How to Treat Autoimmune Diseases With Alternative Medicine

An autoimmune disease is any disorder in which the body's natural defense, its immune system, turns on itself. This can cause a range of complications, from increased illness to severe, debilitating muscular pain. Women are at the highest risk for autoimmune disease, although there are occurrences among men as well. Most autoimmune diseases are triggered by stress, injury and infection, but there are also other triggers of autoimmune outbreaks. Conventional medicine has specific treatments for each autoimmune disease; but more and more patients are exploring the option of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine involves therapies which supplement conventional medicine. It includes both herbal remedies and tai chi. They've been shown to alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yucca
• Tai chi instructional film
• Sarsaparilla or yarrow
• Milk thistle extract

Use Tai Chi to Treat Autoimmune Diseases

1. Buy a useful movie, like "Scott Cole's Discover Tai Chi for Beginners" (see Resources below) so you can learn the basics of Tai Chi. A good video will walk you through the benefits of Tai Chi, as well as the first forms of the practice.
2. Enroll in a tai chi course. Many gyms and health clubs offer basic tai chi classes, as do some community education centers. These classes can also teach you how to perform tai chi in the comfort of your home.
3. Breathe deeply and concentrate on your movements when practicing tai chi. Concentrating on boosting your immune system may help you get better and faster results.

Treat Autoimmune Diseases With Herbs

4. Detoxify your bloodstream with herbs like sarsaparilla and yarrow. Used consistently, these herbs can purify your blood while providing essential anti-inflammation of joints and muscles.
5. Take milk thistle extract or silymarin to purify your blood through increased bile flow to the liver. A good dosage for these herbs is 300 mg twice a day.
6. Use yucca to alleviate muscle stiffness and pain. Yucca can also be added to a shampoo, or used in place of shampoo, to assist those suffering from autoimmune disorders of the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Most places charge for tai chi courses. The classes are usually moderately priced. You may be able to find inexpensive or free courses through your local community outreach program.
• Herbs to treat autoimmune diseases are usually available from health food stores for a reasonable price. As an alternative, you can also purchase your herbs online, sometimes at a significant discount.
• Alternative medicine is not intended to be a substitute for qualified care in the event of a life-threatening situation. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, severe pain, loss of vision or the vomiting of blood.
• Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.