What is Micro-Immunotherapy?
Micro-immunotherapy is a branch of immunotherapy that involves the use of low-dose immune-regulating substances to modulate the immune system. These substances typically consist of cytokines, nucleic acids, and other immune-related molecules, which are diluted to extremely low concentrations.
The goal of micro-immunotherapy is to stimulate the body's natural defence mechanisms and restore immune balance without causing adverse reactions or overstimulation.
Micro-immunotherapy is often used to support the immune system in various conditions, including chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immune-related disorders. It is believed to work by targeting specific immune pathways and helping to regulate the immune response.
This approach differs from traditional immunotherapy, which may involve the use of higher doses of immune-stimulating substances, such as vaccines or monoclonal antibodies, to treat diseases or stimulate the immune system. Micro-immunotherapy is generally considered to be gentler and more targeted, with the aim of restoring immune balance rather than simply boosting immune function.
Frequently asked questions about micro-immunotherapy
What is micro-immunotherapy?
Micro-immunotherapy is a type of immunotherapy aimed at maintaining or restoring the proper function of the immune system.
What is its main feature?
Micro-immunotherapy makes use of the same messengers as the immune
system (e.g. cytokines, growth factors, hormones), which are given sublingually in low doses. These substances are responsible for the communication between the cells and other elements involved in immune responses. Thus, micro-immunotherapy speaks the same language as the immune system.
For whom is micro-immunotherapy suitable?
Micro-immunotherapy can be used in both adults and children and is thus suit able for the whole family.
In which areas can it be used?
Micro-immunotherapy has a very broad scope of applications and can be used both for treatment and prevention, as part of an integrative therapeutic approach.
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Pediatrics
Infections: It gently supports the immature immune system, reducing the risk of recurrent infections like bronchitis, ear infections, and nasal and throat inflammations, viral diseases, such as chickenpox and others.
Immune Regulation: It helps regulate immune responses in conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and warts, reducing symptom severity and frequency.
Immunodeficiency: It boosts the immune response in children with compromised immune systems, enhancing their ability to fight infections.
Combination Therapy: Used alongside other treatments, it enhances effectiveness while minimizing side effects, complementing conventional treatments, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Well-Tolerated: With low doses of immune transmitters, it's safe for young children, minimizing adverse effects while providing therapeutic benefits.
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Infectious diseases
Respiratory Infections: Such as common cold, influenza (flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.
Gastrointestinal Infections: Including viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), bacterial food poisoning, and parasitic infections like giardiasis.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or other pathogens affecting the urinary system.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital herpes.
Skin Infections: Including bacterial infections like cellulitis, impetigo, and abscesses, as well as fungal infections like ringworm and yeast infections.
Viral Infections: Such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections (cold sores, genital herpes), human papillomavirus (HPV), and viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, and C).
Parasitic Infections: Including malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, and various intestinal parasites.
Vector-Borne Diseases: Such as Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by ticks), malaria (transmitted by mosquitoes), and dengue fever (transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes).
Zoonotic Infections: Diseases transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, brucellosis, and anthrax.
Fungal Infections: Including candidiasis (yeast infections), aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
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Gastro-Intestinal Health
Micro-immunotherapy can be utilized to support and improve the gut microbiome through several mechanisms:
Immune Modulation: Micro-immunotherapy helps regulate the immune system's response, including the immune cells present in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). By modulating the immune response, it can promote a balanced interaction between the immune system and the gut microbiota, preventing dysbiosis (imbalance) and promoting a healthy microbiome.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Many micro-immunotherapy formulations contain immune signaling molecules (cytokines) that have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the gut mucosa, micro-immunotherapy can create a more favourable environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive, thereby supporting a healthy microbiome.
Enhanced Immune Surveillance: Micro-immunotherapy can enhance the immune system's surveillance and response to pathogens and harmful bacteria in the gut. This helps prevent overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms and maintains a diverse and balanced microbial community.
