TCM Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
According to Chinese medicine, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of Qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system. In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.

Treatment in Western Medicine:
Some patients with very mild or inactive disease may not need any type of active treatment. When active drug treatment is needed, corticosteroids are the treatment of first choice. Corticosteroids are completely different from anabolic steroids used to build muscle mass. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are potent anti-inflammatory drugs which will reduce inflammation in all sites, including the liver. Your doctor may choose in addition to, or in place of corticosteroids, other drugs with anti-inflammatory activity, such as azathioprine, mycophenilate mofetil or methotrexate. All these anti-inflammatory drugs have some side effects which your doctor will explain to you in detail.

Approximately 90% of patients require some form of treatment (usually azathioprine) to maintain remission after the steroids have reduced the initial inflammation. About 10% do not require any maintenance therapy and remain in remission with no symptoms and no active inflammation in the liver, for many years. Due to the variable intensity of the disease, even with maintenance treatment, patients may suffer from relapses of inflammation periodically. Such relapses are usually treated by a temporary course of steroids.