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| are the underlying essentials for immune system health, herbal medicine can play a complementary role in enhancing immunity by supporting every organ and cell in the body. |
| The Mind-Body Connection |
| On a biological level, immunity is a complex process that happens within the body, involving many organ systems and physiological processes rather than one specific group of organs. Recent research has shown that immunity is much more than a physiological process and that immune cells are in both the cardiovascular and digestive systems. We know too, that immune function is negatively influenced by stress, low self-esteem, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking and drugs and is positively influenced by a healthy lifestyle, an optimistic outlook and affirmations. |
| For nearly 20 years, the science of psychoneuroimmunology (body-mind-immune system interactions) has shown us that every thought we have influences the immune system. A vast amount of information has come out showing the connection between the mind and healing. It is now clear that depression, which has reached almost epidemic proportions, directly affects a person's ability to heal and weakens the immune system as well. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, more illnesses involve the immune system than all other body systems combined. Studies at Harvard Medical School show us that illness is four times more likely to occur after a stressful experience. |
| The notion that the mind and emotions can more powerfully influence the body than physical stressors is illustrated in the following study. Two groups were followed, the first was made up of heavy smokers who felt loved in their relationships; the second was nonsmokers who felt |
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