Autoimmune Support & Immune System Balance
Holistic Care for Stubborn Symptoms in Hudson, NY, New York City & Virtually
Living with an autoimmune condition can feel isolating, exhausting, and frustrating, especially when conventional treatments fall short or simply manage symptoms without addressing the underlying imbalances. At Abby Paloma Acupuncture, we believe autoimmune disorders, while stubborn, don’t have to dictate your quality of life.
Abby offers care that goes beyond symptom suppression. Using acupuncture, custom herbal medicine, anti-inflammatory protocols, and nervous system support, Abby helps you reduce inflammation, regulate immune function, and put flares into remission, even when Western medicine says there’s no cure.
Understanding Autoimmune Conditions Through a Holistic Lens
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, a dysfunctional immune system isn’t seen as merely malfunctioning; instead, it’s viewed as overwhelmed, misdirected, or exhausted. This state is often attributed to factors like chronic stress, poor digestion, inflammation, environmental toxins, and emotional strain.
The TCM approach doesn’t suppress the immune system. Rather, the goal is to restore harmony, calm excessive inflammation, support healthy digestion, and strengthen the body’s resilience. The aim is not for perfection, but for sustainable relief and finding overall harmony.
Conditions We Support
Abby Paloma Acupuncture works with clients managing a wide range of autoimmune and immune-related conditions:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
- Lupus (SLE)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis)
- Celiac disease
- Psoriasis and eczema
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Interstitial cystitis
- Alopecia areata
Self-Care Focus: Begin gentle prenatal movement or yoga, practice pelvic floor awareness, connect with your growing baby through mindful breathing, and nourish yourself with warming, protein-rich meals.
patient PRAISE
How Acupuncture & Herbs Support Autoimmune Health
Calms Inflammation: Acupuncture helps regulate inflammatory cytokines and immune messengers, reducing systemic inflammation without the side effects of long-term medication. Herbal formulas are customized to target heat, clear toxins, and cool overactive immune responses.
Supports Gut Health: The gut is central to immune regulation. In TCM, digestive health is foundational to overall vitality. We use acupuncture and herbs to strengthen digestion, repair the gut lining, and reduce food sensitivities that may be triggering immune flares.
Regulates the Stress Response: Chronic stress dysregulates the immune system and worsens autoimmune flares. Acupuncture calms the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), lowers cortisol, and helps your nervous system shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair mode.
Reduces Pain and Fatigue: Many autoimmune conditions cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness, and profound fatigue. Acupuncture increases circulation, releases muscular tension, supports mitochondrial function, and encourages restorative rest—helping you reclaim energy and mobility.
Supports Immune Modulation: Rather than suppressing or stimulating the immune system indiscriminately, acupuncture and herbal medicine work to balance immune function, helping your body respond appropriately to real threats while reducing self-attack.
Autoimmune Conditions We Support
Our approach helps you navigate a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease
- Lupus (SLE)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
- Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease
- Eczema, psoriasis, and other autoimmune skin conditions
- Type 1 diabetes
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
- Endometriosis (increasingly understood as autoimmune)
A Whole-Person Approach to Healing
Each person’s autoimmune journey is unique. Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific symptoms, triggers, and constitution. Depending on your needs, we may incorporate:
Acupuncture to regulate immune function and reduce inflammation
Custom herbal formulas to address your unique imbalance patterns
Moxibustion to warm and strengthen depleted systems
Cupping to improve circulation and release muscular tension
Dietary guidance focused on anti-inflammatory, gut-healing nutrition
Supplement recommendations (vitamin D, omega-3s, probiotics, etc.)
Stress management tools like breathwork, restorative movement, and nervous system regulation
We also provide education on environmental toxin reduction, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle modifications that support long-term remission.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive intake covering your autoimmune diagnosis, symptoms, flare patterns, stress levels, digestion, sleep, energy, medications, and emotional health. We use traditional diagnostic tools like pulse and tongue reading to identify the root imbalances contributing to your condition.
Your personalized treatment plan is designed to reduce flare frequency, improve symptom management, and support your body’s natural capacity for healing. Consistency is key and most clients benefit from weekly sessions with gradual spacing as symptoms stabilize.
Navigating Flares with Compassion
Autoimmune flares can be unpredictable and demoralizing. We help you identify triggers, recognize early warning signs, and develop a flare management protocol that includes acupuncture, herbal support, rest, and self-compassion.
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through flares alone. With the right support, many people experience longer periods of remission, reduced symptom severity, and a renewed sense of agency over their health.
Dietary and Lifestyle Support
Food is medicine and for autoimmune conditions, it’s particularly powerful. We provide personalized nutrition guidance that may include:
- Anti-inflammatory foods and healing broths
- Elimination protocols to identify food sensitivities
- Gut-healing nutrients (bone broth, fermented foods, omega-3s)
- Blood sugar stabilization strategies
- Hydration and mineral replenishment
We also emphasize the importance of restorative rest, gentle movement, stress reduction, and community support. Healing is not a solo journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture cure my autoimmune condition?
Acupuncture and herbs cannot “cure” autoimmune diseases, but they can significantly reduce symptoms, extend periods of remission, and improve quality of life. Many clients experience fewer flares and greater resilience.
Will I have to stop my medications?
No. We work alongside your medications. Some clients eventually reduce medications with their doctor’s guidance, but this is a gradual, individualized process.
How long does it take to see results?
Some people notice improvements within a few sessions (better sleep, reduced pain, improved digestion), while deeper immune modulation can take several months of consistent care.
Is acupuncture safe if I’m immunosuppressed?
Yes, when performed with proper sterile technique. We take extra precautions for clients on immunosuppressive medications.
Can herbs interact with my medications?
Some herbs can interact with medications, which is why we carefully review your medication list and coordinate with your medical team. We only prescribe herbs that are safe and appropriate for your situation.
Begin Your Autoimmune Healing Journey
Autoimmune conditions are complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. With personalized acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative support, many people find meaningful relief, longer remissions, and a renewed sense of hope.
Even when Western medicine says your condition is untreatable, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers tools to reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and help you feel more at home in your body.
Serving clients in Hudson, NY, New York City, and virtually across the U.S.
