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Chiropractic for Creating Strong Immunity
The nervous system affects the immune system and plays an important role in the immune response. Subtle misalignment of the bones, with tightened muscles and ligaments can lead to irritation of the nerve system and can alter the ability of the nerves to supply the tissues, organs and cells of the body with vital communication from the brain. The scientific study of neuroimmunology (the link between the nervous system and the immune system) clearly indicates that nerve system stress can cause decreased immunity and may increase susceptibility to disease.
Spinal misalignments can occur during childbirth, from tumbles or falls, or from any other normal childhood activity. A chiropractor can detect spinal misalignments and correct them by properly adjusting the spine. With proper nerve supply, the immune system can function at fuller capacity, allowing the body to naturally defend itself against disease.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
The best nutrition for the immune system is love and attention. Children need to be held, hugged, rocked, massaged, nursed, touched and kissed regularly. When they feel loved and sense that the people around them love each other, they are secure and happy. There have been many studies done that show that laughter and positive thoughts and feelings stimulate the cells of the immune system. The more children laugh and enjoy life, the better their immune function and the healthier they will be.
Emotional stress and unhappiness may deplete the immune system and lower a child’s resistance to disease. An important way to guard against emotional stress and promote positive feelings in an infant or toddler is by frequent and extended breastfeeding. The comfort they receive from this reassures them and can ease the sometimes-stressful situation of being a little person in a big world.
Giving your child a massage is another wonderful way to relieve stress and stimulate the immune system. You can easily learn to massage your baby or child. Find a class in your area or get the book, Infant Massage, A Handbook for Loving Parents, by Vimala Schneider McClure.
Plenty of sleep is also essential. Your child’s body regenerates and renews itself while sleeping. In addition, it is important to include “quiet time” as part of your child’s day. Kids can easily be taught to practice yoga and meditation. A great yoga video for kids is YogaKids by Living Arts. (800-2-LIVING).
Plenty of fresh air and exercise can make a big difference in the health of your children. Spending a lot of time inside, breathing stale, recirculated air, can be a hazard to your child’s immune function. Go for walks, play in the woods and let your children climb, jump, run, and dance. Let them hug trees and run barefoot in the grass. Mother Nature can be an excellent immune stimulator.
About the Author:
Jane Sheppard is the editor and publisher of Healthy Child Online and the Executive Director of the Holistic Pediatric Association. Portions of this article were extracted from Super Healthy Kids: Strengthening Your Child’s Resistance to Disease, available at Healthy Child Online.
 This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #04.
To purchase this issue, Order Here.
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