Functional Wellness Approaches to Reduce Autoimmune Conditions

Explore functional wellness for autoimmune conditions and discover strategies for achieving better health and wellness.

Functional Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Managing Autoimmune Conditions

More and more people are looking for natural ways to stay healthy, especially when they have long-term problems like autoimmune diseases. Instead of just treating symptoms, functional wellness aims to address the underlying causes of health issues. This method uses changes in diet, exercise, stress management, and non-surgical treatments to support the body’s healing. For people with autoimmune diseases, functional wellness offers promising ways to lower inflammation, ease pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

When the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, this is called an autoimmune condition. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease are some common ones. These conditions can cause symptoms that affect millions of people, such as fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation. Functional wellness focuses on holistic methods that work with or complement traditional treatments, while conventional medicine often uses drugs to suppress the immune response. A big part of functional wellness is knowing how inflammation and the immune system work together. Chiropractic care and acupuncture are two examples of nonsurgical treatments that can help manage symptoms by supporting the body’s natural balance. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, is one of many experts who have seen good results in patients who use integrative approaches.

This article talks about the immune system, what inflammation is, what autoimmune diseases are, their symptoms, and how functional wellness—especially through chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other holistic methods—can help. We’ll also talk about what practitioners like Dr. Jimenez have learned from their work. He uses both chiropractic adjustments and functional medicine to find and treat the root causes of problems and encourage natural healing.

Understanding the Immune System: Your Body’s Defense Mechanism

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It acts as the body’s security team, constantly patrolling for threats and responding quickly to keep you healthy. At its core, the immune system comprises two main parts: the innate and adaptive immune systems. The intrinsic part provides immediate, general defense—think of skin as a barrier or white blood cells that rush to fight infections. The adaptive part is more specialized; it “remembers” past invaders and generates targeted responses, such as producing antibodies.

White blood cells, including lymphocytes (B cells and T cells), are key players. B cells produce antibodies that tag invaders for destruction, while T cells directly attack infected cells or coordinate the immune response. Organs like the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow support these cells. A healthy immune system maintains balance, or homeostasis. It knows the difference between “self” (your own cells) and “non-self” (foreign substances). When functioning properly, it eliminates threats without harming the body. Factors like good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and low stress keep it strong. However, disruptions—such as genetic factors, environmental toxins, or chronic stress—can lead to overactivity or confusion, contributing to conditions such as autoimmunity (Cleveland Clinic, 2025; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, n.d.).

How Inflammation Works with the Immune System

Inflammation is a natural part of the immune system’s response to injury or infection. It’s the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention and initiating healing. When a threat is detected, the immune system releases chemicals like cytokines and histamines. These cause blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood (and immune cells) to reach the area. Signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, and pain—these are protective and usually short-lived.

The immune system and inflammation are closely linked. Immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils are the first to arrive in the innate response, engulfing pathogens and releasing additional inflammatory signals. If needed, the adaptive system kicks in to defend against a targeted attack. Chronic inflammation occurs when this process doesn’t shut off properly. It can happen due to ongoing stressors, poor diet, or immune dysregulation. Over time, low-grade chronic inflammation damages tissues and contributes to many health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. In autoimmunity, misplaced inflammation targets healthy cells, creating a cycle of damage (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025; Global Autoimmune Institute, 2024a). Managing inflammation through lifestyle and holistic therapies is a cornerstone of functional wellness.

What Are Autoimmune Conditions and How Do They Affect the Body?

Autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system loses tolerance for the body’s own tissues and attacks them as if they were foreign. This breakdown in self-recognition leads to persistent inflammation and tissue damage. There are over 100 known autoimmune conditions that affect various organs and systems. Some target specific areas, like type 1 diabetes (pancreas) or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (thyroid). Others are systemic, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which impact multiple body parts.

The exact cause isn’t fully known, but factors include genetics, environmental triggers (e.g., infections, toxins), hormonal changes, and gut health imbalances. Women are disproportionately affected, possibly due to hormonal influences. In the body, autoantibodies or overactive immune cells cause ongoing inflammation. This damages joints in rheumatoid arthritis, skin in psoriasis, or nerves in multiple sclerosis. Over time, it can lead to organ dysfunction, scarring, or increased risk of other diseases (MedlinePlus, n.d.; WebMD, 2010).

Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Conditions

Symptoms vary widely depending on the condition but often overlap due to shared inflammatory processes. Many people experience flares (worsening) and remissions (improvement).

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, often debilitating.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Stiffness, especially in the morning, is seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Muscle Aches: Widespread pain, similar to fibromyalgia.
• Skin Issues: Rashes, redness, or dryness, as in lupus or psoriasis.
• Digestive Problems: Bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease.
• Fever and Swelling: Low-grade fever or swollen lymph nodes.
• Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or memory issues.
• Hair Loss or Dry Eyes/Mouth: Common in Sjögren’s syndrome.

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to reduced mobility, emotional strain, and secondary issues like depression (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025; Cleveland Clinic, 2025).

Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent long-term damage.

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Nonsurgical Treatments: Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture for Autoimmune Management

Nonsurgical treatments focus on supporting the body’s natural healing without invasive procedures or heavy medications. Chiropractic care and acupuncture are two evidence-based options that help manage autoimmune symptoms by reducing inflammation, improving nervous system function, and promoting balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care involves gentle adjustments to the spine and joints to correct misalignments (subluxations). These can interfere with nerve signals, affecting immune regulation since the nervous system communicates with immune cells.

By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic adjustments may reduce stress on the nervous system, lower inflammation, and enhance overall function. Studies show it helps with pain, mobility, and quality of life in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (ChiroConnect Gulf Shores, n.d.; Pro Chiro, 2022).

