Inflammation is a body defense process to protect itself from harmful stimuli. It is not infection. Inflammation does not necessarily mean that there is an infection, but an infection can cause inflammation. Inflammation is a part of the immune response. The immune system recognized harmful stimuli such as damaged the cells, gems, pathogens etc. and initiate the healing process. Inflammation can cause uncomfortable signs and symptoms, but it is essential part of the healing process. Without it, infections, wounds, and any damage to tissue would not be able to heal. When the healing process is finished, the inflammation would disappear. However in some circumstances, the inflammation can persist longer than necessary, becoming chronic and causing more harm than benefit. The signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat, pain and loss of function. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the area; Swelling is caused by buildup of fluid in the area; heat is again due to increased blood flow to the area; Pain is caused by the accumulated chemicals in the area which stimulate nerve endings.
Chronic inflammation refers to inflammation that last for over three months and it can last for years. It commonly results from failure to get rid of an acute inflammation or persistent exposure to particular stimuli. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the body causing pain and loss of function of the organs.
For example.
The fascia is connective tissue made up with collagen. The fascia can be seen between muscles, bones, ligaments and other internal organs. The pelvic fascia is the fascia surrounding the pelvis that line the walls and floor of the pelvis and covers pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs such as the bladder, cervix and vagina in female and the prostate in male and rectum. The bladder and urethra and the vagina and uterus are attached to the pelvic walls by the pelvic fascia. This fascia lies immediately beneath the peritoneum and is continuous with various thickenings or condensations in specific areas. The fascia has myofibroblasts which have contractile ability and this active contraction is controlled by a nerve supply. The fascia inflammation stimulates fascia contracting which contributing to the muscle tightness and muscle tension and pain to surrounding region from the vulval area. Pelvic fascia inflammation can also irritate the bladder causing painful urination, frequent urination. The inflammation can also cause disturbed menstrual cycles. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, restore function and improves the pain, urination pain, frequent urination and restore menstrual cycles.
