Cool the Flames of Inflammation: Listening to the Body’s Signals
“Cool the Flames of Inflammation: Listening to the Body’s Signals”
As the golden light of September begins to soften the edges of summer, many of us feel the pull to slow down and settle inward. It’s a time of transition—a chance to notice how we’re really feeling, not just in our minds, but in our bodies.
If you’ve been feeling extra tired, foggy, or achy lately, you may be experiencing inflammation—the body’s natural way of responding to stress or imbalance. A little inflammation is helpful (like when you get a cut or fight off a cold), but when it lingers too long, it can quietly wear us down.
Signs the Body May Be Inflamed
Here are a few common signs your body might be dealing with chronic inflammation:
Feeling tired most of the time—even with enough sleep
Muscle or joint pain without injury
Digestive issues like bloating or constipation
Skin flare-ups (rashes, acne, puffiness)
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Do any of these sound familiar?
Some medical practitioners may suggest that these are menopausal issues or that you are "just getting older". Some may even consider these as "just symptoms of living a busy life". (Who of us isn't downright tired, if not exhausted, most of the time?) Maybe they are, but these symptoms can often be an indication of an immune system that is working overtime or is out of control. Think of these symptoms as whispers from the body—asking for your attention.
What Causes Inflammation?
Many things can trigger chronic inflammation:
Stress that goes unresolved over time
Lack of sleep, rest, or time to recover
Highly processed foods, sugar, or alcohol
Sedentary lifestyle or burnout
Emotional stress, like grief or trauma
Inflammation is not just physical—it’s deeply connected to how we live, feel, and move through the world.
How Yoga Helps Cool the Flame
The good news? Yoga is one of the gentlest and most effective ways to support the nervous system and reduce chronic inflammation.
Recent studies show that consistent yoga practice can decrease inflammatory markers in the body—such as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α—which are linked to conditions like heart disease and autoimmune disorders. One study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that yoga and meditation can shift immune system function and regulate inflammation at a cellular level. Another 2023 study showed that a regular yoga and breathing practice not only reduced inflammation but also supported gene expression related to healing and aging.
Here’s how yoga helps:
Breathing Practices (Pranayama): Slow, mindful breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your rest-and-repair mode—reducing stress hormones like cortisol that contribute to inflammation.
Gentle Movement: Poses that stretch, twist, and release stuck areas improve circulation and lymphatic flow, helping the body move out stagnant energy and reduce physical tension.
Meditation & Stillness: Mindfulness and mantra practice have been shown to improve emotional regulation and lower inflammatory markers by calming the nervous system and increasing self-awareness.
One Last Thing Before I Go…
“The body will whisper until it has to shout. Stillness helps us hear the whisper.”
Namaste -
