Natural Chronic inflammation treatment in Chinese Medicine

• Acupuncture for inflammation 

Acupuncture has gained popularity in Western medicine as a viable therapeutic option for inflammation in recent decades. Acupuncture can clear heat and phlegm, replenish blood and moisture, and therefore, reducing  stress and inflammation.

The acupuncturist attempts to restore balance between the individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual elements. By inserting the acupuncture needles, the acupuncturist also works on increasing energy flow as well as the energy’s quality. Acupuncturing has already been proven successful in improving many inflammatory conditions such as: 

Asthma: A randomized, controlled trial of 38 patients was conducted to assess the additive impact of acupuncture on conventional therapy as well as the immune-modulating effects on patients with allergic asthma.

In the acupuncture group, general well-being increased considerably (79%) when compared to the control group (47%). Furthermore, lymphocyte proliferation and CD3 and CD4 cell counts rose in the acupuncture group, whereas eosinophil counts (responsible for the allergic inflammation) were reduced dramatically.

Rhinitis and sinusitis: Using acupuncture treatment has been also helpful in improving other inflammatory conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis. In acute sinusitis, acupuncture resulted in an improvement in children with chronic and recurrent frontal sinusitis.

An open trial with 102 patients found that desensitization of allergic rhinitis using acupuncture endermic sites of the head with extracts of positive allergens was successful. After a two-year follow-up, a considerable population (72 %) had a curative effect, which was mostly manifested by a reduction in the diameter of skin redness and a reduction in skin edema.

• Anti Inflammatory Diet 

Diet is a crucial part for chronic inflammatory treatment in Chinese Medicine. In order to fight inflammation, we need to have a healthy digestive system. As inflammation activates the immune system, inflammation can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a nutritious food. Foods with cooling properties are recommended. To tonify your Yang, eat cooling foods like most vegetables and fruits. 

Take a look at our in depth guide on anti-inflammatory foods here.

Fruits and Vegetables: What gives fruits and vegetables their characteristic colors are a group of substances called polyphenols. Vegetables and fruits contain large concentrations of polyphenols, which don’t just give them their vibrant colors but also their anti-inflammatory properties.

Soy Legumes:  Soy legumes, such as edamame, tempeh, and tofu, are high in plant-based protein. Soy’s anti-inflammatory qualities are aided by its phytonutrients, protein, and healthy fats. In fact, studies have demonstrated that soy can directly reduce some inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6, TNF-, and CRP.

Low Carbs: Consumption of refined, high glycemic–load carbohydrates is one of the key dietary variables influencing inflammation. Regular ingestion of high glycemic–load carbohydrates can cause chronic hyperglycemia, which promotes the generation of free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines via several routes.

Less Animal Protein: Protein is an anti-inflammatory diet that should be mostly plant-based, with some fish and lean natural meats thrown in for good measure. This is because animal protein includes more ω-6 FAs, which have a pro-inflammatory effect. An anti-inflammatory diet, on the other hand, should include protein sources with greater quantities of ω-3 FAs.

Fresh fatty fish with high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines are the safer choices while choosing animal protein.