Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body's defense mechanism. It plays a crucial role in healing injuries and fighting off infections. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and more. So what are the causes of inflammation and how can acupuncture effectively help in managing and reducing inflammation? Here’s what I see on a daily basis:
1. INFECTIONS
Inflammation is often triggered by infections, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal. When the body detects foreign invaders, the immune system releases white blood cells and cytokines to fight the infection. This immune response leads to inflammation, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, and warmth. Old Sinus infections or a history of ear infections is one example on how this can show up chronically anywhere in the body.
2. INJURY
Physical injury, such as cuts, burns, and fractures, can cause inflammation. The body's natural response is to send immune cells and nutrients to the injured area to promote healing. Inflammation can help protect the body from further damage and initiate the repair process. However, when there is a trauma such as this, the body may hang on to that and create a chronic inflammatory response to any stress that comes along the way. Old scars from a traumatic injury or surgery can be a cause of chronic inflammation.
3. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions cause chronic inflammation as the immune system continually targets the body's own cells and tissues. This doesn’t usually happen overnight but is the result of a continuum of events. I have several patients who became auto-immune with a history of Lyme disease, COVID, or even vaccine responses.
4. CHRONIC STRESS
Chronic stress can trigger low-level inflammation throughout the body. The stress response leads to the release of stress hormones and chemicals, which can activate the immune system. Over time, this chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease and digestive issues.
5. POOR DIET
Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to chronic inflammation. These dietary choices can cause imbalances in gut bacteria and promote inflammation in the body. This is the time of year when we crave sugar, so be mindful of how that’s affecting your body. It’s not worth it!
6. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollutants and chemicals and mold, can lead to inflammation. These toxins can trigger an immune response when the body detects foreign substances, leading to chronic inflammation and potential health problems.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP?
Acupuncture has also shown promise in reducing inflammation and addressing its root causes. Here's how acupuncture can help:
1. MODULATING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Acupuncture has been found to modulate the immune system by influencing the production and activity of various immune cells. This modulation can help regulate the body's inflammatory response and reduce chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.
2. PAIN MANAGEMENT
Acupuncture is widely recognized for its ability to alleviate pain. By targeting pain points, it can help reduce the discomfort associated with inflammation, making it an effective complementary therapy for conditions like arthritis and chronic pain.
3. STRESS REDUCTION
Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which, in turn, can help reduce the chronic inflammation caused by long-term stress. Stress reduction techniques can improve overall well-being and minimize the inflammatory response triggered by chronic stress.
4. IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Acupuncture can enhance blood flow and circulation, which helps deliver essential nutrients and immune cells to areas of inflammation more efficiently. This improved circulation can support the body's natural healing processes.
5. FINDING THE ROOT CAUSE
Finding the root cause in our medicine is so important. This is why we take a lengthy history. Surgeries, traumas and illnesses during childhood or adulthood can lead to chronic inflammation in the body leading to a range of health problems. As acupuncturists, we’re like detectives who work to find the root cause of problems.
While acupuncture should not replace conventional medical treatments, it can be a valuable complementary therapy to help individuals address the root causes of inflammation and promote better overall health.