Lupus Awareness Month: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Flare-Up Relief
May is Lupus Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of lupus and the profound impact it has on the lives of those who live with this chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect nearly every part of the body, often causing unpredictable flare-ups that bring pain, fatigue, and a range of physical and emotional challenges.
While there is no cure, many people are exploring complementary approaches to manage symptoms—including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which offers holistic strategies for easing discomfort and supporting overall wellness during flare-ups. In this blog, we’ll explore how TCM can be integrated into lupus care, share practical tips for managing symptoms naturally, and provide insights into how Eastern and Western practices can work together for better health outcomes.
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Understanding Lupus and Lupus Flare-Ups
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This condition can affect multiple parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
Because it presents differently in each person, lupus is often called “the great imitator,” as its symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging. While the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors is believed to play a role.
One of the most challenging aspects of lupus is managing flare-ups—periods when symptoms become more intense or new symptoms appear.
Common signs of a lupus flare-up include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Extreme fatigue
- Skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose)
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Flare-ups can vary in duration and severity and may significantly disrupt daily life. Many people with lupus find that flare-ups impact their ability to work, maintain social relationships, or participate in physical activities.
The unpredictability of symptoms can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, further affecting quality of life. Learning to recognize early warning signs and adopting a personalized management plan is essential to minimizing the effects of lupus on long-term well-being.
How TCM Can Support Lupus Flare-Up Relief
TCM offers a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions like lupus, particularly during flare-ups when symptoms are most disruptive. Rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression, TCM aims to treat the root imbalances within the body by addressing inflammation, regulating the immune system, and restoring overall harmony.
| Key Takeaway: Through techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and dietary therapy, TCM seeks to support the body’s natural healing processes and alleviate the intensity and frequency of flare-ups. |
In TCM, autoimmune conditions like lupus are often viewed through the lens of common pattern diagnoses, such as:
- Yin deficiency with internal heat – often associated with night sweats, dry mouth, and irritability
- Qi stagnation and blood stasis – which may manifest as pain, fatigue, and poor circulation
- Damp-heat accumulation – linked to inflammation, swelling, and skin issues
These patterns guide personalized treatment strategies that emphasize restoring internal balance, reducing stress, and improving the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood. Since emotional well-being is closely tied to physical health in TCM, stress-reduction techniques like meditation, tai chi, and breathing exercises are also integrated into care.
A 2016 study looked at whether TCM can help people with lupus (SLE) live longer. Researchers reviewed health records of over 23,000 patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2009. They found that patients who used TCM had a lower risk of death from lupus compared to those who didn’t.
This benefit was seen across different health conditions and even when TCM was used a year before the lupus diagnosis. Some specific TCM formulas, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, were especially helpful.
Common TCM Treatments for Lupus Symptoms
Acupuncture
TCM offers a range of treatments that may help relieve lupus symptoms and improve overall quality of life during flare-ups. Among the most widely used therapies is acupuncture, which involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance.
For individuals with lupus, acupuncture may offer relief from several common symptoms, including:
- Joint pain and stiffness – by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation in affected areas
- Chronic fatigue – by supporting energy flow and addressing underlying imbalances
- Stress and anxiety – by calming the nervous system and encouraging relaxation
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other TCM therapies to maximize results and tailor treatment to the individual’s unique pattern of disharmony.
A 2013 study tested whether acupuncture is safe and helpful for people with lupus (SLE). Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of acupuncture, minimal needling, or usual care. The researchers found that acupuncture was safe, with only minor side effects like brief needle pain or lightheadedness.
Most participants completed all sessions. About 40% of those who had acupuncture or minimal needling saw at least a 30% reduction in pain, while no one in the usual care group improved. Moreover, the study suggests that a 10-session acupuncture program is safe and may help reduce pain in people with lupus.
Chinese Herbal Therapy
Chinese herbal medicine is a cornerstone of TCM and is often used to support immune regulation, reduce inflammation, and manage symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions like lupus.
Unlike Western pharmaceuticals that typically target specific symptoms, TCM herbal formulas are designed to address patterns of imbalance in the body.
Some commonly used herbs in lupus care include:
- Huang Qi (Astragalus) – Known for its immune-boosting properties, this herb is often used to tonify Qi (vital energy), enhance stamina, and support immune function without overstimulation.
- Bai Shao (White Peony) – Used to nourish the blood and soften the liver, Bai Shao has anti-inflammatory effects and is often included in formulas to ease joint pain and muscle spasms.
- Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang or Sheng Di Huang) – Rehmannia comes in both raw and prepared forms and is frequently used to nourish yin, cool the blood, and support kidney and liver function. It is particularly beneficial for addressing internal heat and chronic inflammation.
These herbs are rarely used alone; instead, they are combined into carefully balanced formulas that consider the individual’s specific TCM pattern diagnosis.
| For example: Someone with yin deficiency and heat signs might receive a cooling, nourishing formula, while another with Qi deficiency might be prescribed herbs that focus on tonification and energy support. |
Herbal therapy is typically administered as teas, powders, pills, or tinctures, and should always be supervised by a trained TCM practitioner—especially when used alongside Western medications.
