Autoimmune Disease: When Your Body Fights Against Itself, Healing Takes Patience

Understanding autoimmune disorders, the limitations of medication, and the potential of whole body red light therapy and oxygen support.

Imagine having an immune system designed to protect you, but instead, it begins attacking the very body it was created to defend.

For millions of people living with autoimmune disease, this is their daily reality.

The exhaustion can be overwhelming. The inflammation can be unpredictable. Pain, brain fog, digestive problems, weakness, and emotional frustration can become part of everyday life.

And perhaps one of the most discouraging experiences is trying treatment after treatment, only to discover that the symptoms return, the medications create new problems, or improvement never seems to last.

At The Wellness Center, we understand that autoimmune conditions present a unique challenge. We also believe there is value in exploring ways to support the body's natural processes rather than focusing exclusively on controlling symptoms.

One area of growing scientific interest is photobiomodulation, commonly known as red and near infrared light therapy.

What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

Your immune system is an extraordinary network of cells, tissues, and organs designed to protect you from infections and harmful substances.

Normally, it recognizes the difference between your body's healthy cells and something that might threaten them.

With autoimmune disease, that recognition process becomes disrupted.

Your immune system mistakenly identifies parts of your own body as a threat and launches an inflammatory attack.

Depending on the condition, that attack may involve the joints, muscles, skin, nervous system, digestive tract, thyroid, or multiple organs simultaneously.

Researchers have identified more than 80 autoimmune diseases.

Some of the better-known conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Sjögren's disease, psoriasis, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.

Although these conditions affect different parts of the body, they share an important characteristic: the immune system is not responding appropriately.

And that creates a significant challenge for long-term health.

Autoimmune Disease Is Becoming an Increasing Concern

Over the past decade, autoimmune disease has become a growing focus of medical research.

A major study published in The Lancet in 2023 followed health records from approximately 22 million people in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2019.

Researchers found that the overall incidence of autoimmune disease increased modestly, while some individual conditions experienced much larger increases.

New diagnoses of celiac disease, Sjögren's syndrome, and Graves' disease approximately doubled over the study period. Other autoimmune conditions remained stable or decreased.

A separate American study published in 2025 estimated that more than 15 million Americans, approximately 4.6% of the population, had been diagnosed with at least one autoimmune disease during the study's observation period.

Interestingly, 34% of those diagnosed had more than one autoimmune condition.

Researchers continue to investigate possible contributors, including genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, infections, and changes in immune system regulation.

The causes are complicated, and no single explanation accounts for every autoimmune disease.

But the growing burden of these conditions reinforces an important question:

How can we better support people whose immune systems are struggling to function appropriately?

Medications: Helpful for Some, Frustrating for Others

Traditional autoimmune treatment often involves medications designed to reduce inflammation, suppress immune activity, or interfere with specific inflammatory pathways.

These may include corticosteroids, disease-modifying medications, biologics, and other immunosuppressive therapies.

For some people, these medications are life-changing. They can reduce disease activity, prevent permanent organ or joint damage, and help preserve quality of life.

For others, the experience is considerably more frustrating.

A medication may work initially and then become less effective. One symptom may improve while another continues. Side effects may require changing medications, adjusting doses, or discontinuing treatment altogether.

Depending on the medication, side effects may include increased susceptibility to infections, digestive problems, changes in blood pressure, bone loss, fatigue, or other complications.

And because many autoimmune diseases are chronic, medication management may continue for years or even a lifetime.

This does not mean medication has no place. It means that medication alone does not always address every part of the person's experience.

Managing disease activity and helping someone feel genuinely well are not always the same thing.

That is why we are interested in approaches that can complement appropriate medical care while supporting cellular function and overall well-being.

What Makes Autoimmune Disease So Difficult?

One of the greatest frustrations with autoimmune disease is its unpredictability.

A person may enjoy several good days, perhaps even several good weeks, only to experience another flare.

Symptoms can change without an obvious explanation.

And improvement in one area does not necessarily mean the underlying autoimmune activity has resolved.

This is one reason autoimmune conditions require patience and individualized care.

The immune system involves enormously complicated communication between cells, inflammatory proteins, hormones, and tissues.

It does not operate like a simple on-and-off switch.

When that system is dysregulated, progress may not happen in a straight line.

At The Wellness Center, this influences how we think about supportive care, including whole body red light therapy.

How Red and Near Infrared Light May Help

Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of light to influence biological activity at the cellular level.

Researchers have investigated how red and near infrared wavelengths interact with mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for much of their energy production.

