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These are guidelines developed by the physicians of Wellness Alternatives and outline some of the basic principles of Functional Medicine when addressing autoimmune conditions.

RULE #1: If one autoimmune condition is present, there are always other active autoimmune conditions present and these must be addressed.

RULE #2: The rules associated with normal function of anatomy, physiology and neurology do not apply in Autoimmune Diseases.

RULE #3: Theories and therapies using normal function are useful only in the context of how a body should work. If an autoimmune disease is suspected, assume the body is not working properly until proven otherwise.

RULE #4: Caution and common sense must be applied before doing any therapies. Some therapies may appear useful, but need to be fully evaluated to determine full impact and outcome.

RULE #5: If an intervention has not worked in the past:

• it was the wrong therapy
• it was inappropriate
• it did not address the root cause
• it was not functionally supported to allow for organs and metabolic pathways to return to health
• it was out of 'sequence' and unable to support the momentum of healing

RULE #6: No cleanse, detoxification, probiotic supplement or nutritional program alone will repair an autoimmune disease process. The patient may feel better for a period of time but this is a form of symptom suppression known as "Green Allopathy". These popular alternative therapies will only help those healthy enough to be helped.

RULE #7: Once the autoimmune process is activated, it is not self-perpetuating; rather it can be modulated or even reversed by preventing the continuous interplay between genes and environment.

Rule #8: Due to the nature of autoimmune conditions, the symptoms may constantly change and evolve if uncontrolled. This makes it very difficult for patients and inexperienced practioners to determine a course of action. Missed diagnoses and incorrect diagnoses are common.

RULE #9: In reality immunosuppressant drugs diminish your body's ability to recognize inflammation. The damage is still occurring but you don't feel it.

RULE #10: ASK "WHY?" Physicians and patients must ask why the condition exists, why symptoms are present or not present and why the treatment is or is not working.