Acupuncture for Immune & Autoimmune Disorders in Tuckahoe, NY & Bryant Park, NYC
The immune system is one of the most complex regulatory systems in the human body — and when it falls out of balance, the consequences range from chronic susceptibility to infection on one end to destructive autoimmune activity on the other. At Elemental Acupuncture, Dr. Bethany Leddy, DACM, MSOM offers evidence-informed acupuncture and Chinese medicine care that modulates immune function from both directions — strengthening deficient immune responses and calming excessive, self-directed immune activity. With doctoral-level training and over 22 years of clinical experience in immune health, Dr. Leddy provides integrative immune care that produces lasting, meaningful results.
Request an AppointmentImmune Regulation Through TCM
In traditional Chinese medicine, immune health is governed primarily by wei qi — the body’s defensive energy — and by the strength and balance of the Lung, Kidney, and Spleen organ systems. Wei qi circulates at the body’s surface, defending against external pathogens and regulating the inflammatory response to threats. When it is strong and well-regulated, the body responds proportionately — mounting a swift defense against infection without tipping into chronic inflammation or self-attack. When it is deficient or dysregulated, the immune system either fails to protect adequately or becomes hyperactive and misdirected.
Dr. Leddy’s treatment strengthens this defensive foundation through targeted acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine with documented immunomodulatory properties, and microbiome testing to address the gut-immune axis central to immune regulation. For autoimmune conditions specifically, treatment focuses on clearing the heat toxin, damp-heat, or yin deficiency patterns that drive self-directed immune activity, while strengthening the constitutional deficiency allowing the dysregulation to persist. Also explore our dedicated pages for autoimmune disorders and allergies. Call (646) 872-1181 or request an appointment at our Tuckahoe or Bryant Park office.
Frequently Asked Questions — Immune & Autoimmune Disorders
Can acupuncture strengthen a weak immune system?
Yes. Acupuncture strengthens wei qi and the Lung, Kidney, and Spleen organ systems that govern immune defense. Research shows acupuncture increases natural killer cell activity, improves T-cell counts, and enhances the body’s ability to respond to infection.
Can acupuncture calm an overactive immune system?
Yes. For autoimmune and allergic conditions, acupuncture modulates the immune response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, balancing T-helper cell activity, and calming the excessive IgE responses that drive autoimmune and allergic reactions.
What immune and autoimmune conditions does Dr. Leddy treat?
Dr. Leddy treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, eczema, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, recurrent infections, chronic fatigue, allergies, asthma, and long COVID. See our full autoimmune disorders page for more detail.
Does Dr. Leddy offer gut microbiome testing for immune conditions?
Yes. The gut microbiome is central to immune regulation — dysbiosis is directly implicated in most autoimmune and allergic conditions. Microbiome testing at Elemental Acupuncture identifies specific patterns that can be addressed through herbal medicine and dietary counseling.
Is acupuncture safe with immunosuppressive medications?
Yes, in most cases. Dr. Leddy reviews your full medication list before treatment and applies appropriate safety protocols. She coordinates with your specialist to ensure acupuncture integrates safely with your existing medical regimen.
How long does it take to see immune improvements with acupuncture?
Patients with recurrent infections typically notice reduced frequency within 2–3 months. For autoimmune conditions, meaningful symptom improvement is usually evident within 3–4 months, with deeper constitutional improvements developing over 6–12 months.
Can herbal medicine help immune conditions?
Yes. Chinese herbal formulas include herbs with well-documented immunomodulatory effects — including astragalus (huang qi), reishi mushroom, and others — that strengthen immune defense, reduce autoimmune inflammation, and support the microbiome.