Natural Support for Chronic Infections in Portland
Living with an autoimmune condition can be exhausting. Some days are fine, others feel like your body’s working against you. At Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland, we care for folks facing that day-to-day unpredictability with quiet, steady support rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
We focus on calming your immune system without adding more pressure. Our care works with your body to reduce inflammation, support healing, and help you feel more in tune with yourself again.
Helping Your Body Find Balance Again
In TCM, autoimmune illness is seen as an internal disconnect. Something deep inside starts misfiring maybe from built-up heat, stuck energy, or old lingering imbalances.
Acupuncture can help by:
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Gently adjusting the immune system so it’s not overly active or too slow
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Boosting blood flow to ease inflammation
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Calming your nerves (since stress can spark flares)
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Supporting your digestion and hormonal cycles
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Offering space to reconnect with your body without judgment
We’re not here to “fix” your immune system. We’re here to help it settle into a steadier rhythm.
Conditions We Often Work With
Our clients come in with many different autoimmune-related concerns. Some are newly diagnosed, others have been managing things for years. We commonly support people dealing with:
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Hashimoto’s thyroid issues
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Lupus
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Psoriasis or eczema
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Multiple sclerosis
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Inflammatory bowel issues like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
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Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia (often tied into autoimmune patterns)
Whatever your path looks like, we meet you there.
A Plan That Moves With You
Autoimmune symptoms don’t always follow a straight line; they come and go, shift and return. That’s why we keep your treatment flexible.
Your care might include:
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Weekly acupuncture sessions for symptom relief and nervous system support
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Chinese herbs to ease digestion, help inflammation, and aid detox
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Gentle bodywork to reduce pain or fatigue
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Cupping or gua sha (if your muscles or joints need it)
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Regular check-ins to see how things are shifting for you
You’ll never be pushed. We listen, adjust, and work with your comfort in mind.
Does Acupuncture Help Autoimmune Issues?
Acupuncture doesn’t cure autoimmune illness. But research and personal stories point to big changes, less pain, fewer flares, and a better quality of life.
Side effects are rare and usually mild. Some people feel a little tired or sore after a session, but most leave feeling calmer, more connected, and lighter in their bodies.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can help you
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
Saturday
Sunday
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
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