We are warm-blooded creatures, and we need to stay warm in order to stay alive. Our bodies are in constant temperature struggle, trying to maintain the beneficial status quo – and most of this fight goes on below the surface. We rarely notice it; therefore the inflammatory process is something that is not out of the ordinary. However, there are times when the scales are tipped so that we start noticing symptoms which can develop into perpetual discomfort.
When signs of inflammation emerge, our body is trying to tell us that we need to take care of some issues, and fast. How we approach that is another thing altogether. In Western medicine, its importance has not been overlooked, but the treatment often amounts to a quick fix rather than the true assessment of the problem. Since chronic inflammation is a root of disease, we need to make sure to know exactly what makes it grow.
Root Causes and their Effects
Chinese medicine has identified five things that need to be present in order to successfully diagnose the patient. By studying these symptoms, we can gain better understanding of our body, and learn to speak its language.
• Pain is the big thing here, since it is usually the first warning that makes us realize that something is wrong. There is no more effective way of making us pay attention, and our body is fully aware of it.
• Heat, or increase in warmth that becomes noticeable on the skin surface is the second important symptom. It tells us there is a battle taking place where we can't observe it with our eyes, but it helps us pinpoint its location.
• Temperature shift can also manifest in change of complexion: the redness of our skin, blushing that has nothing to do with shyness, considering our body does not fool around when making an announcement.
• When swelling appears it is closely connected to all previous signs, and can result in intestinal inflammation, bloating and gasses, bulky fingers and ankles that can amount to injury and overall decrease in mobility.
• Finally, it's worth remembering this is a chain reaction, leading to loss of function. Once this happens, the body is functioning at a limited capacity, and it spreads from one function to another; what gets shut down next can be anyone's guess, but you can be certain that you need to act to prevent further damage.
Inflammation – a Good Thing?
Warnings are useful, and while they bring us bad news, they also provide us with necessary info in order to neutralize their effect. Our immune system kicks into gear, dealing with these forms of malware like a computer would. In the West, over-reliance on pharmaceuticals and the immense pressure the industry puts on doctors – often acting merely as drug dispensers – made the situation worse for the patients.
In contrast, Chinese medicine teaches us to take a step back and take a long hard look on our life and choices. There is no simple fix here because it will lead to a complete breakdown down the line; what we need is a comprehensive outreach that is based around awareness. You don't even need to know Mandarin; inflammation is the universal language of the body. When it speaks to us, we would do well to listen.
