Table Of ContentComplementary and
Alternative Medicinal
Approaches for
Enhancing Immunity
Ancient therapeutic systems have played a tremendous role in health preservation
all around the globe for thousands of years; even the earliest humans on earth
used these approaches along with simple surgical procedures for the betterment
of their health. Complementary and Alternative Medicinal Approaches for Enhancing
Immunity examines various aspects of health and diseases and the importance of
basic but essential factors for the preservation of health and management of diseases.
Concisely written, the author discusses ancient ways to enhance self-healing
abilities and stimulate the immune system, such as fasting, meditation, acupuncture,
cupping therapy, balneotherapy and aromatherapy. The importance of nutrition and
diet is also examined as it plays a crucial role in the prevention and causation of
diseases.
Additional features include:
• Discusses how the integration of various CAM modalities helps in
enhancing self-healing abilities and boosts the human immune system.
• Contains various topics from different systems of medicines that are taught
widely as individual courses or discussed broadly at several institutes.
• Reviews Eastern pharmacotherapy and how using certain herbs, minerals
and animal-based products aids in maintaining health and alleviating
diseases.
Using evidence-based knowledge taken from ancient literature and recently
published articles, this book will inform readers on the importance of holistic health
approaches and some ancient treatment modalities that enhance the immune system
to combat diseases.
Complementary and
Alternative Medicinal
Approaches for
Enhancing Immunity
Mehwish Iqbal
BEMS, MHCM, Dip HCT
Cover image: Shutterstock ID 1236746887
First edition published 2023
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Library of Congress Cataloging‑in‑Publication Data
Names: Iqbal, Mehwish, author.
Title: Complementary and alternative medicinal approaches for enhancing
immunity / Mehwish Iqbal, BEMS, MHCM, Dip HCT.
Description: First edition. | Boca Raton : CRC, [2023] | Includes
bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2022005646 | ISBN 9781032199412 (hbk) | ISBN
9781032191751 (pbk) | ISBN 9781003261520 (ebk)
Subjects: LCSH: Immunologic diseases--Alternative treatment--Popular works.
| Natural immunity. | Holistic medicine.
Classification: LCC RC582 .I63 2023 | DDC 616.07/9--dc23/eng/20220528
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022005646
ISBN: 9781032199412 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032191751 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003261520 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003261520
Typeset in Century Old Style
by Deanta Global Publishing Services, Chennai, India
Whatsoever the author has learnt, it comes from her teachers and
mentors; the book is therefore dedicated to them. Moreover, the
author also devotes this book to all the health care professionals who
have lost their lives in saving the lives of their patients during the
recent COVID-19 pandemic (may their souls rest in peace).
Contents
PREFACE XIX
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT XXI
ABOUT THE AUTHOR XXIII
PART 1 TRADITIONAL APPROACHES AND IMMUNITY
1 Concept of the Traditional Medicinal System
and Holistic Health 3
Introduction to the Holistic Health Approach 3
Holistic Medicine Principles by the American Holistic Health Association 4
Holistic Perspectives and Traditional Medicinal Systems 5
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 7
Ayurveda 9
Greco-Arabic (Unani) Medicine 11
Traditional Medicinal and Holistic Approach for Maintaining
the Health of the Immune System 14
Conclusion 18
References 18
2 Role of Nutrition and Diet Therapy in Boosting Immunity 23
Introduction 23
Diet Therapy in Light of Eastern Medicine 25
Palaeolithic Diet 27
Traditional Ways of Meal Consumption 28
Contemporary Nutritional Approaches and How Deficiency
of Certain Nutrients Can Affect the Body 31
vii
C o n t e n t s
Importance of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Other Bioactive
Constituents in Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases 36
Weight Management and Disease Prevention 37
Health-Preserving Food and Drinks That Also Help in Boosting Immunity 39
Pecel 39
Khichdi 39
Coconut Water 42
Sayur Tempe Lombok Ijo 42
Idli 43
Kang Liang 43
Zamzam 44
Bael (Aegle Marmelos) Juice 45
Talbina 46
Mohi 47
Conclusion 48
References 48
3 Fasting: A Spiritual and Physical Cleansing for
Strengthening the Human Immune System 57
Introduction 57
Religious Importance of Fasting 59
Fasting in the Religion of Islam 59
Fasting in Judaism 61
Fasting in Hinduism 62
What Does Ayurveda Say about Fasting? 62
Fasting in Christianity 63
Greek Orthodox Fasting 63
Biblical-Based Daniel Fast and Its Health Benefits 64
Fasting in Buddhism 65
Potential Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting 66
SARS-CoV-2 and Fasting 67
Effects of Fasting on Various Hormones 68
Metabolic Effects of Fasting 68
Fasting and Diabetes Mellitus 69
Fasting and Its Effects on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome 69
Effects of Fasting on Cancer 70
Effects of Fasting on the Immune System 70
Fasting Enhances the Expectancy of Life 71
References 72
viii
C o n t e n t s
4 Cupping Therapy and Immune System 81
Introduction 81
History of Cupping 82
Cupping in European Regions 83
Hippocratic Views about Cupping 84
Wet Cupping Therapy or Hijama 85
Method of Wet Cupping Therapy 87
Types of Equipment and Applications of Cupping 89
Physiological Effects of Cupping 90
Health Conditions and Proven Results of Cupping Therapy 91
Immune System and Cupping Therapy 92
Conclusion 99
References 99
5 Do Exercise and Yoga Improve the Quality of Life? 105
Introduction 105
Historical Aspects of Yoga 108
Impact of Yoga on Human Health 110
Pranayama 111
Asanas Including Sun Salutation (Suryanamaskar) 113
Effects of Exercise and Yoga on PCOS 113
Effects of Exercise and Yoga on Respiratory Tract Disorders 115
Impact of Exercise and Yoga on the Immune System 115
Impact of Yoga on COVID-19 116
Yoga Helps in Alleviating Stress 116
Conclusion 117
References 117
6 Psycho-Immunomodulatory Benefits of Aromatherapy 125
Introduction 125
Historical Uses of Aromatherapy 126
Types of Aromatherapy 128
Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Immunology 128
Immunomodulatory Activities of Plant’s Essential Oils 130
Role of Aromatherapy in Infectious Diseases 131
Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Imbalance in Psychoneuroimmunology 132
Psychoneurological and Sleep-Inducing Effects of Aromatherapy 139
SARS-CoV-2 and Aromatherapy 141
References 141
ix
