The Immune System and Stress

Doctors still don't fully understand the immune system... or what happens when it turns on us. Currently, doctors know of at least 80 autoimmune disorders - including Lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and celiac disease - but there are at least 40 or more other illnesses related to the immune system. In these conditions, the body's immune system starts to see muscles, joints, tissues and even organs as enemy invaders. Unfortunately, doctors can't do much except treat the symptoms.

Norman Cousins an adjunct Professor of Medical Humanities for the School of Medicine at the University of California, Norman did research on the biochemistry of human emotions. Norman believed that our emotions are the key to fighting illness in the body. He stood by his belief that wanting to play a role in curing oneself is the essence of the motivated person. He coined this belief as 'hardiness'. Stress affects every cell in our body. "When we have been prevented from learning how to say no, our bodies may end up saying it for us." Illness as the body's cry for help. 80% of illnesses are self-limited or not curable by modern medicine,... 85% of all human illnesses are curable by the body's own healing system. When emotions are repressed, this inhibition disarms the body's defenses against illness. And, in some people, these defenses go awry, destroying the body rather than protecting it.

In response to these findings, author of this article, David Ruben, has included a number of techniques in relation to this on his range of Information MP3s and also just for your own awareness and consideration:

1) Positive Expectations
You expect successful outcomes for yourself and others.

2) Relaxation
You dissipate stress through Observation Meditation

3) Positive Emotions
You maintain a sense of hope and joyfulness.

4) Active Role
You believe that you are in control of your destiny and not 'fate'.