If you’ve been diagnosed with dermatomyositis, you may have been told that there’s no known cure — only management with steroids or immunosuppressants. But what if that’s not the full story?

I am firmly convinced that dermatomyositis has very specific causes — and, therefore, very specific paths to healing. What I share here is logical, evidence-informed, and empowering, so you can begin understanding what’s really happening in your body and how to begin healing naturally.

To date, I have helped about 50 people to naturally heal from dermatomyositis, so I have some good experience helping people with this health issue. As everything in life and with this disease, “what you put in in terms of effort is what you get back.” So, healing is really dependent upon what you are willing to do to heal. I have had people that were ready to do ANYTHING and they got fantastic results. With others, their habits and deeper emotions patterns were so engrained that healing was more difficult. But, you can definitely heal.

Western medicine offers only the following to help with this condition:

1. Corticosteroids – They can help with inflammation, but they also eventually damage the liver, which is at the source of the problem. So on one hand it makes things better, but on the other long term it will make things worse. It’s the paradox of taking them.
2. Immunosuppressive drugs like methotrexate. This is basically chemotherapy, and is a chemical assault on the body which also significantly damages the liver.
3. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) – can definitely help but does nothing to help with nutritional deficiencies and toxicants that already are present in the body that MUST be dealt with to heal.

What Is Dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis (derma = skin, myo = muscle, itis = inflammation) is a connective tissue disorder marked by inflammation of the muscles and skin.

From a Western medical standpoint, it’s often classified as an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body is said to attack itself.

But here’s a different perspective — one rooted in clinical observation, Chinese medicine, and virology:

The body never attacks itself. It’s not confused.
Instead, the immune system is often fighting something foreign — a pathogen like a virus or bacteria — that’s hiding deep within the tissues. As your immune system tries to neutralize it, the surrounding tissue can suffer collateral damage, leading to inflammation and pain.

Common Symptoms of Dermatomyositis

• Reddish-purple skin rash (especially on the eyelids, face, chest, or joints)

• Muscle weakness and pain (trunk, upper arms, hips, thighs)

• Fatigue and low energy

• Muscle stiffness, soreness, or atrophy

• Swelling or edema around the eyes

• Difficulty swallowing

• Itching and general discomfort

The Real Cause: Epstein-Barr Virus and Shingles

From my research and clinical experience, dermatomyositis is often linked to chronic viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and the Shingles (Herpes Zoster) virus. 60 strains of EBV and 31 strains of Shingles exist that can cause the crazy symptoms that exist with this particular disease.

These two viruses are in the same family and can remain dormant in the body for years, only to re-emerge when your immune system is weakened by stress, toxins, or emotional trauma.

Western medicine doesn’t yet have tests to identify these individual strains or measure their activity once the initial infection (“mono”) passes.

The Four Stages of Epstein-Barr Virus

Stage 1: Dormancy and Triggers

The virus often enters the body early in life and becomes active during hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) or intense emotional stress.

Stage 2: Mononucleosis (Mono)

Only 10–15% of people experience full-blown mono. Most simply feel exhausted for weeks but continue functioning. During this stage, EBV finds “homes” in organs like the liver, spleen, or thyroid — key organs also emphasized in Chinese medicine.

Stage 3: Latency and Toxin Build-up

After the initial infection, EBV hides within tissues. Its waste byproducts are highly neurotoxic (to the nervous system) and dermatoxic (to the skin), setting the stage for chronic illness.

Diseases such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Dermatomyositis often develop at this stage.

Stage 4: Central Nervous System Involvement

This is when full-blown conditions like dermatomyositis manifest — with inflammation, pain, rashes, weakness, and fatigue.

Why Western Medicine Struggles to Heal Dermatomyositis

Modern medicine currently lacks tools to:

• Kill these latent viruses directly

• Detoxify the body of heavy metals and chemicals that feed viral growth

• Strengthen the immune system’s core vitality

• Release emotional trauma that weakens immunity

Antivirals may slow viral replication, and anti-inflammatories may suppress symptoms — but they rarely address the root cause.

Healing Dermatomyositis With Chinese Medicine

Both Chinese medicine and naturopathic approaches offer a comprehensive way to heal by addressing the physical, energetic, and emotional roots of the illness.

1. Detoxify the Body

Remove heavy metals and chemicals that overwhelm immunity and feed viral activity.
Common sources include:

• Dental amalgams, aluminum deodorants, cosmetics, cleaning supplies

• Processed foods, pesticides, and contaminated water

Herbal detoxification and natural chelating agents can help flush out toxins, reducing inflammation and freeing your immune system.

2. Kill the Virus Naturally

Certain herbal remedies and Chinese formulas have been known to target and eliminate EBV and Shingles viruses, penetrating deep into tissues and supporting the immune system’s natural defense.

3. Remove Inflammatory Foods

To heal inflammation, avoid:

• Dairy (including yogurt and cheese)
• Refined sugars
• Wheat and gluten
• Soy
• Eggs
• Caffeine
• Vegetable Oils
• Alcohol

These foods fuel inflammation and viral activity. A clean, anti-inflammatory diet is essential.

4. Release Emotional Blocks

Most chronic illness is triggered or worsened by emotional trauma or unresolved stress.
Releasing stored emotional energy through somatic or consciousness-based techniques can dramatically improve immune resilience and reduce physical symptoms.

As Inna Segal writes about the consciousness of dermatomyositis:

“The underlying feelings are around lack of safety and protection… self-hatred, rejection, not being good enough, deep overwhelm, and even feeling frozen.”

When these emotions are acknowledged and released, the body’s healing capacity dramatically increases. This is something I help people with in the clinic with very specific releasing tools.

A Truly Holistic Path to Healing

Healing dermatomyositis naturally requires addressing all four dimensions:

1. Physical – Cleanse toxins, nourish, and strengthen the body.

2. Viral/Pathogenic – Eliminate hidden infections.

3. Emotional – Release stored trauma.

4. Energetic/Spiritual – Restore flow and balance through acupuncture, herbs, and meditation.

When all of these are addressed in harmony, true healing becomes possible.

Begin Your Healing Journey

If this message resonates with you and you’re ready to pursue a natural path to healing dermatomyositis, I’d be honored to help.

All of my work can be done remotely or in-person through a customized program focused on:

• Detoxification

• Herbal and nutritional therapy

• Emotional release work

• Restoring vitality through acupuncture and Chinese medicine

📞 Call Dr. Scott at (407) 255-0314 or schedule a FREE 15 minute discovery call or 1 hour new patient appointment HERE and begin your journey toward healing.