An Integrative Approach to Autoimmune Medication Management

Natural Medicine Journal Podcast

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autoimmune diseases are the third most common category of diseases in the United States after heart disease and cancer. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, making this area of medicine complex and in need of attention from an integrative standpoint. Rheumatology expert Anastasia Stocker, ND, LAc, has expertise in working with patients who are on autoimmune medications. She describes the benefits and risks of medications while exploring integrative approaches that can help with medication tapering or discontinuation when appropriate.

About the Expert

Anastasia Stocker, ND, LAc, received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and master of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, and her bachelor of science in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This multidisciplinary academic career forged her health philosophy: Healing should be an integration of evidence-based science and traditional natural medicine.

Stocker practices at Aria Integrative Medicine in Seattle, with a focus on autoimmune diseases, digestive wellness, environmental medicine, and women's health. She is also the vice president of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Stocker is interested in autoimmune diseases and using her clinical experience in managing complex cases while utilizing integrative approaches. She is passionate about intersecting naturopathic medicine with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, visceral, and craniosacral therapies to facilitate lasting improvements in patients with acute and chronic disease.