Autoimmune conditions are much more common these days. Over 100 different conditions have now been identified. In fact, you may have one but not realise it. Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (Graves’ Disease), Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Endometriosis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Psoriasis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Raynaud’s Disease and Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Meniere’s Disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Coeliac Disease are all examples. There are many more. Digestive system damage seems to be very common in autoimmune disease, whether or not you suffer with digestive upset. Additionally, digestive complaints which may or may not be associated with autoimmunity, such as IBS, acid reflux, heartburn and constipation, are also very common. Irrespective of the cause of your digestive symptoms, our approach at Advance Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic Hertford uses gentle and effective acupuncture and Chinese herbs, together with targeted lifestyle support based on functional medicine principles to get you well again. We aim to reduce and eliminate the often complex, inflammatory and other symptoms of autoimmune disease and digestive complaints.

Your life can be miserable if you suffer with autoimmunity. Just some of the many common symptoms are:

1. Feeling hot or cold.
2. Fatigue, which may vary in intensity or be constant.
3. Joint and muscle aches and pains.
4. Digestive disorders.
5. Skin lesions.
6. Sleep problems.
7. Headaches.
8. Anxiety, depression and emotional stress.

You may have an autoimmune condition, or simply a digestive complaint not related to autoimmunity. Examples of digestive complaints and symptoms which may or may not be associated with autoimmunity include:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.
2. Acid Reflux or Heartburn.
3. Diverticular Disease or Diverticulitis.
4. Diarrhoea.
5. Constipation.
6. Bloating.
7. Abdominal pain.
8. Helicopylori bacteria infection.

If you want to take positive steps to reduce or prevent your symptoms then read on. You don’t have to suffer.

I began a combination of chiropractic and acupuncture treatments with David, following a recommendation from my wife. Suffering with psoriatic arthritis and general back pain…David has provided a holistic approach to help relieve my symptoms, not only providing the treatments but also exercises at home and dietary guidelines. I’m pleased with both the results and the service received and have no hesitation in recommending him. – Tim Wright

What is Autoimmunity? How Common is It? How Common Are Digestive Complaints?

Autoimmunity occurs when our immune system, which should defend us against disease, instead starts attacking and damaging our healthy body tissues. Usually the immune system also becomes overactive.

The specific symptoms you experience will depend on which body tissues the immune system decides to attack. This varies enormously from patient to patient. For example, if the thyroid gland is attacked, you’ll end up with either the symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid. Where symptoms are vague or only mild, the condition may go undiagnosed for many years.

The incidence of autoimmune disease has grown to reach epidemic proportions over the past 60 years. In addition, the number of conditions labelled as autoimmune has risen fast over the same period. No one knows exactly why these changes have occurred, but there is a growing suspicion that more recent alterations in our environment (i.e., related to changes in diet, exposure to toxins etc) are strongly implicated. More females than males are affected by autoimmune disease, but autoimmune conditions affecting males are not uncommon.

The incidence of non-autoimmune digestive complaints, such as IBS, has also increased markedly. Not least among the causes is the standard, Western diet, with it’s emphasis on sugar and processed, nutrient-poor foods.

I had been suffering with very poor digestion and feeling very low for many months. I’d been to my GP on endless occasions for help and tests but they couldn’t find anything wrong. I immediately felt very relaxed with David and my first consultation…was very detailed. He suggested a course of acupuncture and diet recommendations…I’ve improved week by week and now I would say that I feel as good, if not better, as I did before I was ill. David is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He makes you feel at ease and makes you feel positive about your situation. So much so, I’ve recommended my wife to him – Richard Lucas

Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Medicine-based Lifestyle Advice at Advance Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic, Hertford: Your Keys to Making Real Progress

On the plus side, there is growing evidence that if an autoimmune disease and/or digestive disorder sufferer is prepared to make key changes to their lifestyle, symptoms can be dramatically reduced or even eliminated. This is especially so if lifestyle change is combined with proven therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese herbs. There is a way forward.

If you suffer with an autoimmune disease and/or a digestive disorder, Advance Clinic is here to help. We’ll help you make the necessary lifestyle changes and support this with effective acupuncture care and/or Chinese herbs.

Autoimmunity creates imbalance in the body’s physiological processes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help to restore that balance in the following ways:

1. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help reduce the pain and inflammation commonly associated with autoimmunity.
2. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can potentially moderate the immune hyperactivity seen in autoimmune disease. Although more scientific research is required, it appears both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help to balance immune function. They may strengthen immunity when it is weak but also reduce immune system activity when it becomes overactive, as is the case with autoimmune disease.
3. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help reduce the common psychological effects of autoimmune disease. It can help to lift mood, reduce anxiety and stress, as well as promote sleep and a sense of wellbeing.

At Advance Clinic Hertford, the functional medicine lifestyle advice we give is based on the latest research findings in the field of autoimmunity and digestive disease. The lifestyle changes you make are key and will reinforce the positive effects of your acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal treatment and vice versa.

Why not try Advance Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic, Hertford if you suffer with autoimmunity and/or a digestive disorder – our skills and experience are second to none.