Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

by | Feb 8, 2025 | Blog

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Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and How Acupuncture & Functional Medicine Can Help

What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)?

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex and often misunderstood condition caused by an ongoing, dysregulated immune response to biotoxins. These toxins are most commonly found in water-damaged buildings (mold exposure), but they can also come from tick-borne illnesses (like Lyme disease), cyanobacteria, or certain bacterial infections.

When biotoxins enter the body, a healthy immune system should recognize and eliminate them. However, in individuals with CIRS, the body struggles to clear these toxins, leading to chronic inflammation. This persistent immune activation can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Fatigue and brain fog
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Digestive issues
  • Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, irritability)
  • Sensitivity to light, noise, and chemicals
  • Respiratory problems

Since CIRS affects multiple systems in the body, it can be challenging to diagnose and is often mistaken for other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune disorders.

How Functional Medicine Can Support CIRS Recovery

Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to health, making it an excellent option for individuals suffering from CIRS. Rather than just managing symptoms, functional medicine practitioners work to identify the underlying triggers of chronic inflammation and restore balance to the body.

Key Functional Medicine Approaches for CIRS:

  1. Identifying & Eliminating Exposure – The first step in healing is to remove exposure to mold or biotoxins. This may involve environmental testing, home remediation, or lifestyle changes to avoid further toxin accumulation.
  2. Supporting Detoxification – The liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system must function optimally to clear toxins. Functional medicine utilizes binders (like activated charcoal or chlorella), infrared sauna therapy, and personalized detox support to enhance toxin elimination.
  3. Gut Health Optimization – Since CIRS often disrupts gut microbiome balance, healing the digestive system with probiotics, prebiotics, and anti-inflammatory diets (such as the low-mold diet or anti-inflammatory diet) can be essential.
  4. Balancing the Immune System – Chronic inflammation must be calmed with targeted nutritional support, adaptogenic herbs, and lifestyle modifications to lower stress.
  5. Hormone & Nervous System Regulation – Many CIRS sufferers experience adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances. Functional medicine focuses on restoring energy and vitality through adrenal support, sleep optimization, and stress reduction.

How Acupuncture Can Help with CIRS

Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is another powerful tool for managing CIRS. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and restore energy balance.

Benefits of Acupuncture for CIRS:

  1. Reduces Inflammation – Acupuncture modulates inflammatory pathways, helping to calm the immune system and reduce excessive inflammatory responses.
  2. Supports Detox Pathways – By stimulating circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage, acupuncture enhances the body’s natural detoxification processes.
  3. Balances the Nervous System – Many CIRS patients struggle with dysautonomia (dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system), leading to symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
  4. Enhances Energy & Mental Clarity – By improving circulation and mitochondrial function, acupuncture can help combat fatigue and brain fog, common complaints in CIRS sufferers.
  5. Improves Digestion – Acupuncture is known to regulate gut function, which is crucial since many individuals with CIRS experience leaky gut, bloating, or food sensitivities.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Healing from CIRS requires a multi-faceted approach. Acupuncture and functional medicine work synergistically to help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and restore the body’s natural ability to detoxify and heal. If you suspect you have CIRS or struggle with chronic inflammation, seeking support from an integrative health practitioner can be life-changing.

Would you like more personalized guidance on healing from CIRS? Let’s connect and explore a holistic path to recovery!