Lupus is a complex disease involving an overactive immune system that fights unnecessarily and can injure the skin, joints, brain, and internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs.  While lupus has no known cause, it may be hereditary. However, it can also be triggered by stress, environmental toxins, sunlight, or exposure to fluorescent light. It may also be triggered by some medications, including antibiotics and diuretics.

Individuals with lupus may exhibit the following symptoms:
Red facial rashes, particularly across the nose and cheeks
Engorged or sore joints
Scalp hair loss
Upper abdominal pain when breathing deeply
Severe, chronic fatigue
Memory problems

Though every patient may present differently, Oriental medicine views many lupus symptoms as a reflection of toxic heat.  Good health requires balanced yin and yang, which reflect cold and heat, respectively as they both nourish and restrain each other.  However, yang tends to multiply (or worsen) more quickly, whereas yin is slower to change.  Women have more estrogen than testosterone, so they are more yin by nature and more vulnerable to invasion by disease.  Both acupuncture and herbs may help clear heat and nourish the yin.

In a small study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that by stimulating acupuncture points along the spine and on the four limbs, patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus experienced less pain. In 2013, researchers in Shanghai, China found that a special TCM herbal formula reduced symptoms of Lupus and enabled patients to take less corticosteroids. 

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help relieve pain and manage lupus symptoms. Reducing stress with exercise can work double-duty towards improving your overall health and reducing the likelihood of an outbreak. As always, exercise caution before making lifestyle changes and adding new herbal ingredients to your diet. Let your primary care provider know you are investigating other treatment options, and work with a qualified Oriental medicine provider who can give you safe and sustainable treatments, reputable herbal formulas, and above all, knowledgeable supervision throughout your treatment.