Immunity

The immune system is our personal defense to counteract offending agents that threaten to harm the physical body.

Traditionally, we have regarded the immune system as a mysterious and elusive part of the self that inexplicably responds, doesn’t respond or over-responds to offending agents. Allergens, cancer cells, bacterium, viruses, noxious chemicals, emotions, lifestyle and pychospiritual connection all affect the immune system.

When we view immunity as holistic, this mysterious part of the self becomes more understandable and predictable.

This means that we regard the immune system as influenced by the three dimensions of physical, psychological and spiritual. These dimensions are vastly interconnected, and when we strive to keep them alive and interacting, the flow of life is unobstructed, contributing to balance and health. However, it is helpful to occasionally separate our view of these connected dimensions to examine them and understand how they interact with immunity.

The physical world is what we interact with daily and is the more objective part of the self.

Our daily life of going to work, buying groceries, interacting with others and experiencing our surroundings are but a few qualities that exist in this dimension. Immunity can be affected negatively or positively by what it is exposed to. Diet, exercise, environment and lifestyle all affect the physical dimension, which in turn affects immunity.

The inner psychological dimension also affects immunity.

This dimension contains both objective and subjective features and consists of thought, emotion, behavior and response and is very sensitive to the outer world we live in. Our inner reactions to external events, as well as emotion and buried feelings (that may be long forgotten), can accumulate in the self, preventing a free flow of psychological and spiritual energy. It has been long acknowledged in the literature that many people suffer a major medical illness after they have experienced severe and prolonged stress.

However, dealing with personal stress by healing former blocks, developing creativity, using mental imagery and resolving personal conflicts helps the psychological dimension maintain balance and wellness and may prevent illness. Inner balance is usually reflected in outer health. Alternatively, when we have a stressed or chaotic interior, we are more likely to get sick.

Prolonged stress can contribute to prolonged harm to immunity.

Stress causes the body to secrete stress hormones that harm the immune system. The adrenal glands (which are located above the kidneys) are signaled by the pituitary gland to secrete cortisol, a well known immune inhibitor. As a matter of fact, the medication cortisone, (derived from cortisol) is the preferred drug for patients undergoing organ transplants as it suppresses immunity, thus allowing the organ transplant patient to have better chances to not reject the organ.

We all respond differently to stress and there are many ways to process it.

Self-awareness and the use of nourishing methods to cope with life, like eating well, spiritual practice, exercise and being in nature are simple ways to begin the process of self-care. If we understand and meet our personal needs, we will likely stay in balance and our life is generally smoother. Then, the immune system more easily maintains equilibrium throughout the inevitable ups and downs of life.

The spiritual dimension, so elusive and subjective, is another dimension that can affect immunity.

If an individual is connected with their spiritual self, the “mystery of life” can strongly impact the balance and wellness of immunity by being a personal refuge or source of strength when the stress of life is encountered. Meditation, prayer, artistic creativity, being in nature, religious experience and spiritual practice all can help a person create inner balance and develop this essential, yet unseen part of the self.

It is important that we not confuse the spiritual dimension with religion. A person can be a devout atheist or agnostic and still use this dimension, though they may prefer to call it the “energetic“ or “paranormal” dimension. Called the “chi in China and “prana” in India, this mysterious part of the self helps immunity by being a personal force to recharge and practically counteract the stress of life to create a healthy inner sanctuary.

A holistic view of immunity shows us the immune system in a broader, more realistic light as the interface between the physical and psychospiritual dimensions.

Immunity can then become more understandable and controllable.

Immunity is the central axis of the circle of the self and extends its arms to surround both physical and psychospiritual domains.

(see diagram below). Envisioning the self as a circle, with immunity at the center, we can see how it exists both within the self yet also surrounds the self in a never-ending circle. With the physical dimension on one side and both psychological and spiritual on the other, the middle point that interfaces with all dimensions is the immune system. Acknowledging that immunity is more than just a physical phenomenon, we have a more expansive, yet realistic view of this mysterious part of the self.                     

Understand your immune response.

To maintain balance, it is imperative to understand your immune response and become aware of how you interact with the three dimensions. How do you maintain equilibrium? How do you handle the stressors of life? How do you recharge? How to you experience the spiritual dimension? When we become committed to explore and nurture the self, we are more likely to stay active and in the flow. When we become sensitive to the holistic needs of the immune system, we have additional information to keep immunity strong.