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Dr. Mindy Boxer – Acupuncture and Autoimmune Diseases

 

Autoimmune diseases are a collective group of disorders that plague nearly 50 million people in the United States today. When a person suffers from an Autoimmune disease it means their own Immune System is attacking the body and altering or destroying the tissues. Autoimmune diseases include things like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, Pernicious Anemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Irritable Bowel Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

Conventional medicine can diagnose 100 different Autoimmune conditions. Unfortunately, the treatments available to people with these disorders is not as plentiful through conventional medicine. It typically involves the use of pharmaceuticals that can have side effects that are as bad, if not worse, than the symptoms of the disease itself. And even worse, many people are told they have no options. This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine can be beneficial.

Acupuncture treatments are completely customizable. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not treat based on the Western medical diagnosis. They attack the disease based on its diagnosis in Chinese medicine. This means that they not only want to treat the symptoms, but also get to the root of the problem. This is much different from Western medicine with its one-size-fits-all type of treatments. The ability to treat each person as an individual with their own unique diagnosis is why traditional Chinese Medicine is so successful.

Many factors play into an Autoimmune Disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole, allowing the patient to get a more complete treatment, usually with better results. Since Autoimmune diseases are thought to be a deficiency in people’s immune-system responses, I  work to restore and rejuvenate the factors that are vital for good immunity. These things include blood and the energetic life force known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). There can also be underlying genetic factors involved in autoimmune diseases, so I may also work on building up a patients Essence or Jing. Research has shown that Acupuncture causes responses in nerve cells, as well as in parts of the brain. By utilizing Acupuncture, those suffering from an Autoimmune disease can, over time, reprogram their brains and cells to perform as intended.

The use of ElectroAcupuncture may prove useful for people suffering from Autoimmune diseases too. Electroacupuncture emits mild electrical stimulation to Acupuncture needles. These light shocks trigger the body to produce hormones that suppress pain and inflammation. This helps raise Endorphins circulating in the bloodstream. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers.

Chinese Herbal Formulas can also be very effective in the treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. Chinese Herbs have specific qualities that can help boost blood, qi and jing. When Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are combined, the effects can be quite favorable. The Herbs will actually compliment the Acupuncture treatments by extending the effects of the needles. Many times this will shorten the number of treatments required, as the patient will start to see results sooner.

Many people dealing with Autoimmune diseases also experience high levels of stress because of their disorder. It can be very stressful trying to lead a “normal” life with severe pain and other symptoms. Studies show Acupuncture is very relaxing, and it helps reduce excess cortisol levels in the brain that contribute to chronic stress.

As Autoimmune sufferers start to see improvements with Acupuncture treatments and Herbs, they may also be able to do things they couldn’t before, like exercise. Exercising not only improves blood flow, but it also increases immunity. Exercise also increases the amount of endorphins in the body. So just by receiving regular Acupuncture treatments and Herbal supplements, those suffering from Autoimmune diseases may be able to lead a much more normal life with a lot less pain and suffering.

If you are dealing with some type of autoimmune disease, consider giving Traditional Chinese Medicine a chance. The outcomes may be life changing.


Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.
Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.
Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.
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