Affirmations for a Strong Immune System

One of the first things I learned when I found out I had cancer was: Stress needs to be eliminated if you want to beat cancer.  

I use guided imagery, affirmations, and meditation as effective tools to reduce my body's stress response (the release of adrenaline and cortisol). Here's a bit of information about Stress and Cancer: (I've referenced the medical journals below).

A) Chronic stress weakens a person's immune system and is linked to virus-associated cancers like sarcomas (1). 
B) Recent research suggests that stress hormones released into the blood can directly alter important processes in cells that help protect against the formation of cancer, such as DNA repair and the regulation of cell growth (2). 
C) Stress hormones can affect the growth and spread of cancer tumors (3).

Cancer Compass ran a great article about utilizing Yoga for relaxation, health, and well-being - The article stated:
"According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, proper yoga practice combines: 1) Physical postures that participants flow into and then hold, before proceeding to the next posture. 2) A focus on breathing techniques that make participants more aware of their bodies. 3) Deep meditation and relaxation, allowing participants to focus on their spirituality. All of those elements must be in place for people to get the best results for their health and well-being, said Karen Sherman, an affiliate associate professor of epidemiology with the Center for Health Studies in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington."
The article goes on to say....."Be wary of teachers who focus on postures without also emphasizing breathing and meditation. You won't be getting the same benefit."

Have at Least One Entire Day per Week Dedicated to De-Stressing

I dedicated Today as my "relaxing day." I made my shaker of wheat grass and went for acupuncture at 8:30 AM. At 11:00 AM I met my mother at the Lake and we walked for 2 hours in the lovely, mild sun. After a raw lunch we read an inspirational healing book out loud, followed by an hour's meditation to Deuter's Nature CD. Then I read these affirmations (below) aloud. We ended the day with a funny movie (BBC's Masterpiece Theatre's Cranford, set in the 1840's) and a healthy, raw vegan dinner. 

Note: My mother passed away on December 23, 2019 at the age of 91. She was a mighty force in my healing journey. She was the one who immediately offered me words of strength and confidence in my body's ability to heal and become completely free of disease. She was inspired by Louise Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life," and gave me a cassette tape introducing me to affirmations. Years later (2020) I have rediscovered Louise Hay and am astounded by the healing power of her teachings. Highly recommend!!

Affirmations are the assertion that something exists or is true.  When I repeat these affirmations in my mind, it gives my body a strong signal to be well.

These are some of my favorite affirmations from the CD Healthy Immune System by Belleruth Naparstek:

"I can feel peaceful and calm from breathing deeply in and out.  I can allow myself to let go of worrying about things I can't control and focus on my own inner strength. 

I can appreciate myself and take time to take care of myself.  My body is my faithful ally, my oldest friend, and my steadiest companion.  

My powerful immune system protects me and sees to my well being.  I intend to increase the effectiveness of my immune system to better monitor and protect my body. 

My body has the built-in capacity to repair and heal itself.  The glands that house my immune cells are full of vitality and power. 

My thymus gland warms as it dispatches loyal, protective fighter cells all through my body.

Loyal fighter cells in my body are seeing to my well-being by eliminating any unwelcome presence. 

My defender cells seek out any invaders inside my body, dispatching easily and quickly. 

The fighter cells within me are able to clone themselves to become exactly the right number needed to protect me. 

My miraculous T-cells multiply and spread out to accost each and every compromised cell. 

Suppressor cells know when to call the fighting to a halt, calming and settling my immune system down.

Continual protection is offered by the specialized cells patrolling my body: removing viruses, cancer cells and bacteria. 

The clean up crew of feeding cells cleanse my tissue of any debris, leaving my insides fresh and clean and strong.

The cells in the spleen and lymph nodes produce perfectly programmed missiles that target compromised cells, eliminating them quickly and easily. 

My body has a built-in capacity to maintain its own integrity and renew its strength. It works night and day all through my body.

A warm, pulsing, glowing blanket surrounds me and envelops me with protection and safety, soaking its soothing energy into me. 

Radiant sunlight enter and warms my body infusing health and strength and healing to every corner of my being.

I send a message to every cell in my body that it is time to sweep out the old and make room for the new. I thank the prayers and good wishes sent my way. 

I thank my body for its faithful service to me.  I return the favor by becoming better able to listen to my body and sense what it needs. Thank you for all you have done in the past and all you will do in the future.

I am held in the Hands of God. 

And so you are!"

1. Reiche EM, Nunes SO, Morimoto HK. Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer. The Lancet Oncology 2004; 5(10):617–625.

2. Antoni MH, Lutgendorf SK, Cole SW, et al. The influence of bio-behavioural factors on tumour biology: Pathways and mechanisms. Nature Reviews Cancer 2006; 6(3):240–248.

3. Thaker PH, Han LY, Kamat AA, et al. Chronic stress promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. Nature Medicine 2006; 12(8):939–944. 

Please post your comments and let me know what you do to de-stress. I'd also love to hear what topic you would like to see in future blogs. I wish you peace, light, and health! God bless you.