Friendly Fire: Auto-Immune Disease
Over 20 million Americans suffer from some form of autoimmune disease. A person afflicted with an autoimmune condition can experience weight gain, skin rashes, brain fog, and joint pain, just to name a few. The symptoms can vary depending on which organ systems are affected.
When caught in their early stages, autoimmune diseases can be managed with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Medication that suppresses the immune system may be necessary. There is no cure for autoimmune disease.
WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
The body’s natural defense system is to deploy antibodies to fight against bacteria, infections, and injury, but in autoimmune disease, these antibodies cannot distinguish between healthy cells and foreign invaders. Healthy cells and tissue end up being attacked by the very cells that were intended to protect us.
This confusion in our body’s natural line of defense causes inflammation, disease, and a whole range of conditions. There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases.
Some common autoimmune diseases are Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Scleroderma, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Women are twice as likely to get an autoimmune disease. Genetics, family history, environmental toxins, and stress are some factors that are known to be common in those with autoimmune disease.
SUCCESS STORY: SCLERODERMA CASE STUDY
A 37-year-old female came to us with Scleroderma, a thickening of the connective tissue which made her abdomen and arm skin extra dense and her muscles weak. Not only that, her lungs were being affected causing her to have a difficult time breathing and her stomach was losing its function to properly digest food. She had elevated inflammatory markers that were in the 1000s, when they should have been in the low hundreds.
With an anti-inflammatory diet, detoxification protocols, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture, her inflammation markers fell well within range of normal. Her pulmonary exam improved by 20%, her skin softened, and she regained her strength.
HOW TAO OF WELLNESS HELPS
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been known to reduce inflammation and pain levels, balance hormones, and modulate the immune system. In addition, by using dietary protocols with Chinese medicine principles gut health is improved, allowing your body to properly assimilate foods. Our detoxification protocols have been known to rid the body of harmful chemicals which may be causing havoc to your immune system.
With your initial consultation, your practitioner will help you find the root of your problem and design a treatment plan that will be the most beneficial for you.