Have you noticed how many auto-immune diseases exist today? Everything from Lupus, to Auto-Immune Thyroid disorders to Psoriasis to Rheumatoid Arthritis. In fact, there are over 80 defined auto-immune disorders today. They are rampant. While much attention is put into treatment by drugs to suppress the immune system, what we should be asking is “why would a perfectly functioning immune system, suddenly turn on itself?”
What went wrong? Certainly the body is no happier in this state than the victim is. An auto-immune disorder is when the white blood cells that normally help protect the body, can’t tell the difference between normal body tissues and antigens, which harm the body. Antigens are bacteria, viruses, toxins and blood or tissues from another person or species (i.e. an organ transplant). As a result of this mis-identification, the immune system destroys its own healthy body tissues, causing a breakdown in the tissues or in organ function.
Auto-immune diseases range from a mild or occasional hypersensitivity to foods or substances to full-blown disability. Help is available for all stages, although it is preferred to start treatments early on. Treatments that have shown effectiveness in supporting healthy immune function and symptom control include acupuncture, homeopathy and good nutritional counseling. Acupuncture is particularly helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with most auto-immune disorders. It is also quite effective in supporting healthy immune function.
A diet of whole foods, avoiding common “allergy foods” such as dairy products and wheat have shown positive results in a large percentage of people. Avoiding sugar in all stages is a must as sugar has a definite negative impact on the immune system.
Stress is considered a common trigger for auto-immune disorders. Although everyone has stress, there are ways to help you cope with stress better so it has less of a negative effect on the body. These would include the therapies listed above, but also chiropractic and massage therapies. One of the most common accolades received from patients enjoying acupuncture treatments is that they cope with stress better, relax better and feel more energy. They are happy with the reduction in their symptoms and general sense of wellbeing.
No treatment is complete without the patient taking an active role in getting well. A good diet is stressed, as is healthy lifestyle choices. Although we are not conclusively sure of exactly what causes auto-immune disorders, we are clear that it takes work on the part of the sufferer, teamed with a competent practitioner to get well.
© 2014 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
