Balancing Eastern and Western Approaches to Autoimmune Conditions.
(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).
Autoimmune conditions are diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. Western medicine focuses on managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of autoimmune diseases, often using medications that suppress the immune system or reduce inflammation. While these treatments can be effective, they come with side effects and may not address the root cause of the disease.
Chinese medicine, on the other hand, has a different perspective on autoimmune conditions. In Chinese medical theory, autoimmune diseases are often seen as a result of imbalances in the body’s energy or Qi. Treatment aims to restore balance and harmony to the body, rather than simply suppressing symptoms. Here are five points of view in Chinese medicine that can help manage autoimmune conditions:
Five Elements Theory: This theory explains how the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) interact with each other in the body. Each element corresponds to an organ and its associated meridian or energy pathway. Imbalances between these elements can lead to autoimmune conditions. Treatment involves restoring balance between the elements through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.
Channel Therapy: In Chinese medicine, Qi flows through channels or meridians in the body. Autoimmune diseases are often seen as a blockage or disruption in these channels. Treatment involves stimulating these channels using acupuncture, acupressure, or other techniques to restore the flow of Qi.
Qi and Blood: Qi and Blood are essential substances in Chinese medical theory. Qi is the body’s energy or life force, while Blood nourishes the body’s tissues. Autoimmune diseases are often seen as a deficiency or stagnation of Qi and Blood. Treatment aims to tonify or nourish these substances using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary changes.
Shan Han Lun and Wen Bing: These are two schools of thought in Chinese medicine that focus on external pathogens and their effect on the body. Autoimmune diseases are seen as an internal version of an external pathogen. Treatment involves identifying and clearing the pathogen, while also addressing any underlying imbalances in the body.
Latent Pathogen Approach: In this approach, autoimmune diseases are seen as a result of a latent pathogen or “hidden” pathogen in the body. Treatment involves identifying and clearing the pathogen using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.
In Chinese medicine, autoimmune diseases are considered a result of imbalances in the body’s internal environment, which can lead to damage to multiple organ systems. According to Chen (2010), acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be effective in treating autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system and restoring balance to the body.
Acupuncture is believed to work by stimulating specific points along the body’s energy channels, known as meridians, to improve circulation and promote the body’s natural healing response. Chen notes that acupuncture can be used to address various symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as pain, inflammation, and fatigue. For example, acupuncture can be used to alleviate joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis or reduce inflammation in lupus.
Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat autoimmune diseases. Chen notes that herbs can be used to regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. For example, Huang Qi (Astragalus) is commonly used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Similarly, Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia) is used to promote the elimination of toxins and reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
The treatment approach in Chinese medicine for autoimmune diseases is to focus on treating the root cause of the disease by restoring balance to the body’s internal environment. Chen notes that this involves identifying the underlying imbalances in the body, such as deficiencies or excesses in specific organs, and using acupuncture and herbs to restore balance. For example, a deficiency of Qi (energy) in the spleen and stomach may lead to autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, and treatment may involve using herbs such as Dang Shen (Codonopsis) to tonify Qi.
In conclusion, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be effective in treating autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system and restoring balance to the body. However, it is important to note that Chinese medicine does not claim to cure or treat biomedical conditions, and should be used in conjunction with Western medical care.
References:
Maciocia, G. (2013). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Chen, J. K., & Chen, T. T. (2009). Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press.
Stener-Victorin, E., Jedel, E., & Mannerås, L. (2011). Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: current experimental and clinical evidence. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 23(3), 166-171.
Liu, J., Liang, F. R., & Zhang, J. P. (2011). Evidence-based Chinese medicine for autoimmune diseases. Journal of Autoimmunity, 36(1), 1-10.
Zhang, G. G., Lee, W., Bausell, B., Lao, L., Handwerger, B., & Berman, B. M. (2005). Variability in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses and herbal prescriptions provided by three TCM practitioners for 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(3), 415-421.
Chen, J. (2010). Autoimmune Disease and TCM. Eastland Press.
Liu, Z., Wei, Y., & Wang, J. (2019). Traditional Chinese medicine in autoimmune diseases: A friend or foe?. Autoimmunity Reviews, 18(5), 576-584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2019.02.001
Deng, Y., Wu, S., & Zhou, L. (2019). The effect of traditional Chinese medicine on regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells in patients with autoimmune diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8105396
Registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine