An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks itself. The function of the immune system is to protect the body from foreign pathogenic factors such as bacterial infections and viruses. A healthy immune system can distinguish between pathogens and its own healthy cells, but in an autoimmune disease the body mistakes its healthy cells and tissues for pathogens and attacks them.
There are many different types of autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease can affect one particular part of the body, or the whole body systemically. Autoimmune diseases present in many different ways depending on the condition, however, some general early symptoms of autoimmune disease include fatigue, muscle aches, redness and swelling, fever, trouble concentrating, numbness, tingling, loss of hair, and rashes. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Graves’ disease.
The diagnosis of autoimmune disease is confirmed by a review of signs and symptoms as well as a combination of tests. The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is often used to confirm an autoimmune disease. A positive ANA test confirms an autoimmune disease but does not specify which one. Although there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, there are treatments to help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Conventional medicine typically will treat autoimmune disease with drugs such as immunosuppressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. There is also research to suggest that the autoimmune diet may be helpful in reducing inflammation and preventing flare-ups of autoimmune diseases.
Western medicine does not know exactly why autoimmune diseases manifest, however, it is suggested that genetics, infections, diet, and environmental factors may all play a factor in what causes autoimmune flare-ups. Although Chinese medicine does not have a singular reason as to why autoimmune diseases occur, symptoms of autoimmune conditions can be categorized by Chinese medicine patterns and treated accordingly.
Many people find success using natural remedies for autoimmune diseases. The problem with the conventional treatment of autoimmune disorders is that taking prescription medication is only a temporary fix. Immunosuppressants are effective for a period of time, but it does not solve the bigger underlying problem of why the immune system is imbalanced, to begin with. Immunosuppressants also come with their own risks. Immunosuppressants can not target which part of the immune response to suppress and therefore affect the entire immune response. This means that those taking immunosuppressants have an increased risk of infection. Autoimmune conditions often require more than just medication, which is why so many people seek out natural ways to treat autoimmune diseases.
Diet is often the first thing to look at when determining autoimmune triggers. At Advanced Holistic Center, we often recommend an elimination diet to determine potential food triggers that may be contributing to inflammation. We have also seen success with the Autoimmune protocol diet or AIP, in helping to limit autoimmune symptoms. There is research to suggest that eliminating gluten may be beneficial for people looking to manage their autoimmune condition. In certain people, gluten may trigger inflammation and alter the body’s natural microbiome. Gluten also releases a chemical called zonulin, signaling the intestinal walls to open up which increases intestinal permeability, or leaky gut. Foods such as nightshades, dairy, soy, and citrus may also trigger autoimmune flares. As with all aspects of Chinese medicine, dietary recommendations are largely individualized and given based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. If you are looking for dietary recommendations, talk to your Chinese medicine provider to come up with a specific plan that will best address your autoimmune condition.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat autoimmune conditions. Acupuncture can help to regulate the immune system, bringing the immune response back into balance. Acupuncture also works to reduce systemic inflammation, which may be contributing to heightened autoimmune symptoms. Acupuncture can also help to treat pain, which affects many autoimmune patients. Studies suggest that acupuncture releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones, which may limit the body’s response to pain. In addition to treating the symptoms of autoimmune conditions, acupuncture and Chinese medicine help to address the underlying cause of the disease. An autoimmune condition suggests that there is either an excess or deficiency within the body. Chinese medicine can treat this imbalance and will provide a specific holistic diagnosis that will address the root condition rather than just the physical signs and symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicine is a great tool for helping to treat autoimmune conditions. Prescribing herbs is a highly individualized process, however, there are herbs that are known for being effective for autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune patients should avoid herbs that stimulate the already heightened immune response, such as echinacea. Stimulating the immune system could possibly exacerbate symptoms and lead to a flare-up. Instead, herbalists may recommend herbs which help to modulate the immune response, such as astragalus, turmeric, or American ginseng. Reishi mushroom is another great immune modulator that tonifies the blood and helps to relieve pain. Chinese herbs are recommended based on overall presentation and are not prescribed for specific western diagnoses. Autoimmune conditions present differently in different people and may be caused by different pathologies. For this reason, it is important to talk to your Chinese medicine herbalist to find the right combination of Chinese herbs to best address your specific needs.
Can’t say enough. My husband and I have seen instant improvement in our health. The staff are nothing shy of INCREDIBLE. You don’t feel like just another number – they are warm and caring. Highly recommend to make this place a part of your self care regimen!!!!! Thank you healers!!!!
Dr. Logman is quite incredible! I’m an individual who is very active and likes to push physical boundaries in training … Coming from Long Island, I was certainly pretty jacked up physically, but within one session, I felt significantly better… She’s 1000% worth seeing regardless of your location. Thank you for actually being the healers we need!
I was in such great hands with BK. As a lifelong sufferer of mental illness, acupuncture made me feel like a million bucks. Just so you know, you need more than 1 visit to recover from whatever ailments. Now that I’ve had 5, I feel like a whole new person. So glad this place exists! Your health is your wealth, after all. I’ll be back for more!
Dr. Logman and her entire staff are all super nice and knowledgeable. I have been experiencing on and off back spasms for a really long time and feel like I may finally be in inching towards healing my lower back! Every session so far has left me feeling better and more relaxed.
