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Acupuncture and Natural Medicine for Granulamotosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), also known as Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG), is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). This inhibits proper blood flow and damages tissues and organs all over the body, but typically in the sinuses, lungs and kidneys. When treated early, patients often make a complete recovery. Left untreated, or when treatments fail, it is often fatal, most often due to kidney failure.

GPA is commonly treated with glucocorticoid (steroid) medications like prednisone. In severe cases, prednisone is combined with cyclophosphamide, rituximab, methotrexate, or azathioprine, which are drugs commonly used to suppress the body's immune system. These drugs should be used with caution, particularly when treating non-cancer-related illnesses, since all of them have serious, sometimes fatal, side effects. They can also harm or cause the death of an unborn baby.

The most common side effects of chemotherapy drugs (such as methotrexate) are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, skin pigmentation, liver damage, memory loss or brain fog, and hair loss.

How We Can Help

At Maryland Holistics, we offer acupuncture and natural care options that can reduce symptoms of GPA and help restore a sense of control and well being to your life. We emphasize an inclusive approach to wellness that combines a variety of natural, non-pharmacological treatment therapies tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

GPA sufferers may be relieved to know that acupuncture, when performed by a skilled and experienced practitioner, can have profound effects on the immune system. Although it is best known for increasing the body's immune response, in order to fight disease, it can also suppress the immune response in patients with autoimmune diseases like GPA. It sounds paradoxical until one considers that acupuncture is first and foremost a therapy aimed at restoring the body's natural balance.

Acupuncture is a very broad, deep, and complex field of study. In general, even a very talented practitioner will need at least 7-10 years of full-time study to develop a high level of skill.

Acupuncture can reduce fatigue and many types of chronic pain, often reducing the need for powerful pharmaceutical drugs that come with serious side effects, especially with prolonged use. It can also restore more restful sleep and reduce the stress, anxiety and depression so often experienced by people with autoimmune disorders, and promote a deep sense of well being.

In addition to acupuncture, we offer expert advice on proper diet and nutrition, the right amount of exercise, work/life adjustments, as well as meditation and other stress reducing therapies. We believe these are critical factors in managing GPA as part of an overall medical treatment plan that can help you reach your personal goals.
"GPA is a rare condition and I have not seen it frequently in practice. Based on published research and my experience treating a range of autoimmune conditions, I believe acupuncture is likely to be helpful for individuals with this condition, but only if the treatment is performed in a way that is gentle enough to avoid side-effects. To the extent that it is helpful, it is likely due to acupuncture's ability to help the body to regulate the inflammatory signals of the immune system, as well as the stress response signals of the nervous system."

Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.



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About Maryland Holistics

Maryland Holistics LLC is the private practice of Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac., L.Ac. Our serene, professional office is located in Ellicott City, MD. Maryland Holistics has provided care to thousands of satisfied customers since opening in 2009. Dr. Windsor is a preferred provider in the CareFirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, and United Healthcare networks.

3525 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ste E
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 301-588-5858
Fax: 443-308-5690