
Immune Physiology and Traditional Practices
Chapter from the book:
Çakar,
F.
&
Kaplan,
M.
(eds.)
2025.
Functional and Alternative Approaches in Health Sciences.
Synopsis
The immune system is a complex and holistic defense network that the organism develops against internal and external threats. This system is effective against infections, foreign antigens and cellular abnormalities with innate and adaptive components. Today, immune system physiology is associated not only with diseases but also with health protection. In this context, genetic makeup, nutrition, lifestyle, microbiota balance and environmental conditions are among the factors affecting immune functions.
Traditional and complementary medicine approaches (phytotherapy, acupuncture, probiotics, traditional foods, etc.) can play an alternative or supportive role in supporting the immune system. The scientifically based use of these approaches offers significant potential for the regulation of the immune response. In this chapter, the physiology of the immune system, the factors affecting it and the immunological effects of traditional practices are discussed with an interdisciplinary approach. The findings reveal the need for a careful and evidence-based evaluation of the integration of modern medicine and traditional practices.