Acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation while regulating the immune system to improve healing. This holistic practice focuses on a central diagnostic system which can help those who suffer from a multitude of autoimmune symptoms experience relief and improved quality of life.
The beneficial effects of acupuncture on those who are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases include:
Pain Reduction: Many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, are associated with chronic pain. Acupuncture has been shown to release endorphins—the body's natural painkillers, providing relief to those suffering from pain and discomfort.
A review of 43 studies looking at the outcomes of acupuncture treatment for rheumatoid arthritis determined that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with this condition. It works by modulating the body's pain-processing pathways.
Inflammation Reduction: Inflammation is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases. Research shows that acupuncture can regulate inflammation by modulating immune responses and promoting anti-inflammatory processes.
Immune System Regulation: Acupuncture is shown to dramatically regulate immune responses, thereby helping to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells.
Improved Energy and Sleep: Autoimmune diseases often lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture may address these issues by restoring and promoting better sleep patterns.
As research in this field continues to grow, acupuncture has become an increasingly valuable tool in the holistic approach to autoimmune disease management.
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References:
Berger AA, Liu Y, Nguyen J, Spraggins R, Reed DS, Lee C, Hasoon J, Kaye AD. Efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2021 Jun 22;13(2):25085. doi: 10.52965/001c.25085. PMID: 34745475; PMCID: PMC8567806.
Chou PC, Chu HY. Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 12;2018:8596918. doi: 10.1155/2018/8596918. PMID: 29849731; PMCID: PMC5925010.
Hao JJ, Cheng W, Liu M, Li H, Lü X, Sun Z. Treatment of multiple sclerosis with chinese scalp acupuncture. Glob Adv Health Med. 2013 Jan;2(1):8-13. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.2.1.002. PMID: 24278838; PMCID: PMC3833581.
Wang M, Liu W, Ge J, Liu S. The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice. Front Immunol. 2023 Apr 6;14:1147718. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718. PMID: 37090714; PMCID: PMC10117649.