by Frank Blaney

 

Woman Using Natural Ways to Fight Autoimmune Diseases

 

There is so much pain, confusion and frustration bearing on the shoulders of individuals suffering from Autoimmune Diseases.  They interrogate themselves; “Do I have one?” — Because even just getting an accurate diagnosis is very difficult. “Why, when, where and how did I get this?” This question haunts them, since many tend to self-blame themselves (as we all often do when dealing with unforeseen health challenges).

 

Then, their most pressing question; “Now, what can I do to deal with this condition and can I do so naturally?” The side effects of many of these prescribed medications are terrifying, so most sufferers are looking for alternative approaches to managing their disease.  Managing. This is a carefully chosen word, since apparently there are no known “cures” for these conditions.

 

There are numerous theories and few solid facts related to the root causes of Autoimmune Diseases — either from Western Medicine or the Naturopathic Medicine community.  There are a little over 80 different known Autoimmune Diseases, with about 14 or so being common.  Yet, in the United States alone, there is an estimated 23 ½ million suffers — with the numbers growing.

 

Diet is considered a key (and controversial) element of Autoimmune Diseases management.  In this brief article, we will not be addressing diet. I have a background of intensive study in Herbology, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Wholistic Nutrition, as well as being an expert in Qigong. Yet, in this article I want to focus on three natural ways to deal with Autoimmune Diseases that do not involve diet. That way we can get everyone struggling with an Autoimmune Disease (regardless of what they should or should not eat) moving towards healthier, pain-free life.

So here are . . .

3 Natural Ways to Deal with Autoimmune Diseases: 

 

  • Exercise

 

Across the board, clinical studies demonstrate that exercise helps mitigate the inflammation so deeply connected with Autoimmune Diseases.  The trick with exercising with these conditions is that movement often hurts.  Eating is good, right? Ever had to eat after having painful oral surgery or dental work? That is exercising when you suffer from an Autoimmune Disease.

 

The key is being cautious, respectful to and listening to one’s body. Exercises that are mild, adaptable and involve deep diaphragmatic breathing are ideal.  Qigong is an excellent choice, since its foundation is set upon deep diaphragmatic breathing, it is mild on the joints, and adaptable to various mobility and pain levels.  I will soon be doing weekly online Qigong classes specifically for people with Autoimmune Diseases on Moxie.xyz if you would like to learn more.

 

Another key is doing something consistently (on days when that is possible).  If something is (like Qigong) also fun and stone-cold easy, THAT is a big advantage.  Yet, any mind-body exercise that someone enjoys is a profound natural remedy to mitigate the pain and inflammation of Autoimmune Diseases.

 

  • Good Sleep

 

One of the main theories is that overwork and lack of rest can be a root cause of Autoimmune Diseases.  Our Western culture, which is severely out of balance, emphasizes the worth of money over time, relationships, and rest.  Hence, many people within our Western culture buy into the “Grind” mentality and pay for it in the long run with compromised health — including Autoimmune Diseases.

 

Often, the way to fix something is to reverse the direction that got us into the problem in the first place.  So rest and good sleep is a natural profound elixir in dealing with the symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders.  Sleep allows our bodies to do what they were naturally designed to do; heal.

 

In a previous VLOG, I demonstrated a Qigong Exercise that helps with insomnia.  Other tips include; staying away from electronic devices at least 2 hours before sleep, keeping your sleep area orderly and only for sleep, and doing diaphragmatic breathing Qigong “exercises” and healing visualizations while drifting off to sleep in bed.

 

  • Emotional Trauma Healing

 

This is a very sensitive topic, since, if pushed too far, this concept can fall into “victim blaming.”  Yet, the reality is that our bodies’ health and functioning are profoundly connected to our past trauma, thought life and emotional states.  There is no getting around this scientific fact.

 

Suppressing emotions and trauma does not work. Yet, in the short term it may have provided a way to cope with situations and issues that were beyond our control, perhaps as children or young people.  The very cells of our bodies carry that cortisol messaging deep, which is often why the nervous system, brain function, hormonal glands, etc. of victims of Autoimmune Disorders starts breaking down.

 

What can we do to deal with this?  There are numerous resources and tools, but the specific path of your healing journey will be unique to you, just as is your emotional and trauma history.  A great place to start is by checking out the books of Dr. Gabor Mate, like “When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress.” “The Forgiveness Process Workbook,” by Collette Gee, is another excellent resource.

 

All of these tools are natural and do not involve ingesting prescription drugs.  All of these tools are natural ways to deal with Autoimmune Diseases.  The battle is so very real for people dealing with these dreadful diseases.  If you, or someone in your life has one, demonstrate radical empathy – towards yourself or them.  Exercise and movement, slowing down, healing, and cultivating community is how we work through our barriers and step into our strength.