From the earlier explanation of inflammation, it should be evident that they also follow a consistent pathological progression.
The consistency of acute inflammatory processes becomes even clearer when we examine them through their five distinct stages: Incubation, Aggravation, Destruction, Abatement, and Reconstruction
I. Incubation :
The first part of the diagram represents the Incubation phase, which is the time between being exposed to an infectious disease and when it actually develops. This phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, weeks, months, or even years.
During this stage, harmful substances, toxins, microorganisms, and other triggers of inflammation accumulate and concentrate in specific areas and organs of the body. Once they build up enough to disrupt normal functions or pose a threat to the health and life of the organism, the body's life forces start to respond to the blockage or impending danger through the inflammatory processes previously described.
II. Aggravation:
In the Aggravation phase, the conflict between the phagocytes and Nature's antitoxins on one side, and the toxins and disease-causing microorganisms on the other, gradually intensifies, leading to a rise in fever and inflammation until it peaks, characterized by the most severe feverish symptoms.
III. Destruction:
This conflict between disease and healing forces leads to the breakdown of tissues due to the buildup of fluids, pus, abscesses, boils, fistulas, open wounds, and other unhealthy changes. It results in the destruction of phagocytes, bacteria, blood vessels, and tissues, similar to how a battle between opposing armies causes loss of life and property.
The Destruction stage concludes with a crisis, which can either be deadly or beneficial. If the body's healing forces are stronger and are aided by proper treatment that helps improve blood health, boosts vitality, and encourages elimination, then the harmful substances and disease-causing microorganisms will slowly be defeated, absorbed, or removed, and gradually, the tissues will be cleared of the battlefield debris.
IV. Abatement:
During the abatement phase, the absorption and removal of fluids, pus, and other substances occur. This phase is marked by a gradual decrease in temperature, pulse rate, and other signs of fever and inflammation.
V. Resolution or Reconstruction:
Once the abatement period is over and the affected areas have been cleared of harmful accumulations and blockages, the fifth stage of inflammation begins, focusing on rebuilding the damaged parts and organs. Some destruction has occurred in the cells and tissues, blood vessels, and organs in the affected areas. These need to be rebuilt, making this final stage of the inflammatory process crucial. The complete regeneration of the damaged areas is essential for determining the overall impact of the acute disease on the body.
If inflammation is allowed to progress through all the stages of acute activity and the final stage of Reconstruction, then every acute disease, regardless of its name or description, will ultimately benefit the body. This is because harmful substances, foreign objects, toxins, and microorganisms have been removed from the system; unhealthy and diseased tissues have been broken down and rebuilt into a cleaner and more normal state.
In a way, the acute disease acts on the body like a thunderstorm clears the hot, polluted summer air. It removes impurities and harmful influences, restoring healthy, normal conditions. Thus, when acute diseases are treated in accordance with Nature's plan, they are always beneficial.
However, if the inflammatory processes are not allowed to follow their natural course due to neglect or improper treatment—such as being halted or suppressed by toxic medications, ice packs, or surgical procedures—or if the disease conditions in the body are so advanced that the healing forces cannot respond effectively, then the body's ability to heal may fail, leading to a potentially fatal outcome or the development of chronic conditions.
Sources:
Nature Cure: Philosophy & Practice Based on the Unity of Disease & Cure Henry Lindlahr, M.D
