Inflammation is a wonderful, multi-dimensional function of the body that points to one of the foundational intelligences governing the body: Pitta Dosha. The relationship between the inflammatory response in the body and our Pitta is key in managing conditions that involve an unnaturally prolonged state of inflammation.
Why Do We Experience Inflammation?
The Pitta Dosha governs all metabolic processes in the body (among many other things), and regulates the activity and potency of our immune system. Why would your immune system react strongly and stay in an “alert” state for longer than necessary? There can be many reasons, but inflammation is most often caused by an imbalanced and aggravated state of Pitta. Being connected with the fire element, Pitta Dosha is aggravated by things that are fiery in nature: anger, hot climates, and spicy foods are some good examples of what can increase or aggravate Pitta.
Balancing this profound inner intelligence is the foundation of the Ayurvedic approach to regulating and managing our inflammatory response. This points to one of the ways in which Ayurveda operates uniquely in the field of Natural Medicine: it works to balance the underlying issue to bring relief before addressing the imbalance (symptoms) directly.
What Is the Ayurvedic Cure for Inflammation?
Are you dealing with chronic inflammation or a related condition like eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, irritability, ulcers, or other digestive disorders? For any of these conditions, the underlying approach is the same. An Ayurvedic practitioner will first work to regulate and “pacify” the excess Pitta in the body, before addressing the condition associated with the inflammation more directly. Pitta in this aggravated state loves to be cooled, sweetened, nourished and softened. While the underlying approach is similar, how these values are applied depends on each person. Everyone’s constitution is unique and requires an individualized approach. The right remedy and dosage for your specific physiology go a long way to creating lasting results.
Generally speaking, however, favoring sweet cooling foods like fresh non-citrus fruits, and certain vegetables like light/heavy squashes, fennel, and asparagus will aid in pacifying your Pitta. Spices like coriander, fennel, and plenty of fresh herbs like cilantro and bay leaf will also help to cool things off internally, acting as natural anti-inflammatory remedies. Other herbal remedies for inflammation include special medicines like aloe gel (taken internally), bitter medicines, and slippery elm bark to cool and repair the gut lining (which often suffers alongside most inflammatory conditions). Herbs such as dandelion, burdock root, and neem can also help to purify the blood.
These foods are among the best natural remedies for inflammation, as they are generally useful in pacifying Pitta dosha and helping to counter the overly hot, inflammatory response. Again, depending on your individual nature, some remedies will be more effective for your physiology than others, which is why having a dedicated Ayurvedic practitioner can accelerate your healing.
Working with a Practitioner: Inflammation & Ayurveda
When a client’s inflammatory response is continuing beyond what is normal and healthy, I work to strengthen the immune system and create targeted tissue healing. With a personalized approach, the appropriate remedies to “cool the fire” become far more effective. If you’re interested in a holistic treatment of chronic inflammation and working with an Ayurvedic practitioner, consider signing up for an online session.
