If you or people you love are sick, you will want to know about this system, because it is the best hope for recovery. Defense is the responsibility of the immune system, whose main job is to distinguish between self and not-self and take action the latter. When immunity is weakened in more subtle ways, impairment of healing may be less obvious. You can protect yourself against all of these influences and, in addition, learn techniques to enhance immunity through adjustments in diet, exercise, and judicious use of vitamins, minerals, and herbs. You can increase the chance of experiencing spontaneous healing by giving your body appropriate exercise and sufficient rest.
Physical exercise benefits the healing system in many different ways.
It improves circulation, making the heart a more efficient pump and maintaining the elasticity of arteries. At the same time it tones the respiratory system, increasing exchanges of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which helps the body eliminate metabolic wastes. It further aids elimination by promoting the flow of perspiration and movement of the intestines. By stimulating release of endorphins in the brain, it fights depression and improves mood. It regulates metabolism and the body's economy of energy.