Autoimmune Disease Research

Like so many things related to autoimmunity, balance is hard to find. Modern medicine continues to research and develop new ways to address autoimmune disorders. The most recent focus is on finding more targeted methodologies to suppress autoantibody cells that are attacking the body while maintaining active immune cells that are able to thwart infections and viruses (“Autoimmune disease treatment,” 2025).

What are the most common autoimmune disorders?

Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis are the most common autoimmune disorders. Intervention with acupuncture and herbs can help slow progress and reduce damage to tissues. Acupuncture assists in down regulating inflammatory markers such as NfAB, iNOS and CRP.

What are the precipitating factors that lead to discovery of an autoimmune disorder?

While each person is different to some degree, there is often a shared constellation of symptoms that includes:

• Inflammation
• Gut dysbiosis (leaky gut)
• Chronic stress and HPA-axis dysregulation – raises cortisol initially and then exhausts it resulting in immune intolerance
• Food intolerance or allergy – gluten and dairy are the most common, but nightshades and oxalates may also play a role
• Sleep issues

How does Chinese medicine approach autoimmunity?

Chinese medicine has a long history of both recognizing and treating autoimmune conditions. One of the earliest writings about multiple sclerosis was published in the Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach (1115-1538). This is considered one of the earliest explanations of multiple sclerosis that describes the early symptoms of muscle atrophy with profound weakness of the legs and arms.

Autoimmune disease, even when managed well with medications and dietary modifications, may progress. This is the reason that both conventional and complementary strategies are important to help control and slow progression. One of the biggest advantages of Chinese medicine is that it can help to control inflammation and also assist in regulating the immune system. Because the type of inflammation that occurs in autoimmunity penetrates into the tissues, it is aptly described by the TCM condition known as “yin fire,” and characterized as a persistent internal heat or inflammation that does not easily abate, and is difficult to quell. This persistent inflammation is dangerous because it may eventually damage tissues, and sometimes organs.

The Inflammation Cycle of Autoimmunity

When the body goes into an autoimmune state there is a fight between the normal repair processes and the regulatory centers. As tissues become overheated there is a risk of damage since the ability to respond in time to repair the damage is interrupted by out-of-control inflammation, as well as the disruption of normal regulatory processes.

Herbs & Acupuncture for Autoimmunity

Asian herbal formulas represent an excellent choice for quelling inflammation because they contain a synergistic blend of herbs that protect specific tissues of the body, enhance peripheral circulation, and strengthen cellular response. Most herbal formulas also have the advantage of balance, that is, they will not overdo an immune response. Formulas still must be tailored to the individual to take into account health history, current medications, and chronicity of illness.

Acupuncture is another effective means of reducing inflammation, and may even assist in balancing the various components of the immune system. In fact, studies show that acupuncture has a bidirectional effect on immune cells, meaning it can suppress and augment cells, and in both cases, towards a goal of immune tolerance (Liu et al., 2024). Specifically, multiple studies have shown that acupuncture resulted in augmentation of NK and CD8+ T cell function, as well as the restoration of Th1/Th2, Th17/Treg and M1/M2 balance (Liu et al., 2024).

Case Example, Hashimoto Thyroiditis

The way TCM approaches health is to identify the channel or organ that is out of balance, and devise strategies to address qi, blood, yin or yang. Let’s look at a case seen recently in practice. A patient presented with lab results that showed a period of hyperthyroid followed by extreme hypothyroid, rapid pulse in the Lung position (upper wrist), weight gain in the abdomen, and fatigue with mild activity. The pulse indicates Lung qi stagnation and Lung heat. The Lung is the organ that produces qi to be distributed throughout the rest of the body, and when its reserves are depleted it becomes overworked and overheated. The Lung organ corresponds to thyroid disorders. Acupuncture to clear and vent the Lung is important is helpful. Using the five element theory, the Spleen and Stomach meridians were needled in order to nourish the Lung. Nutritional and herbal supplements were also recommended.

A combination of herbs and acupuncture can be helpful to balance the immune response. The prescriptions for acupuncture and herbal formulae shift as change is reported. Usually a heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory formula is required to shrink and astringe/contain the heat that is destroying tissues, followed by a mild-to-moderate, blood-or qi-building formula.

Getting Help with TCM

After booking an appointment, please gather or email any recent and past lab results to the initial appointment for review. You must also be followed by a physician as TCM is complementary treatment. You may wish to book an herbal consultation, or acupuncture only. Please review your options on the Appointments page, or use the contact page if you wish to be contacted prior to making an appointment. Also, since auto-immune disorders can affect many systems of the body conventional medicine is of paramount importance.

Note: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. TCM modalities including acupuncture and herbal medicine are complementary therapies. If you have a diagnosed medical condition, you should continue to be seen by your medical physician or specialist. Any new or unexplained symptom should be screened by a physician prior to seeking alternatives. If you would like to find out if acupuncture or herbal medicine is indicated for your specific health condition, book a consultation.

REFERENCES

Autoimmune disease treatment and management. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-disease-treatment-and-management

Liu F, Wang Y, Lyu K, Du X, Zhou M, Shi J, Na R, et al. (2024). Acupuncture and its ability to restore and maintain immune homeostasis [Abstract]. QJM. 117(3):167-176. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad134. PMID: 37318994.