In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nam Lee, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and author, to explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine can regulate the immune system, reduce chronic inflammation, and restore energy for autoimmune patients.

Dr. Lee shares accessible acupressure techniques anyone can do at home—including Large Intestine 11 for autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and Stomach 36 for combating fatigue and boosting vitality.

We discuss how TCM addresses autoimmune disease as a "wrong signal" in the body, treating root causes through personalized point selection, herbal medicine, breathwork, and small consistent lifestyle changes that create lasting healing.

Key Takeaways

1. Acupressure = acupuncture you can do at home — no needles required
2. Large Intestine 11 (elbow crease) reduces autoimmune inflammation & skin flares
3. Stomach 36 (below kneecap) is TCM's #1 point for fatigue and vitality
4. TCM treats autoimmune disease as "wrong signals" needing personalized rebalancing
5. Dampness in TCM = swollen, heavy, painful joints common in RA patients
6. Acupuncture lowers cortisol and raises endorphins — backed by research
7. Humming breathwork through the nose creates nitric oxide for better circulation
8. Korean hand point stimulation activates brain function and fights fatigue
9. Small, consistent changes create lasting autoimmune healing — not extreme overhauls
10. Build your healthcare village — ask for help and stay open-minded

Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 Acupressure vs. Acupuncture: Healing at Home

03:00 What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session

04:00 How Acupuncture Regulates Immune System & Inflammation

06:00 TCM Approach: Dampness, Heat & Personalized Autoimmune Care

08:00 Acupuncture for Fatigue & Brain Function

10:00 Key Points: Large Intestine 11 & Stomach 36

12:00 Herbs, Breathwork & Lifestyle for Resilience

15:00 Small Consistent Changes Create Big Results

16:00 Building Your Healthcare Village

18:00 Dr. Lee's Book: "Stop Calling Me Infertile"

20:00 Where to Find Dr. Nam Lee

Guest Details

Dr. Nam Lee, LAc — Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist & Author

Credentials: Advanced training in Oriental Medicine & Integrative Care. Specializes in Korean-style acupuncture, herbal medicine, fertility, women's health, and autoimmune disease. Author of Stop Calling Me Infertile.

Practice: Newport Beach, Orange County, California

Connect:

1. Instagram: @lee_acupuncture
2. Book: Stop Calling Me Infertile — available now
3. Website: https://www.leeacupuncture.com/.

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.

Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the "why" behind their illness and find pathways to healing.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.