Autoimmune diseases are notoriously hard to treat. There is really no cure for these diseases, so the best doctors can do is to prescribe treatments that ease the symptoms and hopefully stop the disease from worsening. No single treatment works for everyone; you have to do a little experimenting to find the treatment that works for you. Many patients with autoimmune disorders find that taking a more holistic approach is beneficial. Here are some holistic therapies that tend to work well for autoimmune diseases. 

Keep in mind that the word "holistic" means "treating the body as a whole." As such, these treatments are meant to address the underlying causes and contributors to autoimmune diseases rather than just masking the symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Many people take omega-3s for their heart health, but the reason why these supplements work so well is actually that they reduce inflammation throughout the body. Autoimmune diseases involve a lot of inflammation. Your body's immune system reacts to cells that it presumes are foreign, basically bringing white blood cells to the area and triggering an inflammatory response. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can make this immune response a lot less dramatic, leading to a reduction in symptoms. Whether your immune condition results in joint pain, dry eyes, or red, patchy skin, taking omega-3s can help.

Massage

Massage is another holistic therapy that helps alleviate inflammation throughout the body. The right massage strokes can help ease inflammatory fluids back into the bloodstream, giving you relief from symptoms. Massage also promotes relaxation, and when you are relaxed, your immune system is less likely to be over-reactive. For best results, ask your massage therapist for a Swedish massage — a more vigorous deep tissue massage may be painful considering your inflammatory condition.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using various essential oils to promote relaxation and stress relief. The oils can be diffused or breathed in from a piece of cotton in front of the face. They should not be consumed. These relaxing oils can help lower your stress levels, which can cause your body to produce fewer excitatory neurotransmitters. This, in turn, can cause your autoimmune disease to be less reactive, leading to a reduction in symptoms. The best aromatherapy oils for this purpose include lavender and vanilla.

Consider taking a holistic approach to your autoimmune therapy. Talk to your doctor about aromatherapy, massage, and supplementing your diet with more omega-3 fatty acids.

To learn more about your autoimmune therapy options, contact a doctor.