healthy tissues—such as your joints, skin, thyroid, or nerves—as foreign invaders. It then mounts an inflammatory attack on these healthy tissues, resulting in a range of chronic symptoms and, eventually, possible organ damage. This keeps the immune system in a state of dysregulation, which is the defining feature of all autoimmune diseases.
What are the most prevalent autoimmune disorders?
Autoimmune disorders can impact nearly any system in the body. While there are over 80 different types, some of the most common include:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): The immune system damages the protective myelin sheath on nerve fibers, which disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, typically causing hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus): A systemic disease, lupus can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
Psoriasis/Psoriatic arthritis: The overproduction of skin cells causes dry, flaky patches, sometimes accompanied by joint inflammation.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Fibromyalgia: While not universally classified as autoimmune, fibromyalgia shares similar symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue, and immune dysregulation.
What Is the Mechanism of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture focuses on encouraging the body's internal communication systems to work more effectively. There are two primary ways to understand how it works: through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and through modern biomedical science.
What is acupuncture from a TCM perspective?
From a TCM perspective, your health depends on the free and balanced flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), your body’s vital life force, through pathways called meridians.
When qi becomes blocked or imbalanced due to stress, injury, or illness, various symptoms can arise.
Acupuncture involves inserting ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific points along these meridians. This process helps relieve stagnation, correct imbalances of yin and yang (opposing yet complementary forces), and restore the smooth flow of qi, thereby reactivating the body's inherent healing capacity.
What does Western biomedical science say about acupuncture?
Modern studies are shedding light on the unique ways acupuncture affects the mind and body. When a needle is inserted, it stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. This stimulation sends signals to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which then triggers various physiological changes.
Research, including a comprehensive review by the NIH, demonstrates that acupuncture can:
Release endorphins: The body’s natural painkillers.
Modify neurotransmitters: It alters levels of serotonin and dopamine, which impact mood, sleep, and pain perception.
Regulate the autonomic nervous system: It helps shift the body from a "fight-or-flight" (sympathetic) state to a "rest-and-digest" (parasympathetic) state, which is essential for healing.
Is acupuncture effective for reducing inflammation?
For patients with autoimmune diseases, this is perhaps the most crucial question. The answer appears to be yes. Research indicates that acupuncture can modulate the immune response by stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory factors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (the chemical messengers that drive the autoimmune attack). By calming this hyperactive immune response, acupuncture may address one of the root causes of autoimmune symptoms.
Are you ready to see how acupuncture can be part of your health and wellness plan? Our experienced providers in Brooklyn can provide individualized treatment to address your immune-related symptoms. Schedule an acupuncture session today—either in a community or private setting.
What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for Autoimmune Conditions?
Although more large-scale trials are needed, a growing body of evidence supports acupuncture as a valuable adjunctive therapy for many autoimmune conditions.
Is there proof that acupuncture can help with rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. In 2018, a study concluded that acupuncture, either alone or with other treatments, was valuable for reducing pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients often report reduced joint stiffness, improved mobility, and decreased reliance on pain medication.
Can acupuncture help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms?
Acupuncture is frequently used to help with the persistent symptoms of MS. A 2014 review found evidence that acupuncture was beneficial for improving common conditions associated with MS, including fatigue, pain, spasticity, and bladder issues—all of which significantly impact quality of life.
Is there evidence for acupuncture in managing autoimmune thyroid conditions?
For autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's and Graves' disease, acupuncture is used to help modulate the endocrine system, lessen inflammation affecting the thyroid, and manage symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and temperature dysregulation. While large-scale research is still emerging, case studies and foundational TCM principles focus on methods to help restore hormonal balance and calm the immune system.
What does research say about acupuncture for lupus and fibromyalgia?
Pain is a primary symptom for both lupus and fibromyalgia. A 2021 study on fibromyalgia subjects found that acupuncture resulted in significant relief from pain and stiffness. For lupus patients, acupuncture is often used to alleviate joint pain, reduce fatigue, and manage the stress that can trigger flare-ups.
How Does Acupuncture Relieve Autoimmune-Associated Symptoms?
Beyond addressing the disease process, acupuncture can be very effective at treating the vast array of symptoms that accompany autoimmunity.
Can acupuncture help with chronic fatigue and brain fog?
Yes. By improving the flow of qi and enhancing circulation to the brain, acupuncture can help lift the heavy blanket of fatigue and clear some of the mental cloudiness associated with "brain fog."
Does acupuncture relieve joint pain, stiffness, and neuropathy?
Acupuncture's ability to trigger endorphin release and regulate inflammation makes it a powerful tool for pain relief. It can help soothe aching joints, reduce muscle stiffness, and potentially lessen neuropathy symptoms (nerve pain, tingling, numbness) by promoting local circulation and nerve repair.
Can acupuncture enhance sleep and lessen stress?
Living with a chronic illness is stressful, and stress is a well-known trigger for autoimmune flares. Acupuncture is deeply calming. It activates the parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") nervous system, which lowers cortisol levels, promotes relaxation, and leads to deeper, more restorative sleep.
How does nervous system balancing affect immune health?
The nervous and immune systems are deeply interconnected. Acupuncture can stimulate points that influence the vagus nerve, a major information highway between your brain and internal organs (including your immune cells). Vagal stimulation has been shown to produce a strong anti-inflammatory effect, helping to turn down an overactive immune response.
What are the risks or medical contraindications?
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified, licensed acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles. However, it is essential to share your full medical history with your practitioner. They should be aware of any blood-clotting disorders, use of blood-thinning or immunosuppressive medications, and whether you are experiencing an acute flare-up. A seasoned acupuncturist will adjust their technique accordingly to accommodate these factors.
