Page 10 - Acupuncture explanation electronic version 2

Stage 2: Reaction phase

Whenever there is enough damage to the cells of

the body, the body reacts and creates an

inflammatory reaction. This is a step beyond the

excretion phase. Now the body senses that either

definite damage is being done to the body or a

pathogen (bacteria,virus,fungus) has invaded the

body and could very shortly damage the cells

significantly. Inflammation mobilizes the immune

cells to move into the affected or infected area and

clear it out of any pathogens and toxins as well as

damaged tissue. The cardinal signs of inflammation

are redness, swelling, heat, pain and temporary

decrease in function.

Lets continue the example from above. Imagine

that the bacteria from the bad food has begun to

damage the stomach or intestines. Now, in addition

to vomiting and diarrhea, you also develop pain

and cramps in the abdominal region. This is the

body reacting to damage and creating inflammation

as a response. Another example is a twisted ankle

that becomes swollen, red, painful and difficult to

walk on.

Many times we know the cause of the