Autoimmune & Dysautonomia

Here are some common autoimmune conditions commonly treated

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis

  • GPA(vasculitis)

  • Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

  • Type 1 diabetes

  • Celiac disease

  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

  • Sjögren's syndrome

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • POTS

  • MCAS

How Acupuncture Can Help with Autoimmune Concerns

Living with an autoimmune condition can feel unpredictable. Fatigue, joint pain, flare-ups, brain fog, and the stress of managing it all can take a real toll. While acupuncture does not treat or cure autoimmune disease, it can be a supportive part of your care, helping you manage symptoms and feel more comfortable in your day-to-day life.

How acupuncture helps

From a Chinese medicine perspective, autoimmune patterns often involve imbalances in the body's defensive energy, along with chronic stress, inflammation, and depletion. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and supporting the whole person, not just the diagnosis. From a modern perspective, research suggests acupuncture may help by:

  • Calming the nervous system and lowering the stress response, since stress is a common trigger for flare-ups

  • Supporting the body's regulation of inflammation

  • Easing pain, stiffness, and muscle tension

  • Improving sleep and energy, which are often affected by chronic illness

  • Supporting mood and emotional well-being

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Digestive upset

  • Sleep disruption

  • Anxiety, low mood, and brain fog

  • Side effects of medications or treatments, such as nausea

How Acupuncture Can Help with Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is a group of conditions, including POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), in which the autonomic nervous system doesn't regulate automatic functions as it should. Heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature, and energy can all be affected. Dizziness when standing, a racing heart, brain fog, and exhaustion can make everyday life feel unpredictable. Acupuncture does not cure dysautonomia, but it can be a supportive part of your care, helping you manage symptoms and feel more steady.

How acupuncture helps

From a Chinese medicine perspective, dysautonomia symptoms often reflect depleted Qi, imbalances in the body's organ systems, and a nervous system that is "stuck" in overdrive. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and replenishing the body's reserves. From a modern perspective, research suggests acupuncture may help by:

  • Encouraging the shift from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest"

  • Supporting healthy circulation and blood flow

  • Easing muscle tension, headaches, and pain

  • Supporting digestion, which is often affected

  • Improving sleep and energy

Symptoms we commonly help support

  • Dizziness and lightheadedness

  • Heart palpitations and a racing heart

  • Chronic fatigue and exercise intolerance

  • Brain fog

  • Nausea and digestive upset

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Anxiety and difficulty sleeping

  • Temperature sensitivity and poor circulation in hands and feet

Working alongside your medical care

Acupuncture is meant to complement, not replace, the care you receive from your doctor or specialist. We encourage you to continue your prescribed treatment plan and keep your care team informed. With your permission, we are happy to coordinate with your providers so your care works together.

A whole-person approach

Your practitioner will take time to understand your history, triggers, and goals, and may offer gentle guidance on nutrition, rest, and stress management to support your results. Chinese herbs may also be considered, but because some herbs can interact with immune-modulating medications, we review everything carefully with you first.

What to expect

Many patients find sessions deeply relaxing. Because autoimmune conditions are long-term, they often respond best to a consistent series of treatments, with the goal of easing symptoms and supporting quality of life. Results vary from person to person.