Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions — including MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Hashimoto's disease, and vitiligo — share a common root in chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Japanese acupuncture and herbal medicine address these underlying patterns, supporting the body's natural ability to reduce inflammation and restore balance. The following are healing stories highlighting the experiences of patients treated by Master Mika in Charlotte, New York, and online.
Case 1: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Female, 30s: She was diagnosed with MS four years ago after developing inflammation of the optical nerve. She decided not to take medication and instead pursued natural medicine.
Treatment: She began monthly acupuncture treatment. She was guided to reduce her supplements and obtain nutrients from whole foods instead. She improved her diet and received Chinese herbal medicine and detox therapy. Her annual test showed no progression of inflammation from the previous year — a result that surprised her medical doctor. She continues to do well and enjoys her daily life.
Case 2: Autoimmune Disorder — Lupus
Female, 20s: She suffered from severe inflammation due to an autoimmune disorder. Medications to suppress her inflammation were not working, so she decided to pursue a natural approach. She was aware of unresolved emotions carried since childhood — fears and unexpressed feelings. Whenever an incident triggered these suppressed emotions, she craved sugar. She knew it was harmful but could not stop.
Treatment: She enrolled in the Integrative Healing Program, alternating acupuncture, Energy Soul Therapy, dietary guidance, and meditation training. After three months her inflammation had subsided, her emotions had rejuvenated, and her outlook on life had transformed. She was able to greatly reduce her sugar cravings. She became happier and more appreciative of her life. She continues treatment for maintenance and has developed the willpower to watch her diet and cut down sugar as needed.
Case 3: Arthritis
Female, 60s: She suffered from arthritis in her fingers, which were rigid and slightly curved. She experienced tingling sensations and often woke in the middle of the night due to pain.
Treatment: After one acupuncture treatment with moxibustion, the pain and tingling subsided by 70%. She received a total of four treatments and the pain and tingling resolved completely.
Case 4: Vitiligo
Female, 40s She was deeply self-conscious about her vitiligo. The discoloration cycle weighed on her daily — she could not stop herself anxiously checking the affected areas multiple times a day.
Treatment: She began acupuncture every two to four weeks, combined with multiple courses of Chinese herbal formula. We reviewed her diet together and eliminated inflammatory foods including gluten, sugar, alcohol, and dairy. She noticed improvement relatively quickly — the discoloration cycle slowed and became less pronounced. Over time she learned to manage her condition with confidence, minimizing flare-ups and feeling more at ease in her own skin.
Case 5: Hashimoto's Disease
Female, 60s She had lived with Hashimoto's disease for over twenty years and had been on medication throughout. She came wanting to improve her condition and reduce her dependence on medication.
Treatment: She began acupuncture every two to three weeks and followed my detoxification protocol for the colon and liver. Her thyroid numbers improved steadily, and under her doctor's supervision she was able to reduce her medication dosage. She continues to receive acupuncture to further improve her thyroid function and reduce her medication dosage.
Case 6: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Female, 20s She was a driven, high-achieving person who placed tremendous pressure on herself. Then one day she suddenly developed rheumatoid arthritis. Her doctor prescribed high-dose steroids and an immune suppressant to reduce inflammatory markers, but pain persisted. She did not want to rely on the medications.
Treatment: She began weekly to bi-weekly acupuncture sessions and her pain reduced steadily. Chinese herbal formula supported the reduction of inflammation alongside treatment. She also committed to changing her approach to life — worrying less, cultivating a more positive outlook, and joining my Meditation Training. As her condition and quality of life improved, her doctor gradually reduced her medications. Eventually she went off medication entirely and has remained symptom free.
Case 7: Psoriatic arthritis
Female, 50s She came seeking help for recurring severe flare-ups of psoriatic arthritis. Her symptoms were uncontrollable.
Treatment: Soon after she began receiving acupuncture treatment, she began feeling better and her flare-ups reduced significantly. She improved her diet and eliminated gluten, sugar, and dairy. She also cut down her wine intake that she enjoyed with dinner. With all these efforts, her condition improved to none or minimum level.
Story 8: Colitis
See our GI Healing Stories, Story 5.
Story 9: Hashimoto's Disease
See our Endocrine Healing Stories, Story 5.
Story 10: Eczema related to Long COVID
See our Infections Healing Stories, Story 4.
Disclaimer:
Please note, Mika Ichihara, M.S., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and holistic practitioner, and not a medical doctor. Always consult a medical doctor or appropriate physician to discuss your conditions and receive their medical advice. You should not rely on this website for diagnosis or medical advice, which serves solely as general holistic guidance to your conditions. Mika Ichihara may provide general information about medical conditions and treatments. However, the information provided by Mika Ichihara and this website is not a substitute for medical advice. Mika Ichihara assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequence resulting directly or indirectly from action taken based on her holistic advice and the information or material on or linked to this site.