As a health care practitioner, effective work with seasonal allergies was a constant problem. Being (mostly ex) allergic, there is an especially personal note added to the search for workable solutions. A few years before my impact on Chinese medicine, I tried everything - from pharmaceuticals to natural supplements to homeopathic remedies. I cannot say that any of these roads has led to very satisfactory results, either at the time of the liberation or of more permanent resolutions. Indeed, every year was a more severe allergic response.
What I discovered both the practitioner and the patient is that long-term regular acupuncture treatment significantly improves airborne allergies, regardless of whether they immediately turn to treatment. Acupuncture works to solve each person’s unique imbalances. Every year of permanent treatment, the symptoms of allergy are becoming less and less exaggerated, until they virtually disappear. An allergic response is a body that reacts to harmless particles (dust, pollen, mold spores) as if they were a real threat to the body. With prolonged treatment, the body adjusts its pathological expression of excessive reactivity to another benign environment. Aside, most acupuncture patients also cope with stress more easily, as the mind learns not to respond emotionally to every situation as a real threat. Stressors are introduced into their proper perspective, and there are less emotional shocks. This is the same energy pattern as the physical allergic reaction.
IMPROVING SYMPTOMS NOW - IN HOME
Long-term acupuncture treatment is not very convenient when pollen drives you crazy. There are several strategies at home that you can use to get sweet relief.
- Steam infusion
The primary system affected by allergy symptoms is the lung system. According to Chinese medical classics, the lungs respond well to fog with warm fumes. Place the steamed water in a large bowl. Add a few drops of essential oils. Inhale inhaled vapor for 5-10 minutes. Use reinforcement towels to enhance. (My favorite oil combination is peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus.)
- Neti-pots
Daily irrigation of the nasal passages produces surprisingly good results, while maintaining allergy symptoms. Neti cans are easily available at health food stores and even in some pharmacies. The soft saline solution is placed in a ceramic pot and scattered through the nozzle into one nostril at a time, as it drains the other. At first it may be a little uncomfortable, but once it is mastered, it is quickly and not as uncomfortable as it seems!
- Chinese herbs
In the rare case when I'm still suffering from allergy symptoms, I turn to Chinese herbs. The most effective formula I have found is Aller Ease by Blue Poppy Herbs. My patients and I found that it is as effective as over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief, without any side effects. (Sorry, but I did not find a lot of herbs and formulas in the health food store to give a lot of relief.
- Good diet
Eating a diet that avoids the formation of sputum will help clear your head. This means restricting or excluding processed foods, dairy products, refined flour, sugars, artificial sweeteners, and food additives. Focus on fresh vegetables, whole grains and good meat quality.
- No cold or frozen drinks
Indeed! It is of great importance. Lung Qi does not cope with the cold and responds with a “rebellion” up. This translates into cough or sinus and nasal congestion.
GETTING PROFESSIONAL PROCESSING
If you find that you need more energy to suffer from allergies, acupuncture treatment can provide significant short-term symptomatic relief. I especially like to use needleless electrical stimulation to relieve sinus and / or nasal congestion and irritated itchy eyes. Gouache (skin care technique mentioned in many of my past newsletters) on the upper back is especially effective for coughing and congestion.
I hope that the above tips will help you understand your convenience and care. Wishing you a healthy, productive and joyful spring!
