Hot Topic: Is Inflammation Leaving You Cold?

Pop Quiz:

When you experience inflammation you are supposed to apply ice, right?

It might surprise you to learn that the correct answer is: not necessarily.

Many of us experience inflammation daily from old injuries, arthritis or simple wear-and-tear. It’s this everyday inflammation we want to talk about today rather than acute inflammation that might occur due to a recent injury.

So you might be asking, if the age old rule to ice inflammation doesn’t always apply, what are the new rules?

Let’s break it down. According to eastern medical traditions, there are two types of inflammation: hot and cold. Each has its own set of symptoms and treatments.

Hot Inflammation

This is the type of inflammation that we commonly think of when we think of inflammation. The primary indicators for hot inflammation are swelling, redness and a pulsating feeling in the affected area. Think hot flowing lava.

To address hot inflammation we have to cool it off. Here’s the run down:

  • Apply ice. Icing is great for pain management but is not really effective for long term healing so apply ice for 10 minutes with a 20 minute break then ice again for 10 minutes, if necessary. Limit this to only two intervals of 10 minutes.
  • Douse the flame from the inside out. Cooling foods are crucial to putting out the fire of chronic hot inflammation. Raw foods, Aloe Vera and green drinks (click green drink for our healthy, delicious recipe) can all help manage or even reverse hot inflammation.
  • Take the cooling with you. An application of a cooling balm like our Comfy Comfrey Salve can help quench with fires of inflammation as you move through your day.

Cold Inflammation

Chronic inflammation often takes this form as it settles itself into your body. Symptoms of cold inflammation include creakiness, stiffness and a pale color to the affected area. Imagine this type of inflammation as a frozen river and you’ll see why cold inflammation requires remedies that increase circulation and lubrication.

  • Thaw it out with a little warmth. Hot water bottles, heating pads, flax seed pillows (learn how to make your own here) and warm baths can all help get the cold out and ease pain.
  • Warming up from the inside out increases overall circulation and aids in healing. Try foods seasoned with turmeric and cayenne pepper to heat things up.
  • Fish oil or flax, chia or hemp seeds all increase your body’s natural lubrication to oil up those creaky joints.
  • On the go? Apply a warming balm like our Spicy Arnica Salve to get the blood pumping and free up movement.

When To Do What

Trust your own senses. Feel the area with your hands. Do you feel heat or coolness? Take a look. Is the area red or pale? Listen to your body and follow its advice.

Who knows your body better than you do?

A Note on the Weather

If you think that your knee is more accurate for predicting the weather than your local meteorologist, you just might be right. Some studies suggest that changes in the barometric pressure could increase pressure in a painful joint.

Don’t quit your day job for a career as a weather person but do listen to your body when bad weather is in the forecast.

New Client Forms

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your virtual session!

Health Coaching
Prior to your session

  1. Please click here to fill out the new client intake forms for your selected service. Please make sure to fill this out at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled appointment. 
  2. You will receive a zoom link prior to your appointment. Please check your email inbox. 
  3. If you would like us to analyze your iris and/or tongue, please take a close-up picture with your phone and email it to us. Make sure you are in an area with a lot of light and look directly into the camera. We’ve made a video tutorial for you to get the best pictures.  https://youtu.be/jj51psy91xA
  4. Organize your thoughts. Make a list of what you would like to see accomplished during your session.

During your session

  • Please consider this YOUR time, so minimize any distractions. Choose a place with good lighting and be ready for us to call you.
  • We will want to see your face, tongue, and nails so make sure they are clean.
  • It is ideal to have current supplements with you if you have questions regarding supplementation.

After your session

  1. We will email you a post-visit summary so you will have highlights and directions to keep in your inbox or print out.
  2. Supplemental recommendations will be emailed to you from our online dispensary, Wellevate, where you can easily order and get them shipped to your home.

Private Yoga
Prior to your session, please download Zoom

  • Go to Zoom’s website at Zoom.us.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Download” in the web page’s footer.
  • On the Download Center page, click “Download” under the “Zoom Client for Meetings” section.
  • The Zoom app will then begin downloading.

Set up your space and please consider this YOUR time, so minimize any distractions.

  • It’s important for me to see your whole body, choose a space with a strong wifi, good lighting and enough room to move around. 
  • I’ve found it best to have your computer set up on a small table or chair angled to either side, at top of your mat. 

  • When you book your appointment , you receive a link that connects you to the date-and-time-specific conference page. 
  • Please plan to log in 5-10 minutes prior.