This Lupus acupuncture case report describes the story of Maria, a 52-year-old woman who had been grappling with the debilitating symptoms of lupus for years. Her daily life was marred by persistent skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, and a profound lack of motivation. These symptoms not only affected her physical health but also diminished her overall quality of life, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. Desperate for relief, Maria turned to acupuncture, a decision that would significantly alter her wellness journey.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and a range of symptoms. For Maria, lupus manifested through persistent skin rashes, debilitating joint pain, overwhelming fatigue, and low-grade depression. These symptoms severely impacted her daily life, making even routine tasks challenging and diminishing her overall quality of life. The disease’s unpredictable nature and diverse symptomatology make it difficult to manage and can vary greatly from person to person.
Lupus Acupuncture Treatment Plan
Maria’s initial acupuncture treatments in this Lupus acupuncture case report focused on calming her overactive immune system and improving her digestion, targeting the root causes of her symptoms: Spleen Qi deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, and internal heat. After just a few sessions, Maria began to notice a reduction in the severity of her skin rashes and joint pain. Her energy levels improved, and she experienced a resurgence in her motivation and overall vitality.
Acupuncture Treatment Plan for Lupus
Maria’s treatment included the following acupuncture points to address each of her underlying imbalances. This holistic approach targeted her specific symptoms while addressing the root causes of her internal imbalances, offering comprehensive relief and promoting long-term health and well-being. The acupoints utilized in this Lupus acupuncture case report were specifically selected to meet Maria’s needs. Each patient will have a slightly different presentation and, therefore, a different point selection for their treatment.
Spleen Qi Deficiency
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Located on the inner leg, this point harmonizes the Spleen and promotes digestive health.
ST36 (Zusanli): Found below the knee, it strengthens the Spleen and stomach, boosting overall energy and immunity.
SP3 (Taibai): On the medial side of the foot, this point supports Spleen function and aids in nutrient absorption.
Liver Qi Stagnation
LV3 (Taichong): Situated on the dorsum of the foot, this point is pivotal for moving stagnant Liver Qi and alleviating stress and tension.
GB34 (Yanglingquan): Located on the outer leg, it addresses muscle and joint pain, promoting the smooth flow of Qi.
LV14 (Qimen): On the chest, it helps disperse Liver Qi and relieve chest tightness and emotional stress.
Internal Heat
LI11 (Quchi): Positioned at the elbow, this point clears heat and cools the blood, reducing inflammation and skin rashes.
DU14 (Dazhui): Found at the base of the neck, it expels heat and boosts the immune system.
ST44 (Neiting): On the foot, it clears heat from the stomach and intestines, promoting digestive health.
Further Improvement with Acupuncture
As the acupuncture treatments in this Lupus acupuncture case report progressed, Maria’s immune system response became more balanced, leading to further alleviation of her lupus symptoms. The persistent fatigue that once overshadowed her days was replaced with a newfound energy. This boost allowed her to resume cycling, a beloved activity she had abandoned due to pain and exhaustion. Moreover, she could now get through her workday without the constant burden of discomfort.
Managing Lupus with Acupuncture
Recognizing the profound impact of these treatments, Maria committed to ongoing monthly maintenance sessions. These regular appointments ensured sustained benefits, preventing the return of severe symptoms and maintaining her improved quality of life. While acupuncture did not cure her lupus, it effectively managed the internal imbalances caused by the disease, providing long-lasting relief and a significant enhancement in her daily living.
Lupus Acupuncture Case Report
This Lupus acupuncture case report underscores acupuncture’s potential as a powerful therapy for lupus, offering a safe treatment option with no adverse side effects. It demonstrates that by addressing the underlying issues of Spleen Qi deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, and internal heat, acupuncture can significantly improve the lives of those suffering from lupus, allowing them to reclaim activities and aspects of life that the disease had taken from them.
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What our Clients are Saying
I was diagnosed with Lupus five years ago. In the past year I developed more fatigue and pain in my joints. My sister recommended acupuncture, so I searched online and saw that Raleigh Acupuncture treated Lupus. I’ve been happy with the results. I have less pain and a lot more energy. If you have lupus I recommend Raleigh Acupuncture.

