Multiple sclerosis – when your own immune system becomes a challenge

Multiple sclerosis – when your own immune system becomes a challenge

Multiple sclerosis (MS) – a term that many people are familiar with, but often only superficially. The disease affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the most common neurological autoimmune diseases in young adults. But what exactly is behind this disease that affects so many lives?

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, also known as encephalitis disseminata, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system – i.e. the brain and spinal cord. The special feature: MS is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks the body’s own structures – in this case the myelin sheaths, the protective covering of the nerve fibers.
These attacks result in inflammatory foci (lesions) that disrupt or completely interrupt communication between nerve cells. This leads to a variety of symptoms – depending on where the damage occurs.

Symptoms – as individual as the people affected

MS is also known as the “disease with a thousand faces” because it affects each person differently. The most common symptoms include
• Visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision or double vision)
• Sensory disturbances (tingling, numbness)
• Muscle weakness or stiffness
• Coordination and balance disorders
• Fatigue (an extreme form of exhaustion)
• Concentration problems or cognitive impairment
Some experience long stable phases, others have more frequent relapses or a chronically progressive course.

Toxopheresis – relief for the body and immune system in MS

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system turns against its own body – a sign of profound dysregulation. Toxopheresis, a special form of blood purification, can have a supportive effect here: it filters disease-promoting substances such as autoantibodies and inflammatory factors from the blood plasma. From a holistic perspective, this is more than just mechanical cleansing – it is a systemic relief that can restore inner balance. In combination with naturopathic measures such as elimination, nutrition and stress reduction, toxopheresis is increasingly being used as a complementary approach to MS – especially in acute phases or when the disease is very active.

Living with MS – what is possible today

The good news: although MS is not (yet) curable, it is very treatable. The aim of therapy is to prevent relapses, slow down disease activity and alleviate symptoms. Many sufferers lead a largely self-determined and active life – with a job, family and hobbies. Good medical care, a stable social environment and a conscious approach to one’s own health are important.

Conclusion

Holistic medicine sees not only the nerve pathways, but the whole person. It invites us not only to treat symptoms, but to recognize deeper connections – between body and mind, illness and life path.

If you are affected yourself or are accompanying someone who is living with MS: be kind to yourself. Find a team that supports you holistically. And trust that getting well – in the sense of becoming whole – is always possible.