Body Work: Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Other Treatments for Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic, painful inflammation. Treatment for the condition can sometimes be painful and cause fatigue, so some people look for alternative methods to find relief. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is an alternate treatment type. It combines non-conventional techniques, products, and health systems for results. It is estimated that around 50% of those who have lupus have used CAM to reduce symptoms and manage their overall health. The following are some of the CAM modalities. 

Acupuncture has been used for osteoarthritis pain relief. Some people feel that this small needle manipulation can be helpful for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain experienced by those with lupus, but more research is needed to see if this is true. Talk to your doctor to see if this treatment may be right for you.

This treatment uses hands, fingers, elbows, and sometimes feet to press and manipulate soft tissue. One small study did report Swedish massage to decrease lupus flares.

Widespread inflammation is very common with a lupus flare which can cause pain. Adjustment through chiropractic techniques may help to decrease this pain in some people. It may also improve joint mobility. It could be considered palliative care because it does not cure lupus, but it may help with pain reduction and improvement of  physical activity.

This is an Indian practice that seeks to unite the body, mind, and spirit. Those who treat lupus and recommend yoga do so because of its musculoskeletal attributes. Gentler forms of yoga such as restorative yoga, Iyengar and Hatha are more likely to decrease pain, and lead to joint relief, improved mood, and higher energy. More strenuous types or hot yoga may actually worsen inflammation.

Research is ongoing to see the effects of vitamins on lupus. Some studies have linked low levels of vitamin D with higher levels of inflammation markers in lupus and increase in lupus flares. But more research is needed to see if taking vitamin D supplements makes a difference in these markers or in the outcome of the disease. Short term supplementing with vitamins C and E did seem to decrease inflammation markers in some studies, but again, more research is needed to see if this affects the course of the disease.

This is the act of relaxing the mind, elevating the consciousness, and being in the present moment. It combines thought, reflection, and concentration and is most known for stress and anxiety relief — which can also help with the mental health aspect of lupus treatments.

The active ingredient of the spice turmeric is curcumin. In addition to the reduction of the production of inflammatory cytokines, some studies suggest that turmeric can reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, decrease tumor growth, and help with wound healing. More research is needed before it can be recommended for these conditions.

This is part of the daisy family. Some believe that it can help build a healthy, stronger immune system and has therefore been used to treat colds, the flu, and other conditions.  A few studies show that it might slightly keep you from catching a cold, but there is not much research to support using it for this or other conditions.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is known as an adrenal steroid hormone that is typically reduced in lupus patients. There is some evidence that DHEA supplements may improve symptoms of lupus and decrease the need to use steroids, which have significant side effects.  Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other supplement.

One of the world's oldest medical systems is ayurvedic medicine. It is based on interconnectedness and the body's life force. Practitioners prescribe herbal remedies based on the individual's life force, or dosha. There is one study that shows it can be helpful for some people with lupus, but much more research is needed to prove this.

Some evidence suggests that CAM may be a useful addition to your lupus treatment.  There are many studies on the benefits, cons, and interactions of CAM that vary from person to person, but more research is needed. You should talk to your provider to see if CAM is right for you and your lupus journey.