Page 9 - Autoimmune diseases

contributing to the damage and destruction of the

cells because the extracellular matrix is no longer

functioning as it is supposed to.

Acupuncture and homeopathy are two of the few

medical modalities that work on the extracellular

matrix to correct its function. Western medicine

barely acknowledges that the extracellular matrix

exists.

The Effects of Stress on the Immune System

Your body has daily rhythms. You are familiar

with many of these. You are naturally awake during

the day and sleep at night. Many of the hormones

in your body also have a daily cycle. Cortisol, one

of the “stress hormones” is supposed to peak in the

morning, diminish as the day progresses and be at a

low level during the night when you sleep.

The immune system also has a daily cycle and is

affected by both your level of stress and your sleep

pattern. During the night and early morning when

cortisol is lowest, your immune system produces

more of the chemical signals related to the type 1

response.