We treat many patients with autoimmune
conditions and create individualized protocols to get
very good results treating them with a combination of acupuncture,
craniosacral therapy, chinese herbs, nutritional supplements, dietary
recommendations, lymphatic drainage therapy and detoxification
therapies.
Many patients come to Healthy Being Wellness Center seeking acupuncture treatment
for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Crohn's
Disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These diseases can
be extremely disabling and some are potentially fatal. They are
classified as autoimmune disorders because they are viewed by the
medical community as conditions where the body mysteriously attacks
itself.
Autoimmune diseases are suspected of being caused by
inflammation and destruction of tissues by the body's own antibodies.
It is not known why the body should lose the ability to distinguish
between substances that are "self" and those that are "non-self".
By
combining acupuncture with craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage therapy we are able to effect energetic
and physiological mobilization, fluid exchange, improved delivery of nutrients
and removal of metabolic waste products in the affected areas which helps your
body to heal naturally. The addition of specific herbs and supplements helps
reduce the inflammation and rebuild damaged tissues without the harmful side
effects of drugs.
Acupuncture is a
extremely beneficial treatment for LUPUS. Reportedly clients experience
40% muscle and joint pain reduction, improved sleep and hormone
balancing after as little as 3 sessions.
What is Lupus?
Lupus
is a chronic systematic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and
damage to various parts of the body. Lupus is most commonly diagnosed
in women and especially among people of color, including African
Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans. Lupus
can be mild such as discoid lupus (DLE), affecting exposed areas of the
skin, and sometimes the joints, to life-threatening (systemic lupus
erythematosis), affecting more organs of the body.
can be mild such as discoid lupus (DLE), affecting exposed areas of the
skin, and sometimes the joints, to life-threatening (systemic lupus
erythematosis), affecting more organs of the body.
Although
the exact cause of Lupus is unknown,
Lupus seems to be caused by a
malfunction in the autoimmune system. Antibodies produced by the immune
system are supposed to attack bacteria, biruses, parasites, fungi and
other substances that invade the body. However, in individuals with
lupus, these antibodies attack their own bodies, causing damage to their
skin, joints, muscles, nerves and major organs.
What are the symptoms of Lupus?
Symptoms vary according to the severity of the illness and
which organs are affected. Initial signs include arthritis, a red
"butterfly" rash across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks (in
SLE), or more of a red, circular, thickened areas that leave scars (in
DLE). Lupus is the Latin word for "wolf," and erythema means "redness";
the typical red skin sores are said to resemble a wolf's bite.
Depending on which part of the body is attacked, lupus produces a wide range of symptoms such as:
- Skin disorders (acute and chronic), including the classic butterfly rashes (on face, pain and swelling in the cheeks, redness across the skin)
- Sensitivity to sunlight - adds to redness of the skin
- Kidney problems
- Swelling, pain and redness in joints and muscles
- Attacks on internal organs, including pancreatitis, pleuritis, inflammation of blood vessels and liver disease
- Lung problems, including difficulty breathing and discomfort in the chest
- Heart issues, such as pericarditis
- Nerve and brain damage, including headaches, memory loss, depression and mania
- Blood disorders such as low white blood cell count (causing immune deficiency), low red blood cell count (causing anemia) and low platelets (causing bleeding/brushing)
What herbs and nutrient supplements help with Lupus?
FLAXSEED
Flaxseed has been investigated for the treatment or prevention of
lupus nephritis with some promising results in preliminary animal trials.
(Hall et al, 1993; Clark et al, 1995)
OMEGA FISH OIL
Supplementation with EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids found in
fish oils) has prevented autoimmune lupus in animal research.
(Kelley et al, 1985) Caution: If you do
decide to try fish oil make sure you get one in which the mercury levels have
been tested and they are shown to be low enough to be safe for long term
consumption.
In a double-blind study, 20 grams of fish oil daily combined with
a low fat diet led to improvement in 14 of 17 people with SLE in 12 weeks.
(Walton et al, 1991) Smaller amounts of
fish oil have led to only temporary improvement in other double blind research.
CHINESE HERBS
Useful Chinese herbs include ching-hao, rehmannia, moutan and chin-chiu.
Ching-hao is reported to improve T-cell activities by promoting the suppressor
cells (T-cells) so as to reduce the hyperactivation of the T-4 cells that
promote the auto-antibody production. Chin-chiu is thought to provide a powerful
anti-inflammatory action, thereby lowering the required dosage of prednisone (if
it is being used). (Dharmananda, 2001)
GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID (GLA)
Spirulina,
evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil are all helpful
as well. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can be helpful.
According to Paul Pitchford these foods/oils are effective against
inflammatory and auto-immune conditions. Other sources of GLA include
linoleic acid-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and most
vegetables and fruits
COLLOIDAL SILVER
Colloidal Silver may be used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and
antiarthritic remedy.
Echinacea should be avoided, or used with
caution.
**Be sure you are getting the proper amount for your condition by
discussing these options with a professional health care provider.
Note: Medicinal herbs should be taken with caution, especially if you're
on prescription drugs.
If you have been diagnosed with Lupus and are located in the Tampa Bay area, please consider trying our services as a part of your treatment plan.
7005 4th St N. Suite 3
St. Petersburg, Fl 33702
727.502.3464.
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