Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. It is one of the ways that our body tries to protect itself. If we are toxic, the body will naturally produce extra fat and fluid. If we are injured, we will produce extra fluid that surrounds the injury. Extra fluid in the body is called inflammation. If we have a lot of swelling, it is important to try to find out why. Diuretics don’t get to the root cause of inflammation.

There are two kinds of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation usually accompanies an infection or an injury and is short-lived. It’s temporary. It may seem like a bad thing at the time, but it is totally necessary for healing to begin. The body would not be able to heal if it didn’t have that immune response.

On the other hand, there is chronic inflammation (CI). Long term inflammation can happen for many reasons and, left untreated, can actually cause several conditions and diseases, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and coronary artery disease. CI is a symptom of many autoimmune diseases.

CI causes are very different from acute inflammation causes. It presents itself differently also. CI is caused by pathogens that the body cannot break down, including some types of viruses, foreign bodies (toxins) that remain in the system or overactive immune responses. It occurs over time and can lead to tissue death and the thickening and scarring of connective tissue. This, of course, causes pain and many other problems. The primary reason that inflammation causes pain is that swelling pushes against sensitive nerve endings, thus sending pain signals to the brain.

What are some ways to help decrease inflammation? Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce CI. Anti-inflammatory diets can readily be found online. Certain herbs can also help—turmeric, white willow and ginger are a few.

Detoxifying the body is another way to drop inflammation levels. Exercise, massage, detoxifying body wraps and plenty of clean water can also help. Certain CBD oils target inflammation and others target pain. Most time, if we can lower the level of inflammation, the pain level will also drop.

There are a few recommended mechanical treatments as well. A far infrared sauna can help rid the body of toxins, therefore dropping inflammation levels. A chi machine can help circulation, again helping to drop inflammation levels. It has been said that cryotherapy (extreme cold) can also help eliminate inflammation and reduce pain.

There are many facets to inflammation. What works for one person doesn’t always work for the next person, but an active, healthy lifestyle definitely has more benefits than a sedentary one.

Debbie Shaw owns Alternatives in Health Care Detox Therapy and Mini Med Spa, in Tucson. As a chronic pain sufferer, she sought out numerous ways to deal with her fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome for decades. Call 520-275-4510 to schedule a free consultation or any other service. Mention this article and get first chi machine session for only $10. See ad, page 24.