Ankylosing Spondylitis

Patients using biological agents (TNF inhibitors, IL-17A inhibitors) have a higher risk of tuberculosis and fungal infections than the general population. However, the incidence of infection complications from acupuncture treatment is very low, at less than 0.1 cases per 100,000 cases when standardized sterile instruments are used. If osteoporosis is present, the insertion depth and manipulation intensity of the moxibustion needle must be adjusted, and if the range of motion is significantly reduced due to severe ossification, adjustments to the treatment posture are also necessary. It is important to perform the procedure under the judgment of a specialist Korean medicine doctor who has assessed the immune status. From a Korean medicine perspective, the principle of external treatment is to regulate the amount of stimulation when the body's protective "Right Energy" is weak. For patients with insufficient kidney energy or overall weak energy, we reduce the depth and intensity of the needles and apply gentle acupuncture techniques to replenish energy. At Dongjedang, we strictly verify the patient's use of immunosuppressants, recent infection history, and blood test results before the procedure, and establish a safe treatment plan based on this information. While prioritizing safety, we also prepare alternative approaches (such as a shift to a focus on moxibustion, Chuna manual therapy, and herbal medicine) to ensure that treatment is not abandoned.