Inflammation 
We are all aware of this process because we have all experienced it at one time or another. Inflammation is the body’s response to some kind of injury and represents a vital part of the healing process. Unfortunately when it becomes a chronic presence, what ensues is tissue damage and deeper levels of disease and pathological changes.
Hence inflammation can represent the initial stage or the groundswell as it were, of many chronic and debilitating disease processes. These can be experienced in virtually any part of the body and can lead to cancers, heart disease and even the likes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Fortunately, within natural and traditional medicine lies a great understanding of this phenomenon. We consequently have access to an ever growing array of remedies, some of which now target specific types of inflammation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine its first important to locate the origins of inflammatory processes, be they: trauma, dietary imbalances, drug use, stress, genetic factors, exposure to infectious agents or harmful chemicals etc etc. Often there are a number of factors involved. Then, a combination of acupuncture and herbal formulae is brought to bear on these pathological processes.
In general there are a few things which can beincluded in one’s diet to counteract inflammation, more so, if it is relatively superficial and not yet of a deep and chronic nature.
One can include fish oils on a daily basis. Due to its blood thinning effects, please get a professional opinion before embarking on this course, as some conditions and drugs can be affected.
Herbally speaking, two famous substances are Turmeric and Ginger. These are often used in tablet and capsule formulas, but are also a part of normal eating, especially in Asian cooking.
Warm regards,
Michael