Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune
We believe that no one should have to live with pain or chronic illness. Everyone should enjoy vibrant health and be able to do the things they love. Yet millions of Americans suffer each and every day from chronic conditions including fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease. While standard care can do wonders for some, many others feel trapped in a never ending cycle of doctor’s office visits and referrals. We’re here to offer you natural health solutions to help you get your life back.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain syndrome that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. Patients experience widespread pain, stiffness, and tenderness to pressure. You might even feel like your “hair hurts.” Other symptoms include insomnia, debilitating fatigue, “brain fog”, poor concentration and memory difficulties. Patients often suffer from digestive problems like IBS, and psychological symptoms including anxiety or depression. While symptoms differ greatly from person to person and fluctuate with time, fibromyalgia greatly limits quality of life.
No one knows for sure what causes fibromyalgia. It appears to be at least partially due to a process called central sensitization. Think of it like having the “volume knob” in your nervous system turned up too high so that pain signals feel much “louder” than they should. Fibromyalgia has also been associated with increased levels of certain inflammatory chemicals (IL-6 and IL-8) and changes in how the autonomic nervous system functions.
Symptoms may begin following a severe physical or psychological trauma, illness or period of extreme stress. Other times, symptoms may build gradually over a long period with no obvious single trigger.
It can be daunting, but we’re here to help. We’ll look at you as a complete person, with a unique history, symptoms and needs. Our approach targets specific systems and groups of symptoms in sequential order, treating your whole body and helping guide you back to optimum health.
What is Autoimmune Disease?
A healthy immune system important for fighting infections. Sometimes, though, the immune system makes a mistake and starts attacking healthy tissue. When this happens, it is called autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease can strike virtually every part of the body. It can greatly affect your quality of life and in some cases can even be life threatening.
Autoimmune diseases can be stubborn, difficult to diagnose and treat. Many patients suffer for months or even years before they get concrete answers.
Researchers have identified more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases we see in our clinic include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease.
Standard care often includes medications like steroids and immunosuppresants. While this approach is often effective at reducing inflammation and tissue damage, some patients experience unpleasant side effects. Many of them find themselves searching for natural alternatives.
Even when taking natural approaches, it is crucial to recognize that the body has many interconnected systems that are necessary to maintain health. In our clinic, we address these systems in a specific order to support the body as it heals itself over time.
We’re here to help.
We recognize how difficult, stressful and frustrating chronic conditions can feel. We’re here to help you get the answers and care you need. That starts with listening and making sure you feel heard. We view you as a whole person and will put together an individualized, step-by-step treatment plan that is specific to your unique goals and needs. Most of the time, Chinese Herbal Medicine will be the backbone of your plan. It may also include targeted acupuncture treatment or specialized breathing techniques (gasotransmitter therapy). Give us a call. We look forward to helping you get your life back.