Restoration of Gut Barrier Function: Micro-immunotherapy may support the integrity of the gut barrier, which serves as a physical and immunological barrier between the gut lumen and the bloodstream. By preserving gut barrier function, micro-immunotherapy helps prevent the translocation of harmful bacteria and toxins into systemic circulation, thereby reducing the risk of systemic inflammation and immune activation.
Promotion of Microbial Diversity: Certain micro-immunotherapy formulations may contain components that support the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut. By promoting microbial diversity, micro-immunotherapy contributes to a resilient and healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health and immune function.
Combination Therapy: Micro-immunotherapy can be used synergistically with other interventions aimed at improving gut health, such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. When combined with these approaches, micro-immunotherapy can enhance their effectiveness and provide comprehensive support for gut microbiome balance and function.
Micro-immunotherapy may potentially be used to address various gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Leaky gut syndrome, Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., bacterial, viral, parasitic), Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Gastritis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Celiac disease (non-celiac gluten sensitivity), Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut microbiota), Candida overgrowth (Candidiasis), Helicobacter pylori infection, Constipation or diarrhea (chronic or recurrent). Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases
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Women's hormonal conditions
Some of the hormonal conditions that may benefit from micro-immunotherapy include:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Micro-immunotherapy may help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, such as mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness, by modulating immune responses and hormonal fluctuations.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and ovarian dysfunction. Micro-immunotherapy may help regulate immune function and hormone levels, potentially improving symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and excess hair growth.
Menopause Symptoms: Micro-immunotherapy may help manage symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, by supporting hormonal balance and reducing inflammation.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and hormonal imbalances. Micro-immunotherapy may help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis, potentially alleviating symptoms.
Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms. Micro-immunotherapy may help regulate immune function and reduce inflammation, which could contribute to the management of fibroid symptoms.
Hormonal Imbalances: Micro-immunotherapy may help address various hormonal imbalances, such as irregular menstrual cycles, unopposed oestrogen , and thyroid dysfunction, by supporting immune function and promoting hormonal equilibrium.
Infertility: Micro-immunotherapy may be used as part of a comprehensive approach to address immune-related factors contributing to infertility, such as autoimmune conditions, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.
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Autoimmune diseases
By modulating the immune response, micro-immunotherapy aims to reduce inflammation, minimize autoimmune attacks on healthy tissues, and promote tolerance.
Some autoimmune diseases that may be helped by micro-immunotherapy include:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Type 1 diabetes, Psoriasis, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Sjögren's syndrome, Vitiligo, Celiac disease.
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Bone and Joint Disorders
Micro-immunotherapy can offer support and relief for various rheumatological conditions characterized by immune dysregulation and inflammation. Some of the rheumatological diseases that may benefit from micro-immunotherapy include: osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, psoriasis arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Sjögren's Syndrome.
It's important to note that while micro-immunotherapy can provide supportive care for rheumatological diseases, it is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions.
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Allergies
Micro-immunotherapy may potentially help manage a wide range of allergies, including:
Environmental Allergies: These include allergies to pollen, grass, trees, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander.
Food Allergies: Micro-immunotherapy may assist in managing allergies to common food allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Micro-immunotherapy may alleviate symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and postnasal drip.
Allergic Asthma: For individuals with allergic asthma, micro-immunotherapy may help reduce asthma exacerbations triggered by allergens, leading to improved respiratory function and symptom control.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Micro-immunotherapy may help alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including itching, redness, dryness, and inflammation of the skin.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Micro-immunotherapy may provide relief from symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, and watering of the eyes.
Drug Allergies: Micro-immunotherapy may assist in managing allergic reactions to medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Insect Sting Allergies: Individuals with allergies to insect stings (e.g., bees, wasps, hornets) may benefit from micro-immunotherapy to reduce the severity of allergic reactions and prevent anaphylaxis.
Contact Dermatitis: Micro-immunotherapy may help manage allergic contact dermatitis caused by skin contact with allergens such as metals, latex, fragrances, or certain chemicals.
Occupational Allergies: For individuals exposed to allergens in the workplace (e.g., latex, chemicals, dust), micro-immunotherapy may provide relief from allergy symptoms and improve tolerance to occupational allergens.
