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Providing Treatment for the Immune System
Immunology is a highly specialized field within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chinese medicine holds a holistic view of immune function, rather than seeing it as just a collection of specific cells. The Chinese recognized that proper immune strength and function can only occur when all the systems of the body are working together properly. TCM also categorizes the immune system based upon what type of immune reaction is occurring, thus developing specific treatments for a wide range of immune related diseases. Commonly treated immune related conditions are allergies, autoimmune diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Immune diseases are complex in nature and it is only possible to touch on the basic strategies of TCM treatment in this text. For more information please contact our office directly.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergic diseases, such as hayfever or seasonal allergies, are an extremely common hyper immune response. The immune system is set up for "zero tolerance," meaning it cannot ignore any pathogenic substance. Thus, when the immune system becomes hypersensitized it often reacts to substances, such as pollen, that are completely harmless. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats this type of hyper-immune response by calming and stabilizing the immune function, without prescribing immune suppressants, such as Claritan Allegra, or Benadryl. At the same time TCM works to address the underlying cause of the hyperactive immune response. This restores proper function to the systems of the body and can usually eliminate the need for ongoing treatment.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are rampant in the United States. Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million Americans. Lupus, in its four forms, affects another 1 million. Multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's disease, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia affect millions more. At the root of these diseases is the body's own immune system attacking itself. The cause of this immune dysfunction is poorly understood by our current medical system. However, Chinese medicine has classified and treated these diseases for thousands of years. TCM recognizes that this type of severe immune dysfunction occurs when multiple systems of the body are severely impaired. The treatment is almost always a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
HIV/AIDS
The treatment of HIV/AIDS in traditional Chinese medicine involves both using antiviral herbal therapies and treatments which support the body's natural immune function. TCM works synergistically with pharmaceutical treatments by minimizing drug side effects and supporting normal body function. TCM is appropriate for supportive care at any stage of the disease. By supporting normal body function, such as digestion and sleep, and by minimizing the effects of stress on the body, it is possible to support healthy immune function and minimize viral load.
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