Autoimmune Disease

Written By Izabel Farynick

When Your Body Is Fighting Itself (and How We Can Calm Things Down)

Let’s talk about something that affects so many people I see, yet is still wildly misunderstood: autoimmune disease.

Whether you’ve been officially diagnosed or are living in what I call “symptom limbo” — weird rashes, brain fog, fatigue, flare-ups, maybe a thyroid that's doing the cha-cha. It can feel like your body has turned against you.

But here’s the truth: Your body is not your enemy. Even when it’s acting like a total drama queen.

So What Is Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system gets confused. Instead of just fighting off germs and viruses, it starts attacking your own tissues like your thyroid, joints, gut lining, skin, or nervous system.

Common autoimmune conditions include:

  • Hashimoto’s

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Lupus

  • Psoriasis

  • Celiac disease

  • Multiple sclerosis … and many more. (There are over 100!)

But here's the kicker: autoimmune symptoms often show up long before an official diagnosis. You might just feel “off,” tired all the time, inflamed, puffy, achey, anxious, or like your energy just left the building one day and never came back.

What Causes It?

That’s the million-dollar question, right? The answer is complex and different for everyone, but here are some common contributors:

  • Gut permeability (aka “leaky gut”)

  • Chronic stress or trauma

  • Infections (even ones you didn’t know you had)

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Toxin exposure

  • Genetics (but remember: genes are the gun, environment pulls the trigger)

How I Work with Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity is complex, but with the right combination of tools and care, we can support your immune system in recalibrating itself.

At East West Acupuncture & Integrative Health, we combine:

  • Acupuncture to regulate the immune system and calm the inflammatory response

  • Chinese herbal medicine tailored to your constitution and symptoms

  • Functional tools like anti-inflammatory nutrition and nervous system support

  • Lifestyle shifts that don’t overwhelm your already-overwhelmed system

You don’t need to change your entire life overnight. You just need the right support and a plan that works with your body, not against it.

Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)

I know how defeating autoimmune flares can feel. I know what it’s like to be bounced between doctors, told “your labs are fine” when you feel anything but fine. It’s frustrating. It’s lonely. It’s exhausting.

When I was in grad school I discovered I had Psoriasis. I am someone who has multiple genetic markers for autoimmune disease and inflammation, yet here I am today in full remission! I used these same tools mentioned above to support my own healing and I live today completely asymptomatic. I am proof that healing is possible!

You are not making it up. You are not lazy. And you are absolutely not broken.

There’s a path to feeling better and I’m here to help you find it too.

With heart,
Dr. Izabel
Founder, Licensed Acupuncturist, & Integrative Doctor
East West Acupuncture and Integrative Health
Bee Cave, TX

Izabel Farynick
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Stealth Infections