Complementary Therapies: Your Secret Arsenal Against Autoimmune Diseases

Your Body, Your Rules: The Autoimmune Battle

Let’s face it, life with an autoimmune disease can feel like a never-ending game of ‘Whack-a-Mole’. Just when you’ve managed to get through one flare, another sneaky little blighter pops up to steal the limelight.

My personal foe in this relentless game? Rheumatoid arthritis. And boy, does it like to make its presence felt! Stiffer than a century-old door, creakier than a haunted mansion in a horror movie, my joints sometimes seem to have a life of their own. But, on the brighter side, this persistent ‘mole’ has led me down paths I never thought I’d travel.

Enter the wonderful world of complementary therapies. These therapies exist beyond prescription pads, syringes, and pill bottles. They offer a whole new dimension to managing my condition that feels more personal, and more connected to me as an individual, not just a patient.

Aromatic Allies: The Power of Aromatherapy

Ever strolled through a field of lavender, taken a deep breath, and felt your shoulders drop as tranquillity washes over you? Ever noticed how the rich, earthy scent of pine needles can transport you to a calm forest, your very own mental oasis, in an instant? That, my friends, is the magic of aromatherapy in action.

But this aromatic adventure isn’t just about creating a spa-like ambience at home (though, who wouldn’t love that!). Essential oils, the stars of the aromatherapy show, are known for their wide-ranging therapeutic properties. For instance, lavender oil can help reduce stress and anxiety, eucalyptus oil is renowned for helping to clear the sinuses, and frankincense is well used for meditation. These aren’t just pretty scents; they’re mini wellness warriors in their own right, ready to aid us in our autoimmune battles.

Now, who wouldn’t want to smell like a fragrant garden while also taking a stance against autoimmune symptoms? Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Reflexology: A Foot Forward In Your Healing Journey

You know, I used to think my feet were just there to ensure I didn’t topple over every time I stood up. Boy, was I wrong! Those often ignored ‘extremities’ of ours are so much more than mere support systems. Reflexology, an ancient practice that has stood the test of time, believes your feet are a roadmap to your entire body. Every organ, every system, is represented in those two humble foundations of ours. Even that odd-looking toe that you always try to hide in photos plays a crucial role!

Reflexologists apply pressure to specific points on the feet corresponding to different body parts. It’s like sending a targeted memo directly to the organ in question, urging it to pull up its socks and get working more efficiently. This can promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being.

Not only can reflexology be performed on the feet, but the hands, face and even the ears!

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): Tap Into Better Health

Let’s move on to Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT. Now, I must warn you, EFT might look a bit peculiar to the untrained eye. It involves tapping specific meridian points on your body while voicing positive affirmations. It’s like an open-eyed meditation with added percussions! It might even seem like a magic spell – tap here, say this, and voila, everything feels better!

But let me assure you, there’s nothing hocus-pocus about EFT. It’s rooted in the same principles as acupuncture and acupressure but without needles (a big plus for those of us who aren’t fond of being pricked). The idea is that by tapping certain points and voicing affirmations, we can clear emotional blockages from our body’s energy system. These blockages could potentially be contributing to an imbalance within us.

It’s like spring cleaning your emotional closet while also organising your holistic wellness. And sure, you might look a bit odd while doing it, but who doesn’t talk to their houseplants? Or name their car? Let’s embrace the weirdness!

Reiki: Channeling Universal Energy

Among the myriad of complementary therapies out there, Reiki holds a unique place. Originating from Japan, it’s all about tapping into the universal life energy that flows through each one of us. 

In a Reiki session, a practitioner uses a “laying on hands” technique, where they either lightly touch or hover their hands over you. Their aim? To guide this life force energy, bolster your own energy reserves, and restore balance.

Think of it as providing a recharge for your biological battery. This energy boost can help in reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and supporting your body’s natural healing mechanisms. 