Photobiomodulation can influence mitochondrial signaling, cellular energy processes, nitric oxide, oxidative stress responses, and inflammatory pathways.

These mechanisms are particularly interesting in autoimmune research because immune system regulation depends on communication between cells.

A comprehensive scientific review published in April 2025 examined the immunomodulatory effects of photobiomodulation, including its influence on macrophages, T cells, and other immune cells involved in inflammatory responses.

The review identified promising mechanisms and potential applications for immune-related and inflammatory conditions.

However, researchers also emphasized the need for additional clinical studies and better-established treatment parameters.

The important distinction is that red light therapy is not necessarily about stimulating the immune system to become stronger.

With autoimmune disease, that could be the wrong objective.

The more interesting possibility is supporting immune modulation, helping influence the processes that determine how the immune system responds.

That is an area of genuine scientific interest, although research has not yet established photobiomodulation as a proven treatment for autoimmune disease itself.

Why We Believe Whole Body Red Light Deserves Special Attention

Not all red light systems deliver the same experience.

Small panels, handheld devices, and localized treatment systems typically focus on individual parts of the body.

That can be useful when someone is concentrating on a particular joint, muscle, or other targeted area.

However, autoimmune conditions frequently affect multiple body systems simultaneously.

This is one reason we have chosen full body photobiomodulation pods at The Wellness Center.

Our Regen Q8 pods use a combination of red and near infrared wavelengths, including 630/633, 810, 850, and 940 nanometers.

These wavelengths have different optical properties, with near infrared light generally reaching deeper tissue layers than visible red light, although actual penetration depends on the wavelength, tissue, and device.

Instead of requiring someone to reposition a small treatment device around their body, our pods provide broad exposure during a single session.

We believe this makes whole body treatment especially attractive for people dealing with widespread symptoms.

It offers an opportunity to support multiple areas of the body during the same visit, rather than focusing exclusively on the area that happens to hurt the most that day.

Whole body coverage is a meaningful advantage in convenience and treatment consistency.

Whether full body pods produce better autoimmune outcomes than targeted systems remains an important question for future clinical research.

Why More Red Light Is Not Always Better

This may be one of the most important things we can share with anyone living with an autoimmune condition.

More treatment does not automatically equal better results.

Photobiomodulation researchers have described a phenomenon known as the biphasic dose response.

In simple terms, too little light may produce very little response, while excessive exposure may reduce the desired biological effect.

The amount of light, intensity, exposure time, and frequency all matter.

For someone with a complicated autoimmune condition, this reinforces our preference for a thoughtful and individualized starting schedule.

Some people tolerate frequent sessions comfortably.

Others may report fatigue, discomfort, or changes in symptoms that suggest their schedule needs to be adjusted.

These reactions do not necessarily mean the body is healing or that the immune system is fighting the treatment. A worsening of symptoms should be taken seriously rather than interpreted automatically as a positive response.

This is why we encourage clients to communicate with us about what they are experiencing.

Sometimes the better approach is not to increase treatment.

Sometimes it is to slow down.

Why We Encourage a Longer Commitment for Autoimmune Support

People often ask us how quickly they should expect results.

And we understand why.

When someone has spent years feeling exhausted, inflamed, or uncomfortable, they naturally want relief as quickly as possible.

At The Wellness Center, our experience with clients managing chronic conditions has led us to encourage a longer evaluation period for autoimmune concerns.

We often discuss approximately three months as an initial period for assessing whether a consistent red light routine is contributing to meaningful improvements in comfort, energy, sleep, or overall well-being.

Some individuals may notice changes sooner.

Others may need a slower schedule, more time, or may not experience a meaningful benefit.

Three months is not a scientifically established autoimmune treatment milestone. It is a practical window we use to help clients evaluate a consistent supportive routine.

For someone attending three times a week, that means approximately 36 sessions over 12 weeks.

For someone attending twice a week, it means approximately 24 sessions.

We encourage people to look for patterns over time rather than judging everything by one good day or one difficult day.

Are they sleeping better?

Are they experiencing more comfortable movement?

Has their energy become more consistent?

Are they noticing meaningful changes in their quality of life?

These observations can be useful alongside medical monitoring of the underlying condition.

Sometimes Twice a Week Is the Better Beginning

Our general approach to full body red light is to encourage consistent sessions, often two to three times per week.

But autoimmune clients deserve additional consideration.

If someone is particularly sensitive, already experiencing frequent flares, or unsure how their body will respond, twice weekly may be a more comfortable place to begin.

For some, even a less frequent introductory schedule may be appropriate.

The goal is to find an approach the individual can tolerate and maintain.