The whole staff are friendly and helpful and have created a calm environment with great healing energy. BK, my acupuncturist, is a great listener and in addition to always making me feel great with his work offers helpful suggestions and exercises to work on between sessions.
Dr. Orna was absolutely fabulous! The whole team was welcoming and professional. They walked me through my problem areas and catered an amazing personalized experience based on my needs. I will definitely be back!
My favorite acupuncture practitioners work here. Definitely book Orna, BK and Rimma. (And Irinia, of course, when she’s in NYC) They’re excellent at treating chronic joint pain, mental/ addiction issues and neuropathy. But also go if you need an immune system boost, detox after drinking or have low energy levels. This is also the place to go, if like me, you’re jumpy with needles. They’re very skilled at making it a painless experience
The Adv. Holistic Center is incredible and really changed my life here in the city. Highly recommend for anyone experiencing physical pain, emotional regulation needs, overall wellness and wellbeing or anything in between including pilates and physical therapy needs. Yhenni who works at the desk, is so kind and helpful and always welcoming. She is quick to help you with any scheduling needs or questions. She is very knowledgeable about all things advanced holistic center! I am lucky to have received treatment from Dr Irina, who travels back and forth to her offices here in the city and in Miami, while she was here. I have received treatment here for my chronic migraines, TMJ pain, and emotional regulation, and Pilates work. I’m so grateful to have worked with Dr. Irina who is an incredible practitioner and Pilates instructor. Every experience with her was incredibly healing and treated with the utmost care. I always leave feeling better than when I arrived. The power of acupuncture and eastern medicine to help your body heal itself, is quite magical. The reformer pilates work is equally amazing- I left feeling 6 inches taller and stronger. In 3 days, my TMJ pain was fixed, and migraines decreased. I even received a comprehensive list of foods that will help and hinder my migraines so I am able to implement change in my daily life to see improvements from the root of the problem! My chronic migraines have decreased for the first time in 10+ years with NO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION! I can without a doubt say this practice has contributed for the betterment of my overall quality of life and care for myself. All thanks to the amazing work of Dr Irina and her staff at the Advanced Holistic Centers. I’m so grateful to have found such a wonderful, healing space! I recommend this space to my family and friends both in Florida, and the city.
Love this practice! I’ve been receiving treatments since June at the NYC locations and have worked with Rimma, Gary, and even Irina herself. Thanks so much for such gentle and loving care. I really have been trying to give my belly, uterus, ovaries, and overall body some love throughout the day, minding my breathing and really focusing on the tools each practitioner has given me. I loved our session on monday so much, thank you for that time. One of the very best acupuncture snoozes I’ve ever had!
I’ve been coming here for quite some time now and I must say, from the admin to the doctors, everyone is amazing. Either Anna or Yhenni will greet you with a smile and take care of all your admin needs. I have never received a treatment that I didn’t like. This is why I continue to go back. Today, Orna treated me and she was absolutely amazing. She goes above and beyond and is always spot on with treatments.
Beautiful clinic and amazing providers. Im a physical therapist and used my body a lot for work, often resulting in low back pain and shoulder/neck pain. I always come to see Orna for great trigger point acupuncture. She’s also helped me with gastro and sleep issues. Highly recommend
Honestly she has the golden touch. My lower back was killing me could barely stand straight. Even sneezing would hurt. But Just after 1 session I felt alive again. Would highly recommend anyone who has lower back pain or any pain.
Outstanding and proffessional clinic. From the service and approach of the customer coordinatour through the Most . proffessional and sensitive doctor I went in with stressed muscles hardly able to move my leg and came out walking almost as usual after only 2 visits Highly reccomend
Suffering from back and neck pain, I finally decided to see Dr. Irina Logman. I can’t believe the immediate pain relief after only 1 session of acupuncture and manual therapy. Not only did the pain go away, I felt revitalized. I will definitely continue treatments with Dr. Logman. I highly recommend the Advanced Holistic Center for all your holistic care needs. I highly recommend seeing Orna! She will make your body melt.
This place miraculous!! I am so grateful and happy that have found this clinic. I’ve been in so much pain and illness with my digestive issues since moving to the United States in 2019. I’ve gone through three gastroenterologists who while experts, only treated symptoms of what has become a chronic problem with over medication and poor diet (there’s something about American food and ingredients that mess up my digestion). Rimma has been treating me since I’ve signed up for acupuncture. She’s a professional but also very caring and warm. She’s done amazing work with my digestive system, muscle pain, and migraine complimenting acupuncture with cupping and gua sha. She’s also treated me when I had colds and also my occasional muscle pain from exercising. Dr. Irina treated me in one session where she used electrolysis which resulted to the best releasing cleanse I’ve had in a very long time. I look forward to my biweekly sessions especially on Sundays as it’s my self-care day. I feel healed but I’m still in my journey towards become holistically healthy. I can’t thank this place enough.
The moment I walked in, I Knew I made the right decision. The staff is so kind and caring. Dr. Vlas is the best, he’s taught me so much and works to understand my pain and symptoms, and educates me on how I can support my treatment at home. I’ve never had anyone as through as him, and it feels so reassurig that he’s got my best interest in mind. I really feel so fortunate to have come across this practice. My pain is significantly reduced and my stress management has improved, even through my first few sessions, I was surprised to see such an immediate change. My experience is above and beyond any expectations I had as a newbie to acupuncture. Don’t look any further, this si the place to go!
