Autoimmunity Through an Integrative Medicine Lens

By Dr. Kolin Durrant, DACM, L.Ac.

Are you experiencing persistent symptoms while your lab results seem "in range"? You might be among the 50 million Americans (1) confronting the challenges of autoimmune diseases, a number continually on the rise.

Despite its prevalence, autoimmune diseases often remain unfamiliar terrain for both individuals and healthcare providers. What exactly characterizes these conditions? Let's explore autoimmune diseases through the combined perspectives of functional medicine and Chinese medicine.

 
 

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases encompass a wide range of disorders where the immune system erroneously targets healthy cells in the body.

In Chinese medicine, these conditions are perceived as disruptions in the body's Qi (vital energy) and harmony between Yin and Yang. Factors like emotional stress, lifestyle imbalances, environmental factors, and dietary habits contribute to this disharmony, affecting the body's energy systems.

From a Western viewpoint, the immune system normally defends against infections by targeting invaders. However, in autoimmune diseases, it misidentifies the body's cells as threats, causing illness instead of protection.

There are nearly 100 different types of autoimmune diseases. Common ones include Hashimoto’s disease, impacting thyroid function (2), and Celiac disease (3), where gluten triggers an immune response against the small intestine. Additional conditions encompass alopecia, Crohn’s disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes, and more.

Symptoms often include fatigue, joint pain, unexplained weight gain, thinning hair, pale skin, depression, abdominal issues (pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), brain fog, and eczema.

Diagnosing autoimmune conditions can be intricate due to symptom overlaps. Accurate diagnosis often requires consultation with experienced practitioners familiar with autoimmunity.

 
 

Unveiling Root Causes & Triggers

Functional medicine adopts a holistic approach to decipher the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases. In Chinese medicine, these conditions often signify imbalances in vital energies aggravated by various stressors like improper diet, emotional disturbances, environmental toxins, and inadequate rest, leading to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, or Yin-Yang imbalances.

Key triggers include:

  • Inflammatory Markers: Diets high in inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, grains, soy, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol contribute significantly to inflammation.

  • Gut Health: "Leaky gut" compromises the gut lining, triggering immune responses due to the bloodstream's exposure to undigested food and bacteria.

  • Stress: Chronic stress disrupts body equilibrium, potentially influencing autoimmune disease development.

  • Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins from air and food sources may contribute to rising autoimmune disease rates.

  • Undiagnosed Food Allergies: Hidden food allergies like Celiac disease, dairy, and soy allergies may induce inflammation linked to autoimmune conditions.

Our Approach to Autoimmunity

At Saffron & Sage, our integrated team of practitioners stands ready to support your healing journey. Through specialty labs, acupuncture, functional medicine, breathwork, hypnotherapy, massage, and more, we aim to identify root causes and guide you through the healing process. Our patient-centered approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, helping you surpass your health goals.

Sources:

  1. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

  2. WomensHealth.gov - Hashimoto's Disease

  3. Celiac Disease Foundation - Understanding Celiac Disease

  4. MindBodyGreen - Natural Remedies for Autoimmune Disease

  5. Environmental Health Perspectives - Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Diseases

  6. MindBodyGreen - Lifestyle Changes for Autoimmune Diseases

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