Gua Sha: A Stroke of Healing

If Reiki was the gentle whisper of healing, Gua Sha would be the loud, enthusiastic cheerleader. This traditional Chinese therapy involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve circulation. Before you run away at the word ‘scraping’, let me reassure you – it’s not as scary as it sounds!

The practitioner uses a smooth-edged instrument, often made from jade or rose quartz, and strokes it across your skin in a specific direction. This action can stimulate microcirculation of soft tissues, which increases blood and lymph flow.

Not to mention, a Gua Sha facial can be an excellent way to give your skin a natural glow-up. This is very useful if your skin is affected by medication.

Indian Head Massage: Unwind Your Mind

Next up on our healing journey is the Indian head massage, a therapy that has its roots in the ancient system of Ayurveda. Now, who wouldn’t like a good head massage, right? It’s one of life’s small yet profound pleasures. But an Indian head massage is more than just a delightful treat – it’s a holistic therapy that can boost your physical and emotional well-being.

The therapy targets the upper three chakras: Vishuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara, which correspond to the throat, forehead (third eye position), and crown of the head. An expert practitioner will use a variety of techniques, including deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder, and scalp areas, and more gentle, stimulating strokes on the face.

The soothing rhythm of an Indian head massage can help de-stress, relieve tension headaches, improve hair health, and even encourage better sleep. Plus, it offers the perfect excuse to escape the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy some much-needed ‘me’ time.

Marma Point Therapy: Pressure Points for Well-Being

If you thought acupressure was the only therapy that utilized pressure points, allow me to introduce Marma point therapy. Hailing from the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda, Marma therapy involves stimulating specific points on your body called ‘Marmas’.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, Marmas are the junction points where consciousness and matter meet. Stimulation of these points can serve to unblock energy pathways and restore balance in the body’s systems. Think of it as traffic control for your body’s energy highways, guiding the energy flow and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Marma therapy can help promote overall wellness. And the best part? You can learn to do it yourself! Just another tool for your ever-growing autoimmune arsenal.

Embrace The Complementary

As we come to the end of this enlightening journey through complementary therapies, it’s important to remember that these therapies aren’t meant to replace conventional medical treatments. They are meant to complement and enhance your existing healthcare regimen. You wouldn’t toss away your trusty old slippers just because you found a new pair of cozy socks, right? Similarly, managing autoimmune diseases requires an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Embracing complementary therapies is about expanding your toolkit, exploring new avenues of healing, and finding what works best for you. It’s about empowering yourself as the CEO of your health and making informed choices that align with your unique needs.

Before diving headfirst into any of these therapies, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide valuable guidance, assess potential interactions with medications, and ensure the therapies you choose are suitable for your individual circumstances.

In Conclusion: Your Body, Your Symphony

Living with an autoimmune disease may feel like conducting a symphony with unpredictable melodies, but with complementary therapies, you gain more instruments to play with. You become the maestro, orchestrating a symphony of wellness and resilience.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. There’s a community of fierce, beautiful warriors just like you, exploring the realms of complementary therapies, and finding strength in embracing their healing potential.

To further empower yourself on this path, I invite you to check out the Autoimmune Circle, a membership community designed exclusively for women like us who are living with autoimmune diseases. Within the Autoimmune Circle, you’ll find a supportive network, expert resources, and a wealth of knowledge to guide you on your healing journey.

But that’s not all. If you’re ready to take your healing to the next level, consider joining the waitlist for the Autoimmune Circle Pro. This premium membership offers even deeper insights, personalized guidance, and exclusive access to top-notch practitioners and wellness experts.

Don’t let autoimmune disease define you. Seize this opportunity to reclaim your power, find solace among kindred spirits, and discover the transformative effects of holistic healing.

So, go forth with courage, humour, and an unwavering spirit. Embrace the power of aromatherapy, reflexology, EFT, Reiki, Gua sha, Indian head massage, and marma point therapy. Explore, experiment, and discover the beauty of your body’s resilience.

Join the Autoimmune Circle today and let your symphony of wellness begin.