The immune system is a structure of organs, cells and tissue that defend the body by fighting off viruses and other foreign substances that cause infection. If the immune system fails to prevent an outside substance from entering the body, it launches an attack against it and builds an immunity to that antigen for potential future encounters. The strength of one's immunity and the body's ability to build and sustain immunity is influenced by many factors such as inherited genes and the characteristics of the particular antigen.
In some instances, the immune system incorrectly identifies certain cells or tissues in the body as an outside invader, and launches an attack against them. As a result, healthy cells are destroyed, impairing certain essential functions of the body. This series of events is caused by an autoimmune disease.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for immunity.