Consistency matters, but so does listening to the body.

We do not want someone pushing through worsening symptoms simply to complete a predetermined number of sessions.

With autoimmune conditions, the right pace matters more than the fastest pace.

What Role Does Oxygen Play?

Oxygen is essential to life and to cellular energy production.

Our cells rely on oxygen as part of the process that produces ATP, the energy used for countless biological functions.

Oxygen availability also influences tissue metabolism, immune cell behavior, and the body's response to inflammation.

This makes oxygen an interesting part of the larger conversation about cellular wellness.

At The Wellness Center, we offer supplemental oxygen as part of our wellness experience.

We want clients to have access to both photobiomodulation and oxygen support without feeling they must purchase every service separately.

Oxygen is included in all of our memberships.

It is important to distinguish ordinary supplemental oxygen from specialized medical treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Research involving hyperbaric oxygen cannot automatically be applied to standard supplemental oxygen services.

There is not yet convincing clinical evidence that adding ordinary supplemental oxygen to red light sessions improves autoimmune disease outcomes in people whose blood oxygen levels are already normal.

Nevertheless, we believe in giving clients access to a comfortable, comprehensive wellness experience while being realistic about what these services have and have not been proven to accomplish.

Choosing the Right Membership: We Would Rather You Find the Right Pace

At The Wellness Center, we do not believe every client needs the same treatment schedule.

And that means the most expensive or comprehensive membership is not automatically the right starting point.

For people managing autoimmune conditions, we often suggest beginning with a schedule that feels comfortable and observing how they respond.

For someone attending once or twice a week, a punch pass may offer greater flexibility without the pressure to use a set number of monthly appointments.

Our punch pass sessions are approximately $49 per visit.

For someone ready to consistently attend three or more times each week, a monthly membership can offer better overall value, with sessions averaging approximately $35 depending on the membership selected and how frequently it is used.

The key is choosing a program based on what you will realistically use.

A membership that encourages more visits than your body comfortably tolerates may not be the best investment.

We would much rather see someone find a manageable rhythm and stay consistent than purchase a program they feel pressured to complete.

And because oxygen is included with every membership, there is no additional membership charge to access that part of the wellness experience.

Healing Is Not Always a Straight Line

Perhaps the most important message in this entire article is that living with autoimmune disease requires patience.

You may have good days followed by difficult ones.

You may discover that certain activities, stress, infections, poor sleep, or other factors contribute to symptom flares.

You may need to change your routine along the way.

None of this means you have failed.

It means you are dealing with a complicated condition involving one of the most sophisticated systems in the human body.

Photobiomodulation offers an encouraging area of investigation, particularly because of its effects on cellular signaling and inflammatory processes.

But it is not a cure, and supportive wellness services should not replace medications or monitoring needed to prevent autoimmune damage.

We believe the most responsible approach combines curiosity, patience, consistency, individualized care, and a willingness to adjust when something is not working.

Your Body Deserves Support, Not Another Battle

If you are living with autoimmune disease, you have probably spent enough time fighting.

Fighting exhaustion.

Fighting inflammation.

Fighting pain.

Fighting the frustration of not knowing how you will feel tomorrow.

At The Wellness Center, our goal is not to promise a miracle or tell you that one approach will resolve everything.

Our goal is to give you access to high-quality whole body photobiomodulation, a welcoming environment, and a thoughtful approach that respects the complexity of your condition.

We believe there is tremendous value in supporting the body at the cellular level while continuing to learn from emerging research.

And we believe long-term wellness deserves more than a quick fix.

You do not have to rush your body. You can give it time, consistency, and support.

If you would like to explore whether our whole body red light pods are appropriate for you, we would love to visit with you.

The Wellness Center

South Ogden and Huntsville, Utah

www.thewellnesscenter.life

Educational note: Red and near infrared light therapy is being investigated for immune modulation and inflammatory conditions. It has not been established as a cure or disease-modifying treatment for autoimmune disorders. Supplemental oxygen should be used appropriately, especially by anyone with a condition affecting breathing or oxygen regulation. Never discontinue prescribed autoimmune medication without guidance from the prescribing clinician.

Scientific References

1. National Institutes of Health: Understanding Autoimmune Diseases (2022). https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/06/understanding-autoimmune-diseases

2. The Lancet (2023): Incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders in 22 million UK residents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37156255/

3. Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025): Estimation of prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the United States using electronic health record data. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/178722

4. Lasers in Medical Science (2025): Immunomodulatory effects of photobiomodulation: A comprehensive review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40214677/

5. Dose-Response (2011): Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy: An Update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3315174/