Picture by Denise Rochon August 12th, 2012
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect itself from different challenges such as in injuries, traumas, infections, allergens, stress and toxicity. Too much inflammation however can be harmful.
According to Ayurvedic* medicine, the summer element is the fire and the main organs and tissues associated with it, are the nervous system, heart, small intestines, gums, blood vessels, and blood. When fire is excessive in the body, there can be an excess of heat creating inflammation and leading to irritability, nervousness, memory loss, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, skin disorders, hypertension or heart disturbances.
The five physical hallmark signs of acute inflammation are redness, swelling, heat, pain and loss of function.
If you experience any of these symptoms above, it is the time to pause and listen to your body. What are the factors aggravating you in your life? Look at what is happening internally for you. Is it time to make small ongoing changes in your life style and relationships to calm and soothe your whole you?
*Ayurvedic medicine evolved in India, and is considered to be the world’s oldest healthcare system. It is named for the Sanskrit word Ayurveda, meaning the “science of life.” It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery