Allergy season is just around the corner. Taking preventative measures now can help your body adjust to the changing environment and help prevent allergy symptoms from wrecking havoc in your day-to-day life. With any luck, you can fully enjoy all this season has to offer: beautiful budding trees, tender shoots of bright green leaves and grass, and colorful, fragrant flowers. Here are a few simple things you can do to prepare for allergy season and keep those irritating symptoms at bay.
Neti Pot: A neti pot can effectively flush away debris that the sinuses and nasal cavities collect during the day and throughout the night. Using a neti pot filled with a saline solution in the morning and night will wash those irritants out and help prevent irritation, swelling, pressure, mucous and phlegm build-up in the sinuses.
Acupuncture and Herbs: Acupuncture treatments and herbs can help minimize and eliminate allergies and allergy symptoms by boosting the immune response and reducing inflammation. If you are prone to allergies, it is beneficial to start treatment before these symptoms begin. Herbs can be recommended on an individual basis, in accordance with the conditions experienced during the particular allergy season.
Diet: Avoid dairy products during episodes of congestion and nasal irritation as they may increase the production of mucous and phlegm. For many, dairy can aggravate allergies, sinus pressure, and congestion. Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables and make sure you are drinking enough water. Coconut water can also be beneficial for hydration. Some find local honey also effective in minimizing allergy symptoms.
Nasya Treatments: An effective Ayurvedic treatment used for allergy relief and nasal clearing. Nasya helps clear and lubricate the nasal passages. An all natural Ayurvedic herbal oil is dropped into each nostril after the sinuses are steamed with water. This treatment can also be done in the comfort of your own home.These treatments are available at Element on Saturdays.
Essential Oils: Some essential oils have antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergen properties. Check out this link to learn more about essential oils and their uses for allergies. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8386/essential-oils-for-seasonal-allergy-relief.html
Exercise is important for lung health. Exercise allows the movement of blood and lymph. It also creates contraction and relaxation of the lungs and diaphragm, aiding in the elimination of mucous and phlegm that can trap external pathogens and allergens causing inflammation. Exercise is great for boosting the immune system.
Use preventative methods to stay healthy and happy this spring. “Nip it in the bud!”
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.