Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system starts to attack your own healthy tissues and organs. Some of most common conditions are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren syndrome
- Lupus
- Thyroid disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Scleroderma
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Although the exact mechanisms that cause these conditions are not completely understood, bacteria, viruses, toxins and some medication may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in people who already have a genetic (or inherited) predisposition to such disorders.
They often start during early childhood: a common pattern seen in babies is recurrent infections or allergic reactions. Repetitive rounds of antibiotics or steroids usually get rid of the problem, but typically only for a short time.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises the relationship between the suppression of a primary manifestation and the development of a secondary condition later in life.
According to the TCM, autoimmune diseases typically present as issues of Root (deficiency i.e. fatigue) and Manifestation (excess i.e. inflammation).
Chinese Medicine gently helps the body restore its natural balance, treating the root of the disorder whilst simultaneously addressing the symptoms unique to each individual.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are known to deliver proven results in relieving pain, regulating the immune system, managing diverse symptoms and improving the overall quality of life.
