Where
there is pain, there is inflammation. Where there is inflammation,
there is imbalance. As with other physical issues, the root of
inflammation may lie within one's diet, stress levels, hydration (or
lack thereof), activities, spiritual crisis or lifestyle choices.
Whatever the root issue, Purna Yoga offers helpful tools for dealing
with the physical symptom of inflammation while the individual does
their own investigation and inner healing to clear up the underlying
cause(s).
Aside from pain, other indicators of inflammation
include diseases and disorders such as: asthma, allergies (including skin), heart disease, obesity,
arthritis, chronic pain, slow healing of injuries and more. What we put into our bodies - through diet,
skincare products, and environmental exposure - is a critical component
of causing or alleviating inflammation. There is a lot of easily
accessible information about inflammation in books and on the web.
What I am offering here is a consolidation of the recommendations I make for all my
students...and anyone else wishing to nurture a healthy body:
- Eliminate CATS
- Caffeine (especially coffee, even if it's decaf)
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Sugar (specifically processed sugar)
- Include OMEGA FATTY ACIDS
- Great sources include flaxseed oil, nut oils, olive oil, cold-water fish, cod liver oil, fish oil
- Eliminate or Minimize consumption of
- Wheat (at least in the US)
- Dairy (fresh, organic, raw milk...especially from smaller animals such as goat may be okay)
- Meat
- Include inflammation-fighting turmeric in your diet
- Local company Tattva's Herbs makes a quality capsule
- Try the "Turmeric Drink" that is recommended in class and private instruction
- Eliminate or minimize exposure to preservatives, artificial flavorings, artificial colorings, toxic chemicals such as chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, etc. in food as well as body products and household cleaners
It takes a multi-pronged approach to clear up inflammation, but the tips above
will help get you on your way. In addition to increasing awareness
about what goes into or on your body, how you use your body makes a big
difference. A regular yoga practice, for example, helps the body
handle stress, improves sleep, regulates the endocrine system and much
more...ultimately leading to better health and long-term wellness.
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