Inflammation is a complex process that can be a normal part of the body’s healing process, but it can also lead to disease if it doesn’t resolve on its own. Chronic inflammation can persist for months or years and damage healthy cells, tissues and organs.

Traditional Chinese medicine approaches inflammation as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body’s energy (Qi), blood, and organs. Traditional Chinese medicine views inflammation not merely as a physical condition but as a manifestation of disharmony that can arise from various factors, including emotional stress, dietary habits, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. Traditional Chinese medicine treats inflammation by addressing the underlying causes and restoring balance within the body. The following methods are commonly employed:

• Herbal Medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use a variety of herbs known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Formulas are typically personalized based on the individual’s unique constitution and the specific nature of their inflammation.
• Acupuncture: This practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi and alleviate inflammation. Acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
• Dietary Therapy: Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of diet in managing inflammation.
• Cupping and Moxibustion: These therapies are sometimes used to alleviate inflammation.

Traditional Chinese medicine provides a multi-faceted approach to treating inflammation, emphasizing the restoration of balance within the body through herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and other traditional practices. By addressing the root causes and promoting overall harmony, Traditional Chinese medicine seeks to not only alleviate the symptoms of inflammation but also to prevent its recurrence.

Functional medicine is a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how they influence one another. This approach is based on the belief that each patient is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to the individual’s specific genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Functional medicine can be applied to a wide range of health issues, especially chronic and complex conditions that are not easily managed by conventional medicine.

The following methods are commonly employed:

1. Root Cause Analysis: In functional medicine, lab tests are a crucial component for identifying root causes of inflammation and other underlying imbalances in the body. These tests go beyond standard blood tests used in conventional medicine, often providing a more detailed look at how different systems in the body are functioning and how they may be contributing to chronic inflammation. Inflammation might result from chronic infections, food sensitivities, poor gut health, stress, or environmental toxins. A detailed analysis helps pinpoint the specific triggers contributing to a person’s inflammatory response.
2. The Gut-Immune Connection: The health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is central to managing inflammation in functional medicine. The gut is where a significant portion of the immune system resides, and imbalances here, such as dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria), leaky gut (intestinal permeability), or chronic infections, can lead to systemic inflammation. Functional medicine often starts with healing the gut through diet, probiotics, and other targeted therapies.
3. Diet and Nutrition: Diet is one of the most powerful tools for managing inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Functional medicine often involves supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways to reduce inflammation.
5. Depending on the individual’s needs, functional medicine practitioners may recommend supplements to support anti-inflammatory pathways.
6. Hormonal Balance: Imbalances in hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones can contribute to inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners often assess hormonal balance and may use strategies like stress management, dietary changes, and bioidentical hormone therapy to restore balance.

At Ritual Acupuncture we integrate functional medicine lab testing with Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics. A certified TCM practitioner will work closely with your primary care physician to assess your unique situation to restore your optimal function to improve your quality of life.