What type of practitioner should I seek?
Always see a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc). This credential ensures the practitioner has completed thousands of hours of training and passed rigorous board exams. Ideally, find an L.Ac. with experience treating autoimmune conditions or other complex chronic illnesses, as they will have deeper insight into the nuances of your condition.
We are here to help. Meet our licensed acupuncturists in Brooklyn, who have helped many patients on their autoimmune journey with expert, compassionate care. Book an appointment!
What Should Patients Expect When Getting Acupuncture for Autoimmune Disease?
We understand that starting a new treatment can sometimes feel daunting. At Open Care Community, we aim to help you feel as comfortable, validated, and cared for as possible from the moment you step through our door.
What happens at your first acupuncture appointment?
The first visit consists of a detailed, individualized intake. We will discuss your symptoms, health history, diet, and lifestyle. In TCM, we also use diagnostic tools like examining your tongue and feeling your pulse to get a complete picture of your body's internal landscape. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan. We will also discuss whether the community acupuncture setting or a private session would be most appropriate for you.
What does a treatment plan generally look like?
Consistency is key when using acupuncture for chronic conditions. In the initial phase, we may recommend one or two sessions per week to accelerate progress and alleviate symptoms. As you feel better, sessions can be spaced out every couple of weeks for maintenance. Your practitioner might also suggest lifestyle changes or herbal support to enhance the benefits of your treatments.
Could bodywork therapies help regulate the immune system?
Absolutely! Therapies like cupping, gua sha, and tui na (Chinese medical massage) are excellent complements to acupuncture. These techniques release muscle tension, promote the movement of blood and lymph, and further reduce inflammation, adding another layer of support for your immune system.
How Do Chinese Herbal Formulas Complement Autoimmunity Treatment?
Herbal medicine is a strong pillar of TCM and works synergistically with acupuncture.
What are common TCM formulas for autoimmunity?
Instead of single herbs, TCM practitioners prescribe formulas containing multiple herbs balanced to address your unique pattern of imbalance. In general, these formulas aim to nourish the body, clear inflammation, modulate the immune system, and improve your overall constitution without being overly draining or stimulating.
Is herbal therapy safe to use with Western medications?
This is an important consideration. You should always only take Chinese herbs under the guidance of a trained herbalist who is aware of possible herb-drug interactions. At Open Care, our herbalist is thoughtful to make sure any formula suggested is safe and complementary to other medical care.
Want to know how herbal medicine can work for you? Set up your personalized consultation with our in-house herbalist!
Which types of autoimmune patients might benefit most from acupuncture?
Are there specific profiles or diagnoses that tend to respond well?
Patients whose symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and high levels of stress appear to derive the most significant benefits. Acupuncture was designed to bring the entire body back into balance and is therefore well-suited for the systemic and multi-symptom aspect of autoimmune disease.
Can acupuncture work with conventional autoimmune treatments?
Definitely. Acupuncture is a complementary, not an alternative approach, and we believe in an integrative model. Acupuncture can complement your rheumatologist's or neurologist's approaches for managing symptoms, reduce side effects that you are experiencing from medications, and improve your overall state of being. We think it is important to empower patients by providing them with more tools in their healthcare toolkit.
What do patients say about their experience?
Many of our patients with autoimmune conditions tell us they feel more in control of their health. They report fewer flares, more energy, and less agitated states.
"After months of struggling with joint pain and fatigue from my RA, I finally found relief at Open Care. The weekly acupuncture treatments have decreased the inflammation significantly and returned my energy." – Patient Testimonial
How do you get started with acupuncture for autoimmune support?
Taking the first step is often the most difficult part, and we promise to make it easy and simple!
What are the first steps for new patients at Open Care?
Booking your first appointment online or calling us is often all you need to do! Your first visit includes a full consultation and your first treatment, all part of your journey of healing.
Is community or private acupuncture better?
There are many variables that go into deciding which is best, such as your needs and budget. Each option provides effective and individualized care, all by a licensed acupuncturist.
Community Acupuncture
Affordable sliding scale ($50-$90)
Treated in a quiet, shared space
Great for straightforward cases
Great fit if you have a low frequency of care
Private Acupuncture
One-on-one private room
More time for consultation
Excellent for complicated cases
Provides opportunity for adjunct therapy
What can I do to prepare for my first appointment?
We recommend a few easy things to ensure you get the most out of your acupuncture session: wear loose, comfortable clothes; have a snack about an hour before; and take a moment to reflect on your symptoms. Sometimes writing it down helps when sharing with your practitioner.
Are you looking for holistic immune balance in Brooklyn, New York? You do not have to deal with your autoimmune condition alone. Enjoy safe, practitioner-led acupuncture at Open Care Community and take the first step to feeling better. Schedule your first appointment today.
FAQs
1. What helps autoimmune disease?
Management often includes medical treatment, anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, regular sleep, and gentle physical activity. Many people also explore complementary therapies with professional guidance.
2. What does Chinese medicine say about autoimmune disease?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doesn’t use the term “autoimmune disease” but may view symptoms through patterns like imbalance, deficiency, or excess. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and supporting the body’s systems.
3. Can acupuncture improve your immune system?
Acupuncture is believed in TCM to help regulate the body and support overall balance. Some studies suggest it may influence immune and stress responses, but it is not a cure for immune disorders.
4. What is the best medicine for autoimmune disease?
There is no single “best” medicine. Treatment depends on the specific condition and person. A qualified medical professional should guide diagnosis and treatment.
5. Can acupuncture be used alongside conventional treatment?
Many people use acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical care. It’s important to inform your doctor and work with a licensed acupuncturist.
6. Is acupuncture safe for people with autoimmune conditions?
When performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe for many people. Individual suitability should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
