Whether you are an elite athlete,
weekend warrior or just very busy, you have likely experienced inflammation due
to overuse or injury. And if you suffer from asthma or rheumatoid arthritis,
you are probably very familiar with chronic inflammation.
Massage therapy has been
widely used as an aid to reduce
pain and promote recovery of injured muscles. Hypothesized effects of massage have included
moderation of inflammation,
improved blood flow, and reduced tissue stiffness, all contributing to pain
reduction, the authors continued.
The
good news is that massage therapy can likely offer some relief. Inflammation by
itself is not a bad thing. After all, it is the body’s way of responding to
cellular damage and is its way to begin the internal healing process.
But
inflammation is not a very comfortable state to be in and acute inflammation
left unchecked can become a major problem.
For
the minor acute cases – usually from exerting ourselves just a little harder
than we should have (perhaps while trying to keep up with our kids) – evidence
suggests that massage may reduce the inflammation of skeletal muscle damaged
through exercise.
A
study conducted by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging
and McMaster University in Ontario found that at the cellular level, massage
therapy may fight inflammation in a way similar to anti-inflammatory
medications.
While
some medical researchers have scoffed at the study’s claims for affecting
inflammation, they still acknowledged the benefits of massage therapy helping
someone suffering from inflammation feel better – which is never a bad thing.
And
for those dealing with chronic inflammation, stress and anxiety are known
contributing factors, so regular massage can certainly aid in reducing stress that
leads to inflammation.
Other
known remedies include eating more omega-3 fatty acids that help dial down
overeager white blood cells that respond and lead to inflammation, eating more
fruits and vegetables that are chock-full of anti-inflammatory agents, and
getting regular exercise (but not overdoing it to the point of creating more
inflammation).
One
of the best inflammation-fighting herbs out there is parsley. While you
probably sprinkle this in your pasta sauce, here is a smoothie featuring
parsley that not only tastes fabulous but also gives you a solid dose of this
wonderfully healthy herb:
1
cup crushed ice
1
cup fresh chopped pineapple
½
cup packed parsley (rough chop is fine)
1 cup juice (orange, mango or apple)
1-inch
fresh ginger
3
mint leaves
Mix
all ingredients together in a blender until smooth and thick. Enjoy!
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