Cooking to Heal Autoimmune Disease — FAQs

All your questions, answered.

Is this a medical program?


No. This course is educational and experiential in nature. It does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care. Autoimmune Cooking with Chen is designed to support understanding, skill-building, and confidence in the kitchen alongside your existing medical care.



Do I need to follow a specific diet (AIP, paleo, etc.)?


No. This course does not require adherence to a specific diet label. Instead, you’ll learn principles that help you understand why certain foods may support or challenge your system—and how to adapt intelligently based on symptoms, season, and capacity.


I’m not a confident cook. Is this course still for me?


Absolutely. This course is designed for real life—not culinary expertise. The cooking is simple, paced, and focused on foundational skills. Many participants arrive feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by cooking, and leave feeling capable and calm.


What if I can’t attend the live Cook With Chris sessions?


All live sessions are recorded and available for replay. While live participation is encouraged, you can still receive full value if you need flexibility due to energy levels, time zones, or health needs.


What kind of time commitment is required each week?


Most participants spend:


  • 1–2 hours watching recorded material (at their own pace)
  • 1.5–2 hours attending or watching the live cooking session
  • Optional time cooking meals they would already be preparing anyway

This course is designed to integrate into your life—not add pressure.


Will this help if I have multiple or complex autoimmune conditions?


Many participants live with layered or complex conditions. While no course can guarantee outcomes, the focus on digestion, nervous system regulation, and adaptable cooking makes this approach supportive across a wide range of autoimmune presentations.


Is this course vegan / vegetarian / carnivore-friendly?


This is an omnivore‑oriented course that draws on traditional cooking, including meat, bone broths, eggs, and dairy. It is not designed as a vegan program, and strict vegans will find that many core techniques rely on animal products. That said, principles of adaptation are discussed, and participants are encouraged to work within their own ethical, cultural, and physiological contexts where possible.


Will I be told which foods to completely avoid?


You’ll learn how to approach food avoidance without fear or rigidity. The course discusses why certain foods may be challenging for autoimmune systems and how to work with avoidance intelligently, temporarily, and compassionately—rather than as a permanent identity.


What if my symptoms change during the course?


Symptom changes are treated as information, not failure. One of the strengths of the live sessions is learning how to adjust meals and strategies in response to what your body is communicating, rather than pushing through or giving up.


Is there community interaction?


Yes. This is a cohort-based experience. You’ll be learning alongside others navigating similar terrain, with optional accountability and reflection prompts. The environment is supportive, non-judgmental, and intentionally low-pressure.


Who is teaching the course?


The course is guided by acupuncturist and healer Chris Chen, drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience and lived observation around autoimmune illness, digestion, and food as medicine.


Will I have lifetime access to the recordings?


Yes. Enrollment includes lifetime access to all recorded course materials and session replays.


Is this a good fit if I’m looking for fast results?


No; This course is designed for sustainable, long-term change—not quick fixes. If you’re seeking a short-term cleanse or guaranteed outcome, this may not be the right fit. If you’re ready to build skills and understanding you can carry forward, it likely is.


What if I’m not sure this is right for me?


If you’re feeling uncertain, we encourage you to sit with that and reach out with questions before enrolling. This course values alignment and readiness over urgency.


Is Sanctum Academy an additional cost?


Enrollment includes access to both the Sanctum Academy & Chris' private Eastern Scholars membership for 3 months, including the duration of the cohort. This includes the classes and community offerings associated with this program and the additional offerings that Sanctum offers.