Inflammation

Inflammation is a complex biological response to injury, infection, or irritation. It’s characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function. While acute inflammation is a protective, short-term process that helps the body heal, chronic inflammation can lead to diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

Western medicine uses nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen) and, for more serious conditions, corticosteroids such as prednisone. There are also antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid conditions, biologics for the immune system, antibiotics and antivirals when infection is present, and, in rare cases, surgery to remove abscesses or damaged tissues. The basic first line of defense is addressing underlying causes, treating infections, removing irritants, managing chronic conditions, and using lifestyle modifications, including resting, applying cold or heat therapy, and possibly physical therapy.

Ayurveda views inflammation as an imbalance in the body’s doshas, primarily Pitta which governs heat, metabolism, and transformation. Excess Pitta can manifest as heat, redness, and swelling, which align with inflammatory symptoms. Ayurveda begins by diagnosing which doshas are out of balance, considering the individual’s constitution (Prakriti) and the nature of the inflammation. Treatment starts with dietary adjustments, identifying foods that trigger inflammation for the individual’s constitution, and usually includes reducing hot, spicy, and acidic foods. In addition, Ayurveda uses herbal remedies to reduce inflammation, including turmeric, neem, ashwagandha, guduchi, and amalaki.

Ayurveda always considers the individual’s lifestyle and offers suggestions and modifications based on stress management, sleep practices, and rejuvenation requirements. In many cases, herbal oils and pastes are incorporated to reduce skin and eye inflammation, and Panchakarma is highly recommended to eliminate toxins and bring systemic balance to the body, mind, and spirit.