TCM and Autoimmune Disorders
A Proven Treatment for Autoimmune Disorders
In recent years the World Health Organization has recognized TCM therapies to be an effective treatment in certain autoimmune diseases.
Besides some promising results in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome, recent research has shown that a drug derived from the hydrangea root (Tu Chang Shan) showed promising results for treating autoimmune disorders. Researchers found a molecule compound called that can inhibit the development of a cell responsible for autoimmune disease.
What is an Autoimmune Disorder?
When the immune system is functioning properly, antigens such as bacteria, viruses and toxins are naturally eliminated without damaging the surrounding cells. An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate these antigens from healthy cells. The result may be destruction of one or more types of body tissues, abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function.
Immunity from a TCM Perspective
The human body is an organic whole—the external environment, organs, and tissues all support each other in creating balance and harmony for optimal health. The body's ability to fight against diseases and repair itself are dependent on the state of the qi (vital energy) that circulates in the body through the meridian system. Maintaining equilibrium with an abundance of qi strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight against disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders with TCM
“Syndrome (or pattern) differentiation” is the defining difference between Western and Chinese medicine for diagnoses. TCM first uncovers the root cause of illness and establishes distinct conditions for each person with the same disease and then administers the appropriate remedy.
For example, Western medicine would usually prescribe the same medication for two individuals with the autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis. TCM however may diagnose these same two individuals as having completely different syndromes. One may have “wind cold dampness” and the other “wind heat.” Although both these conditions describe arthralgia (joint pain), their root causes are opposite. Therefore, in order for the treatment to be effective, these two individuals require different remedies.
As with all illnesses, autoimmune disorders are diagnosed by considering the person’s overall constitution. Age, gender, climate, season, pulse, condition of the tongue, medical history and even past treatment history are all analysed for effective diagnosis and treatment options.
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