It has become increasingly apparent that our viewpoint about the inner workings of the immune system is somewhat outdated. As science becomes more familiar with the microbiome--the 100 trillion microbes that live on and within us--it is clear that the immune system does MUCH more than simply defend against pathogens and is far more complex than ever before realized. Born out of concepts that took root in the World Wars of the 20th century, the focus of the immune system has primarily been its role as an army, defending our borders against deadly pathogens. However, with 100 trillion microbes outnumbering human cells 10:1, it doesn't leave us with very good odds for a successful army. So we need to sincerely question if "defense" is truly its primary role.

Research is showing us that healthy immune system function requires continual interaction with the mutualist microbes (the good bugs) that live within and upon us. Without this critical interaction, the immune system is not properly educated. Lack of experience and education makes us far more prone to inflammation, allergies, asthma, and many other autoimmune imbalances. Such research paints a very different picture of the immune system--that of a diplomatic corporation, interacting, cooperating with, and very much reliant on the microbial world.

On PaRama Campus, you can access the BodyEcology course where Dr. John Veltheim and Laura Stuve, Ph.D. lecture on the fascinating complexities of the microbiome and how it helps to shape our health (or disease). This is a self-study course, so you can move at your own pace.

For more information, visit PaRamaCampus.com.

Many mental disorders and serious mood swings can be caused, or at least strongly correlated, to an imbalance in the natural flora of the small intestine.

The BodyEcology course was filmed in Dr. John Veltheim's homeland of Australia, so the enthusiasm and dynamism of John and all the participants is palpable. The course includes a 174-page in-depth digital manual, 16 lecture videos each approximately 90 minutes in length, the complete slide presentation from the course (524 slides), and 7 pages of printable charts that serve as an extension to the BodyTalk Protocol Chart. The charts include:

• An extension of Body Parts on the BodyTalk Protocol Chart

• Map of the Immune Tissues of the Body

• Map of the Immune Cells of the Body

• Mutualists of the Microbiome (2 pages), which includes Physiology Definitions and Epithelial Cell Borders

• Meridians for Body Ecology

• Fundamental Macro and Trace Minerals Chart

There are no prerequisites to attend, and the course counts for 32 CEUs which meets the requirements for a full two-year renewal period for CBPs.