My Inner Self Healing

In the intricate web of human health, autoimmune diseases emerge as significant challenges. Believe me when I say challenges. These conditions arise when the body’s immune system, designed to protect against harmful substances like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This misguided immune response can lead to a wide range of symptoms and complications. In this blog, I’ll delve into the fundamentals of autoimmune diseases, explore some common types, and discuss strategies for managing and alleviating their effects as I have experienced them.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system fails to recognize certain cells or tissues as its own and instead targets them as foreign invaders. Normally, the immune system produces antibodies to combat harmful substances. However, in autoimmune diseases, these antibodies mistakenly attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs.

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases remain elusive, although genetics, environmental factors, and certain triggers such as infections or stress are believed to play significant roles. These conditions can affect virtually any part of the body, leading to a diverse array of symptoms and complications.

Autoimmune diseases are a diverse group, encompassing over 80 different conditions. The most common types according to WebMD include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (encompassing conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Psoriasis

Louise Hay: A Personal Perspective

Louise Hay, a renowned self-help author and motivational speaker, is known for her pioneering work in the field of mind-body healing and holistic wellness. She believed that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping our physical health and well-being. While Louise Hay’s perspectives on autoimmune diseases are not universally accepted within the medical community, they have resonated with me, especially since I was looking for alternative approaches to health and healing. I am a firm believer in using modern medicine for immediate relief but also believe that we need to do the inner work to restore our balance in our bodies for the long term.

In her book “You Can Heal Your Life,” Louise Hay suggests that autoimmune diseases, like all illnesses, have emotional and psychological roots. According to her philosophy, unresolved emotional issues, negative thought patterns, and deep-seated beliefs can manifest as physical symptoms and contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions.

For example, Louise proposed that feelings of self-hatred, criticism, or unresolved anger could weaken the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to autoimmune attacks. She believed that by addressing and releasing these emotional issues, individuals could support their bodies’ natural healing processes and alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.

She also developed a system of affirmations, which are positive statements aimed at reprogramming the subconscious mind and promoting healing. For autoimmune diseases, she suggested affirmations focused on self-love, acceptance, and forgiveness, with the intention of fostering a more positive mindset and promoting inner harmony.

I find when my stress levels increase and my psoriasis flares, I repeat her words, “I lovingly protect myself with thoughts of joy and peace. The past is forgiven and forgotten. I am free in this moment.” Being mindful while expressing this is so important. Your body needs to feel in tune with these words so that when you the slip into a meditative state it brings such calmness brings healing. While it doesn’t take my flare completely away, I definitely see a huge difference that makes my skin condition more manageable.

While practicing this mindset change to deal with my psoriasis, this is the poem I wrote:

My autoimmune foe

You come and stay, like an unwanted guest,
Unpacking your bags and just being a pest.

And as the begrudgingly host I am forced to play,
I have fallen for your deceit, as it’s never a short stay.

You sneak in each time, over and over, again,
No words can describe how you are such a pain.

Stress and anxiety cause you to flare,
As you dance on my skin like being chased by a dare.

Leaving your imprints all over my body to scar, Is that all you got – I’ve been through so much so far.

So, challenge accepted I won’t let you win,
I’ll heal from within and match your kin.

My mind is strong and I do believe,
Trying to get me – you are naïve.

So, skin dis – ease, you will be banished,
As fast as you came, you will be vanished.

You may brag and you may sing “there is no cure”,
You will have to sleep, and of that, I am sure.

Good night, goodbye, farewell and good riddance,
And don’t you dare come back with a vengeance!

Writing, as I have mentioned before, helps me deal with my feelings. It’s my coping mechanism that helps settle the overthinking that takes over when I am in a stressed state.

While Louise Hay’s teachings may have inspired me and so many others to explore the connections between their emotions and physical health, it’s essential to approach her ideas with a critical mind and recognize that they represent one perspective among many in the vast landscape of holistic health and wellness. From a scientific standpoint, the relationship between emotions, beliefs, and autoimmune diseases is complex and multifaceted, and it’s important to consider a wide range of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and medical treatment, when addressing these conditions.

Managing Autoimmune Diseases

While there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases, various treatments and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Here are some strategies commonly employed:

• Medications: Depending on the specific autoimmune disease and its severity, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on autoimmune diseases. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, managing stress levels, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief from autoimmune disease symptoms through complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and dietary supplements. While these approaches may not be a cure, they can complement conventional treatments and promote overall well-being.
• Support Groups: Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide valuable emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community among individuals facing similar challenges.
• Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up: Since autoimmune diseases can be chronic and progressive, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment plans as needed, and address any emerging issues promptly.
• Life Coach Services: As a self-healing coach, I can offer personalized support and guidance to help you navigate the challenges of managing autoimmune diseases. Drawing from my own experiences living with Ulcerative Colitis and psoriasis, I understand the complexities involved and can work with you to develop a tailored plan that integrates lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and holistic practices. Together, we can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and empowerment. You can contact me via email: mishmethods@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, individuals living with autoimmune diseases may find value in integrating holistic approaches into their overall wellness regimen, but it’s essential to do so in conjunction with evidence-based medical care and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. By taking a comprehensive and balanced approach to health and healing, individuals can empower themselves to better manage their autoimmune conditions and improve their overall quality of life.

I hope you have found this blog informative and insightful. I would love to hear from you. Please share your experiences dealing with autoimmune diseases or how you manage stress in the comments sections below.

With love and resilience,
Amisha