Page 7 - Acupuncture explanation electronic version 2

Treatment approach to the inflammation stage

Notice that inflammation is not a bad thing. It is

actually a necessary thing in order to prevent a

bacterial infection and to clean out the area so that

in the next stage fresh undamaged tissue can be laid

down.

The goal here is not to stop inflammation but to

control it so it does not get out of hand. (Ever seen

someone twist their ankle and then have it blow up

to the size of a softball? Too much Inflammation!)

We want the body to clear out the bacteria and

damaged tissue but we do not want you in a lot of

pain while this process is going on.

Inflammation usually peaks 2- 4 days after the

injury or problem and then, provided there are no

problems and the damage is not too severe,

resolves in about 7 – 14 days. Acupuncture and

herbal medicine are given for this 7 – 14 day period

to control the inflammation and reduce the pain.