Self vs. Non-Self

As autoimmune conditions have risen, we need to take another look at them. An autoimmune disorder is where the body’s immune system is overactive and essentially attacks itself. A holistic approach looks at why the body’s immune system is acting this way.

Purpose of the Immune System

The function of the immune system is like an army – to fight off foreign invaders or potential threats in order to keep you safe and healthy. An overactivation of the immune system means the body is perceiving something as a threat but is struggling to get rid of it. So what would trigger an overactive immune response?

Mind + Body Approach

1 — Physical Toxins

This includes viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals, and environmental pollutants.

2 — Energetic Toxins

There are more than just physical toxins that impact our health and wellness. There are energetic toxins that have a significant impact on us because our body is trying to alert us to these invisible threats.

Thoughts and Emotions – A mind-body approach takes into account our neurobiology, or how our thoughts and emotions impact our physiology. Harmful thoughts and emotions, especially those outside of our conscious awareness, have a profound impact on our physical functioning and lifestyle choices. Our bodies will alert us to this so we can address it and achieve wellness.

Unhealthy Relationships – You may not have made the connection between unhealthy relationships and autoimmune conditions. However, there is scientific evidence that shows that people who are in unhealthy relationships have higher rates of autoimmune conditions. This may be because the stress involved leads to a weakening of the immune system. This may also be because your immune system has identified a toxic energy or an unhealthy exchange of energy.

There may be an unequal balance of give and take in your relationship dynamics which is harmful to you because it threatens your wellbeing. There may also be issues of deceit or abuse that is either unnoticed or allowed in your relationships.

An interesting aspect of autoimmune issues is that the overactivation of the immune response leads to the harm of healthy cells. It can seem like the body is attacking itself. If we allow toxic relationships, behaviors, thoughts, or emotions, then we are harming ourselves.

So why do we allow this? Many of us take on other people’s emotions or needs because of codependency. We want to feel valued and needed because it gives us a sense of worth. However, this is seeking self-worth from something or someone outside of us which will never bring us true self-worth. It has to come from within. When we can’t get it from ourselves, we are left dependent on others, willing to suppress our own needs to get it.

We continue to suppress and “attack” ourselves and our own needs in order to fulfill our mission of finding worth through others. The boundary between self and other is unclear. But the intelligent immune system is designed to detect self from non-self. Therefore, the unpleasant symptoms that occur act as an alert system to help us identify this unhealthy relationship with ourselves.

Our natural state is love and harmony, so anything other than this is not our true self. Energies that are not in resonance with love are identified as toxins. Without a healthy relationship with ourselves, we will be working against this natural self-preservation function. When we don’t listen to the wisdom of the body, it must send a stronger message to get our attention.

If we don’t have healthy boundaries because of low self-worth, we will allow toxicity into our lives. If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms, view them with love and gratitude rather than anger and confusion. Autoimmune and other health challenges may be bringing you on an inner journey of self-discovery to find true worth, value, love, health, and happiness.