Inflammation is a natural response to injury or dysfunction in the body, signaling the need for a healing or immune response. Inflammation is an issue when it becomes a chronic underlying condition that can lead to significant health concerns such as decreased immune function, anxiety, depression, brain fog, autoimmune disease, cancer, chronic fatigue, neurological disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, leaky gut and adrenal fatigue. Healing inflammation in the body can be accomplished through various methods including, but not limited to CranioSacral Therapy (CST), specifically addressing the vagus nerve; nutrition; breathing exercises; stress reduction; exercise; and quality sleep.

 

Inflammation is often a result of physical injury, trauma, genetics, stress, long COVID, diet and environmental factors such as pollution, pesticides and chemicals.  According to Dr. Shawna Darou, ND, individuals with low vagal tone have higher rates of inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, strokes, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, endometriosis, cognitive impairment, inflammatory bowel disease and more.

 

CST uses light touch to evaluate the craniosacral system and enhances the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and blood within the body to improve overall health, brain and immune function. CST relaxes the nervous system into a parasympathetic state where individuals are able to rest and heal. Many patients are in a state of chronic “fight-or-flight”, which is often linked to high levels of inflammation, high cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure, along with disruption of sleep, digestion and hormone levels. CST treatments are extremely beneficial at reducing inflammation by stimulating the vagus nerve and boosting the immune system.

 

Lifestyle changes, exercise, sleep hygiene, breathing techniques, vagus nerve exercises, reducing consumption of inflammatory foods and increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods all contribute to the reduction and healing of chronic inflammation. Examples of anti-inflammatory foods are healthy fats (olive oil, omega-3s), fruits and vegetables (blueberries; dark, leafy greens; sweet potatoes) and anti-inflammatory roots and spices (ginger, turmeric). Incorporating one or more of these habits can reduce inflammation and greatly improve overall health.

 

Carrie Tetkoskie, RN, BSN, is the owner of Loving Heart Blissful Soul, a cranial sacral therapy practice in Mechanicsburg. For more information, call 717-603-1732.  Jamie Lynn Zeppa, BS, CYT, is an integrative nutrition counselor, holistic health coach, yoga teacher and the owner of Thyme to Thrive Wellness. For more information, call 717-743-1078 or visit ThymeToThriveWellness.com.

For a more extensive, sponsored version of this article, see “Treating Inflammation”.