It has been more than a year since the SARS COV-2 pandemic broke out, and, sadly, it continues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that vaccines, even highly effective, do not guarantee the eradication of this infectious disease, However, WHO experts believe it is likely to become an endemic disease with a relatively low level of threat. https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1080982
What have we learned and how can we prepare?
If we look back we will realize that the problem is not only the virus itself, but the weakness of the immune system against it. All viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms are strong when the host is weak.
Most of the people who occupied the ERs, practically collapsing the health system, during the first and second waves, were people with a weak immune system: elderly, and immuno-suppressed people with previous pathologies, what we now know as the population at risk.
The question is why are there so many weak people?
We tend to think that older people are weak because of their age, but this is not entirely true. Take the example of some of our older patients, who continue to care for themselves and are in good health. Most tend to avoid taking drugs or undergoing surgery, unless it is not absolutely necessary.
In general, they prefer to be treated with chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, acupuncture, psychotherapy, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, infusions of vitamin C etc.
These are complementary therapies that, in addition to treating pain or other symptoms, enhance the function of all organs and systems of the body, including the nervous and immune systems.
If we stop and think, we will realize that this pandemic, which has generated a global health crisis, brings an opportunity for change. It shows us (once again) that we need to update and replace the current health paradigm, focused on disease, with a new model that focuses on health.
We need a medical practice that integrates all the therapies and protocols based on scientific evidence that respect homeostasis and therefore strengthen the body. Learning how to preserve health would be more beneficial and sustainable than treating disease.
If we were all educated from childhood on how our body works, how to breathe properly, how to maintain a good physical tone, how to hydrate and nourish ourselves, how to sit correctly and how to take care of our spine to obtain abundant vital energy, possibly humanity would be much healthier and stronger.
It is obvious that at the global level we cannot change anything. However we can do it at the individual level. Each of us has the possibility to get informed, using reliable sources, to learn how to maintain a healthier lifestyle and to choose therapies that strenghthen our health.
Fortunately, we are all endowed with a very powerful ‘weapon’ called Homeostasis.
It is a magnificent physiological resource that humans have developed and perfected over millions of years to keep viruses, bacteria or other micro-organisms at bay and to be able to live with them, without getting sick. Thanks to this, we are still here despite the numerous plagues and pandemics that affected millions of people in the past.
Maintaining homeostasis is the secret of the ‘lucky’ people, who do not get sick easily and, in the event of a disease, recover quickly, with little need for drugs. All these “lucky ones” consider physical and mental health to be their first priority Therefore, they do not hesitate to invest time, resources and “whatever it takes ” to stay healthy. They are always willing to learn how to strengthen themselves and, despite the passing of the years, they remain healthy, full of vitality and optimism.
They are people who have learned to spend time with their body and listen to its whispers, before pain or othersymptoms appear.
What is homeostasis and how does it work?
It is the innate ability of the living body to maintain internal balance, compensating for changes in the environment through sophisticated selfregulation systems.
This internal balance is controlled by the Central Nervous System (CNS), made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
The brain receives information from all organs, tissues and cells: skin, muscles, joints, viscera, mucous membranes, etc., and sends its orders in the form of nervous impulses, through the spinal nerves, which pass between the vertebrae.
Keeping the spine flexible, well aligned and free of subluxations” (in chiropractic terms) enhances the communication of the brain with all the organs, helps restore homeostasis and strengthens the immune response.
What is the relationship between the nervous system and the immune system?
The autonomic nervous system and the immune system are very closely related. Both systems cooperate with the common goal of adapting and maintaining homeostasis.
Communication between these two systems occurs through some proteins that act as chemical signals between white blood cells.
One of these proteins, called interleukin-2 (IL-2), helps immune system cells grow and divide more quickly.
According to several scientific studies, IL-2 strengthens the immune response against viruses, bacteria and malignant cells.
A study, done by chiropractic colleagues in Canada, showed that a single chiropractic adjustment (specific spinal manipulation) significantly increases IL-2 production. Chiropr Osteopat. 2008 May 28;16:5. Enhancement of in vitro interleukin-2 production in normal subjects following a single spinal manipulative treatment.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18507834/
Some examples of our patients who had and extraordinary immune response during the first and second waves of the pandemic.
Last year, just after the lockdown, one of our patients, a 39-year-old man, who works in ‘essential services’, told us that his wife was on sick leave and confined for being a person at risk.
She went out only to do the shopping. Unfortunately, despite wearing a mask and gloves, she got infected.and developed the typical symptoms of COVID -19.
She was hospitalized and fortunately, recovered without sequelae.
They did the PCR and serological tests on him and both came out negative. This fact greatly surprised his GP, who exclaimed: – “I don’t understand! It can not be!” He finally attributed it to the vitamins we had recommended.
Soon after, another patient told us that her husband, who is not a chiropractic patient, also tested positive, but she tested negative.
A more recent case was that of a 63-64-year-old couple. He had come to our office complaining of continuos back pain, His back pain improved a lot. Moreover, following our advice, he began to do a daily routine of breathing exerciises and a few basic exercises for the spine. He also improved his hydration and nutrition habits. As a result, he gained flexibility, slept better, had more energy, and was in a better mood.
For this reason, his wife, despite not having back pain, decided to undergo a spinal examination and began receiving chiropractic care.
After the Christmas holidays they came in for another checkup and maintenance treatment. They were both good and very happy. They had celebrated the traditional ‘feast of the Magi’ (Fiesta de los Reyes magos) with their two daughters and their respective partners.
A few days later their eldest daughter, who works as an-MD tested positive for Covid-19. Their other daughter and their respective partners also tested positive.
Surprisingly, despite having a higher risk of contagion due to being over 60 years of age, both tested negative.
Some suggestions to get a strong Immune System:
- Do regular chiropractic check-ups and try to follow my 12 golden rules to stay healthy:
https://www.angelaolaru.com/?s=las+reglas+
- Don’t succumb to fear! It is the most powerful emotion – ‘hacker’, which unleashes the sympathetic nervous response with its pro-inflammatory and destructive, stress hormones, including cortisol, which weakens the immune system.
- Do mindful breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and when emotional hackers seem invincible, seek the help of a good psychotherapist.
- Do ozone and vitamin C infusions. Several studies have shown that intravenous infusions of ozone and high dosis of vitamin C have very beneficial effects in fighting inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
One study, published in the Spanish Journal of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, showed that ozone and high dosis of vitamin C infusions helped save the lives of many critical patients infected by Covid -19.