A 2021 study looked at whether traditional Chinese herbs are safe and helpful for people with lupus (SLE). Researchers reviewed 13 studies with a total of 856 patients. They found that TCM herbs helped reduce lupus symptoms, allowed patients to take lower doses of steroids, and improved some blood test results. Importantly, CHM didn’t cause more side effects than a placebo.
Dietary Therapy
Dietary therapy plays an important role in managing chronic conditions like lupus. In TCM, food is seen as medicine, and the right diet can help restore balance, nourish vital organs, and reduce symptoms—especially during flare-ups.
For people with lupus, dietary recommendations often focus on nourishing yin, clearing internal heat, and supporting the kidneys and liver, which are considered central to overall health and immune function.
Some common dietary strategies include:
- Yin-nourishing foods – These help replenish bodily fluids and cool internal heat. Examples include:
- Pears
- Black sesame seeds
- Tofu
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Foods that reduce internal heat and inflammation – These are typically cooling in nature and help soothe flare-up symptoms:
- Mung beans
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon (in moderation)
- Bitter melon
- Chrysanthemum tea
- Kidney and liver-supporting foods – These nourish the organs that govern energy, blood, and detoxification in TCM:
- Black beans
- Walnuts
- Goji berries
- Liver from grass-fed animals (in moderation)
- Dark leafy greens
Patients are also encouraged to avoid overly spicy, greasy, and processed foods, which are believed to generate heat and dampness in the body—factors that can aggravate lupus symptoms.
Warm, cooked meals are generally preferred over cold or raw foods, as they’re easier to digest and more supportive of spleen function, which is vital in TCM’s view of immunity and energy production.
A 2020 scientific review looked at both clinical and lab studies on how different diets and supplements affect lupus symptoms. The findings suggest that a diet low in calories and protein, but rich in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds, may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function in people with SLE.
Read More: Stomach Chi 101
Qigong/Tai Chi
Qigong and Tai Chi are gentle, meditative movement practices that offer powerful benefits for individuals living with chronic conditions like lupus. These practices focus on cultivating and balancing the body’s vital energy—known as Qi—through a combination of slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focused intention.
For people with lupus, who often experience fatigue, joint pain, and emotional stress, Qigong and Tai Chi provide a low-impact, accessible way to support both physical and emotional well-being.
Key benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi for lupus include:
- Promoting energy flow – These movements help unblock stagnant Qi, improve circulation, and restore balance within the body.
- Supporting joint mobility – The gentle, controlled motions improve flexibility and ease tension without overexertion, which is ideal during or between flare-ups.
- Reducing stress and anxiety – The mindful, meditative nature of these practices calms the nervous system and encourages emotional resilience.
- Enhancing body awareness – Regular practice helps individuals tune in to their body’s signals, allowing for earlier recognition of flare-up warning signs.
Both Qigong and Tai Chi can be tailored to an individual’s physical ability and energy levels, making them sustainable long-term practices. Whether practiced in a group setting or alone at home, these forms of movement meditation offer a restorative path to improved quality of life, increased vitality, and greater emotional balance for those managing lupus.
A 2021 study looked at how practicing qigong, a gentle mind-body exercise, affects people with chronic pain at a pain clinic. Researchers followed 43 participants—28 with previous qigong experience and 15 who were new to it.
People who practiced qigong regularly over time showed improvements in pain, mood, quality of life, and fatigue. Those who practiced less or were new to qigong didn’t see much change.
The study also found that people who believe they have control over their own health (called an internal health locus of control) tended to benefit more. Overall, consistent qigong practice appears to help people with chronic pain, but better ways to support beginners may be needed.
Read More: The Difference Between Tai Chi and Qigong
Working with a TCM Practitioner for Lupus Care
When exploring TCM for lupus care, it’s essential to work with a licensed, experienced practitioner who understands the complexity of autoimmune conditions. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on specific symptoms or lab results, TCM uses a unique diagnostic approach based on patterns of imbalance in the body.
| Key Takeaway: Each TCM treatment plan is highly personalized, addressing the individual’s overall constitution, lifestyle, and symptom presentation. Progress may be gradual, with an emphasis on long-term balance and symptom management rather than quick fixes. |
Integrating TCM with Conventional Lupus Treatment
Integrating TCM with conventional lupus treatment can offer a more comprehensive and supportive care plan. TCM is best used as a complementary approach, working alongside—not in place of—Western medical treatments prescribed by your rheumatologist.
Open communication between your healthcare providers is key to ensuring that all therapies are safe, coordinated, and aligned with your overall health goals. When Western medicine and TCM are combined thoughtfully, patients can benefit from both symptom relief and improved quality of life through a multidisciplinary approach that supports the body, mind, and immune system more holistically.
Conclusion
As we observe Lupus Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to explore holistic options like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that may help support symptom relief and overall well-being. Remember, managing lupus is highly individual—what works for one person may differ for another—so personalized care combined with professional medical guidance is essential.
If you or someone you know is living with lupus, consider spreading awareness, sharing your experiences, or consulting a certified TCM practitioner to discover complementary ways to enhance your health journey.
Read More: 6 Rheumatoid Arthritis TCM Herbal Formulas for Pain Relief and Joint Health