Patients often report less pain, better sleep, and reduced flare-ups.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted at specific points to stimulate energy flow (qi) and regulate bodily functions. It activates anti-inflammatory pathways, modulates immune responses, and releases endorphins to relieve pain.

Research supports acupuncture for reducing symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and Sjögren’s syndrome. It may lower pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote immune homeostasis (ScienceDirect, 2024; PubMed, 2025).

Many find it effective for pain, fatigue, and stress.

How These Treatments Work Together in Reducing Overlapping Pain Symptoms

Autoimmune conditions often cause overlapping symptoms, such as chronic pain from inflammation affecting joints, muscles, and nerves. Combining chiropractic care and acupuncture in a holistic plan amplifies benefits.

Chiropractic adjustments improve spinal health and nerve flow, reducing central sensitization (heightened pain response). Acupuncture complements this by targeting peripheral inflammation and triggering natural painkillers.

Together, they address root issues: chiropractic enhances structural integrity and nervous system balance, while acupuncture regulates immune and inflammatory responses. Adding massage therapy, targeted exercise, and nutrition creates synergy—reducing pain overlap, improving mobility, and preventing flares.

This integrative approach minimizes reliance on medications, which can have side effects (Global Autoimmune Institute, 2024b; Eastside Ideal Health, 2024).

Insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez: Clinical Observations in Integrative Care

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, IFMCP, CFMP, practices in El Paso, Texas, leading a multidisciplinary clinic focused on chiropractic, functional medicine, and holistic healing. With credentials in chiropractic and family nurse practice, plus certifications in functional medicine, he integrates nonsurgical treatments to address injury causes and chronic conditions.

In his clinical observations, Dr. Jimenez notes that many patients with autoimmune-related inflammation benefit from combining chiropractic adjustments with functional protocols. Adjustments correct misalignments that contribute to viscerosomatic disturbances—links between spinal issues and organ dysfunction—affecting immune regulation.

He emphasizes addressing root causes through personalized plans: targeted exercise for strength and mobility, massage therapy to relax tissues, and acupuncture for pain relief and reduced inflammation. These promote natural healing, prevent long-term problems, and enhance vitality without invasive procedures.

Dr. Jimenez’s approach includes functional medicine assessments for nutrition, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Patients often see reduced pain, better energy, and fewer flares. His clinic collaborates on protocols for autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances, highlighting how integrative care restores balance (Dr. Alexander Jimenez, n.d.a; Dr. Alexander Jimenez, n.d.b).

Building a Functional Wellness Plan for Autoimmune Management

A comprehensive plan might include:

• Regular chiropractic sessions for alignment and nerve health.
• Acupuncture for immune modulation and pain.
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition (e.g., omega-3s, turmeric).
• Stress reduction via mindfulness or yoga.
• Gentle exercise like walking or tai chi.

Consult professionals to tailor approaches.

Conclusion: Embracing Functional Wellness for a Brighter Future with Autoimmune Conditions

It can be hard to deal with an autoimmune disease, but functional wellness is a strong and empowering way to move forward. This approach shifts the focus from just treating symptoms to actively supporting long-term health and vitality by emphasizing the body’s natural ability to heal and stay in balance. It is important first to understand the immune system’s important role as the body’s defense, how chronic inflammation can get out of hand, and the many effects of autoimmunity. From there, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, targeted exercise, and careful nutrition all work together to ease pain, calm flares, and give you back a sense of control.

Every day, practitioners like Dr. Alexander Jimenez in El Paso show how integrative care can make a difference in the real world. His clinical experience shows that patients often see significant improvements in energy, mobility, and overall health when their spinal alignment, nervous system function, and immune system regulation are treated simultaneously, without relying solely on medications. These holistic strategies help break the cycle of chronic inflammation and prevent future problems by addressing the root causes rather than just covering up symptoms.

Functional wellness is beautiful because it can be tailored to each person and lasts a long time. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about making habits and therapies that work with your body, not against it. These natural, evidence-based methods can help you have fewer flare-ups, less pain, and a better quality of life, whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with an autoimmune condition for years. Always work closely with qualified healthcare providers to make a plan that works best for you by combining the best of conventional and functional medicine.

You don’t have to deal with autoimmune problems on your own or accept that they will always be there. If you focus on functional wellness, you can find relief, healing is possible, and a healthier, more vibrant future is ahead. Take that first step today. Your body is made to be healthy, and it’s easier than ever to find the tools you need to help it.

 

References

• Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Autoimmune diseases. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21624-autoimmune-diseases
• Dr. Alexander Jimenez. (n.d.a). El Paso, TX chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez DC. https://dralexjimenez.com/
• Dr. Alexander Jimenez. (n.d.b). Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, IFMCP, CFMP. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
• Eastside Ideal Health. (2024). The role of holistic health in managing autoimmune conditions. https://www.eastsideidealhealth.com/the-role-of-holistic-health-in-managing-autoimmune-conditions/
• Global Autoimmune Institute. (2024a). Inflammation: A driving force of autoimmune disease. https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/inflammation-a-driving-force-of-autoimmune-disease/
• Global Autoimmune Institute. (2024b). Autoimmune vs autoinflammatory disease. https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/autoimmune-vs-autoinflammatory-disease/
• Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2025). What are common symptoms of autoimmune disease? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-are-common-symptoms-of-autoimmune-disease
• MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Autoimmune diseases. https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Autoimmune diseases. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune
• PubMed. (2025). Acupuncture therapy in autoimmune diseases: A narrative review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39586390/
• ScienceDirect. (2024). Acupuncture therapy in autoimmune diseases: A narrative review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568997224002003
• WebMD. (2010). Autoimmune diseases. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases