Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system loses the ability to tell the difference between harmful and healthy cells and begins to attack normal body tissue.
Inflammation is a “HOT TOPIC” in medicine. It appears connected to almost every known chronic disease — from heart disease to cancer, diabetes to obesity, autism to dementia, and even depression. Other inflammatory diseases such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disease are increasing at dramatic rates.
In healthy clients, the immune system is activated by a foreign pathogen. In autoimmune clients, the immune system is activated by normal cells that are always present in the body. Energy is directed to the immune system and is used to produce auto-antibodies, which attack normal body tissue and increase inflammation and immune response. As the cycle continues, fatigue may become severe and chronic and, in turn, increase the severity of the autoimmune flare.
Stress is a leading trigger of autoimmune flares, and once a flare is ignited, stress levels continue to rise.
The cycle can be persistent and incredibly damaging to both physical and mental health. The release of hormones that occurs during massage is a powerful tool against stress-related flares. Clients can practice other stress managing techniques, such as yoga and mindful meditation, at home.
Yoga and other light exercises also provide the body with endorphins and stress relief. Light to moderate exercise promotes immunity, as well as cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular-skeletal health.
If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease or have massage clients suffering from chronic inflammation and want to learn more, our brand new course Understanding Autoimmunity provides a deeper understanding in an easy to understand step by step ebook with supplemental videos.