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Neuropsychological diseases
Micro-immunotherapy may potentially assist in managing various neurological diseases and conditions, including: Depression, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease
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Neurodivergent conditions
Micro-immunotherapy may be used as a supportive therapy for various neurodivergent conditions, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., dyscalculia, dysgraphia), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
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Sleep problems
Micro-immunotherapy may be used to address various sleep problems, including:
Insomnia, Difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia), Difficulty staying asleep (sleep maintenance insomnia), Early morning awakening, Sleep disturbances associated with anxiety or stress, Sleep disturbances related to chronic pain conditions
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Skin conditions
Micro-immunotherapy may potentially be used to address various skin conditions, including:
Eczema (Atopic dermatitis), Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea, Dermatitis, Urticaria (Hives), Vitiligo, Contact dermatitis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Pruritus (Itching), Allergic skin reactions, Chronic inflammatory skin conditions
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Stress
Here are some ways micro-immunotherapy may aid in stress management:
Immune System Regulation: Micro-immunotherapy aims to regulate the immune system, which can become dysregulated during times of chronic stress. By restoring immune balance, it may help mitigate the negative effects of stress on immune function.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: Stress can disrupt neurotransmitter balance in the brain, leading to mood disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. Micro-immunotherapy may help modulate neurotransmitter activity, potentially improving mood, cognitive function, and stress resilience.
Inflammation Reduction: Chronic stress can induce systemic inflammation, contributing to various health problems. Micro-immunotherapy may help reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and cytokine levels, potentially alleviating stress-related symptoms.
Gut-Brain Axis Support: There is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and the brain known as the gut-brain axis. Micro-immunotherapy may help support gut health, which can positively influence brain function and stress responses.
Adaptogenic Effects: Some micro-immunotherapy formulations may contain adaptogenic compounds that help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. These compounds may enhance resilience to stressors and promote overall well-being.
Hormonal Balance: Chronic stress can dysregulate hormone levels, including cortisol, adrenaline, and others involved in the stress response. Micro-immunotherapy may help restore hormonal balance, which is essential for managing stress effectively.
Can micro-immunotherapy be taken along with other treatments?
Micro-immunotherapy is compatible with other treatments and can even act synergistically by supporting their effectiveness and improving the body’s tolerance. Micro-immunotherapy is a complementary treatment, which means that no other treatment should be suspended without first consulting your doctor or therapist.
How is it taken?
The application of micro-immunotherapy medicines is very simple. The capsules contain small beads called granules, which are impregnated with the active ingredients. They are taken sublingually, which means that the capsules are opened and the granules are poured under the tongue, where they slowly dissolve. From there, the ingredients reach the immune system mainly through the lymphatic system.
The sublingual application makes it easy to take - especially for children - as the granules are just poured under the tongue where they dissolve.
Instructions for use
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Take the treatment preferably on an empty stomach, 15-30 minutes before the morning meal. If this is not possible, please take it one hour after the meal.
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Pay attention to the numbering of the capsules: the correct sequence must be respected.
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Open one capsule, pour the granules under the tongue and let them dissolve there.
How is micro-immunotherapy usually prescribed?
At the beginning of your micro-immunotherapy, I will take a detailed medical history. Depending on your symptoms, laboratory tests might be requested to determine the state of your immune system (e.g. lymphocyte typing) or reveal the presence of a persistent viral infection (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus serology). According to the laboratory results and your clinical condition, I will then choose the appropriate micro-immunotherapeutic medicine. The duration of the treatment may vary greatly depending on the disease and the individual needs. It ranges between several weeks and a few months, taking into account that regulating the immune system takes time. Although micro-immunotherapy is also used for prevention or to treat acute conditions, it is particularly useful in the long-term management of chronic diseases.
How long has micro-immunotherapy been used?
Micro-immunotherapy has been used for over 50 years. The Belgian doctor Maurice Jenaer created this therapeutic approach in 1967 and since then, with the discovery of new messenger substances, it has been further developed.
Nowadays, it is part of the therapeutic strategy of thousands of doctors, other health professionals and therapists in Europe and other parts of the world.