The old principle that dates back to the Hermetic teachings of “As above, so below” depicts the most sublime interrelationship that exists between the macrocosm and microcosm, or rather, the soul-being and the body. Thus, there is a deep interconnectedness between feelings and the immune system, and the same was proved by modern science. Just as the human soul is capable of changing our biochemical system, thus, emotions, which are much more subtle energies, do it to our immune system constantly.
The Brain Immune System Dialogue
Illnesses are not just diseases but also a part of a direct human experience, and this emerges not only at the psychological level but also on the physical one. Emotions are the key players in the process of “signaling” that affect many systems, such as the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. One of the best examples supporting this statement is the fact that if we have chronic stress, our body will release cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines to suppress immune functions. On the contrary, feeling happy and being in love with both of which are correlated with higher immune resilience, are still possible, despite the differences in neurotransmitter/serotonin and dopamine processing, particularly.
The confirmed by research in psychoneuroimmunology(PI) information says that the relationship between them can be seen in:
- Stress & Inflammation: Continuous stress or depression may lead to chronic inflammation, which eventually could cause some serious illnesses like autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, the sooner wound healing occurs, it is part of the process when immunosuppression occurs in the stress stage.
- Social Connection & Immunity: Manifestation of the immune system was observed by scientists in the case of friends bonding, and that the calming effect had even helped in the reinforced antibody production after the vaccination.
- The Gut-Brain Axis: A vital defense mechanism of the human body–microbes of the gut, communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve and thus causes mood disorders like depression.
The Emotional Impact of the Immune System
Just as emotions have a shape of immunity, the activities of the immune system may also modify emotional states. The so-called sickness behavior – fatigue, social withdrawal, low spirits – is a response to infection and is regulated by cytokines, which in a way manipulate the energy of the body towards healing. Yet, chronic inflammation is not only a cause of a low immune system but also a risk of developing psychiatric conditions, in particular depression, a phenomenon known as “inflammatory depression”.
Here are some of the main results:
- Cytokines & Mood: Inflammatory markers (like IL-6, TNF-α) are detected in major depressive disorder patients- these indicate the presence of an increased level of the immune response.
- Autoimmunity and the human brain: For example, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis patients are often very anxious and/or depressed, thus suggesting that the immune system’s misbehavior is the main cause of the neuronal circuits’ defects.
Benefiting from the Alliance
The knowledge of this dual effect on health is the key to the development of integrative healing methods:
- Mindfulness & Meditation: In addition to lowering the activity of the immune system, meditation and mindfulness practices can aid in improving overall immune functioning.
- Exercise: At the same time, exercise not only decreases inflammation but also increases the levels of endorphins.
- Nutrition: This dual positive (emotion, immune) correlated well-being can be provided by an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in omega-3s and antioxidants).
Summary
The usual saying “As above, so below” is now even more relevant, especially when describing the interaction of the immune system and the emotions. Both perspectives and approach methods are us (the fight for immune response and emotion balancing), that is the real meaning of holistic health, which is nothing but a recognition of the fact that mind treatment equals body treatment.
