Autoimmune Conditions

Naturopathic medicine offers whole-person support for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team help patients understand their bodies, reduce overwhelm, and build care plans that support long-term well-being. To discover how Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and other naturopathic treatments could help you live with an autoimmune disorder, call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.

What are autoimmune conditions?

Autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system mistakenly targets specific natural cells. These conditions can affect many parts of the body, including the:

• Joints
• Skin
• Thyroid
• Digestive tract
• Nervous system
• Reproductive organs
• Connective tissues

Talk to the team if you struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, or digestive issues.

What autoimmune symptoms can naturopathic care treat?

Some common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and Sjögren’s disease. Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine also addresses:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This condition results when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing symptoms ranging from neck swelling to body aches and brain fog.

Graves’ disease

This causes hyperthyroidism and can result in unexplained weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.

Celiac disease

If your immune system damages your small intestine, you may struggle to absorb nutrients.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

The team can help protect you from severe symptoms of MCAS, including anaphylaxis, vomiting, and hives.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause abnormal periods, infertility, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

If you struggle with bloating, excessive gas, or bowel movement changes (whether struggling to go or often needing a toilet urgently), the team can diagnose and address SIBO.

Frequent illnesses

Autoimmune conditions tax your body. With so much ongoing work, it can be hard to fight off seasonal conditions and other illnesses.

Chronic fatigue

Deep, lingering tiredness also accompanies overworked internal systems. Addressing autoimmune conditions can give you more energy to do what you love.

How are autoimmune conditions treated?

Your practitioner may recommend:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese medicine
• Nutrition counseling
• Functional lab review
• Stress regulation
• Sleep support
• Digestive care
• Referrals to trusted specialists

The goal is to support your body without adding unnecessary stress. If you’ve received several opinions, tried many treatments, or feel overwhelmed, your practitioner helps you make focused decisions.

Can I combine conventional and naturopathic medicine?

Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine regularly coordinates care with other providers, including:

• Primary care doctors
• Rheumatologists
• Gastroenterologists
• OB/GYNs
• Reproductive endocrinologists
• Physical therapists
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners

This matters because autoimmune conditions often need more than one kind of expertise. When your care team communicates and respects each other’s roles, you get better support and less pressure to manage everything alone.

Your symptoms are real, and your experience matters. Call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or schedule an appointment online today to explore supportive care for autoimmune conditions.