Autumn Allergy Relief
Fall/Autumn brings the start of weed pollen season in Southern California. Weeds that produce and spread problematic pollen include California sagebrush, pigweed, elm, and Russian thistle.
Warm, dry, and windy weather disperse any pollen released into the atmosphere. Between September and May, Santa Ana winds can carry warm, occasionally hot, air from the desert. The persistently strong winds aggravate allergy symptoms by churning up and transporting pollen and dust hundreds of miles.
Fifty million Americans are affected by allergies in various forms every year. Our natural defense systems have been overwhelmed by chemicals and pesticides, causing our immune systems to become hypersensitive.
Chemicals called histamines help our body protect us from foreign pathogens. This sounds good, but too much histamine triggers inflammatory processes like swollen nasal passages, which, left untreated, could lead to a sinus infection.
Eating foods high in quercetin, like onions, green tea, and apples, can help diminish allergic reactions. Staying away from mucus-forming foods such as dairy products can also be helpful. And an amazing product we offer at Tao of Wellness is our nasal spray which helps with nasal congestion and allergies. Our patients swear by it, as do I.
To keep yourself less susceptible to allergies, use an air filtration system or a HEPA filter to filter the air in your home, eat foods of all colors to get a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, and increase your water intake to ensure proper lymphatic drainage. And, of course, a good amount of sleep, light exercise to keep the circulation going, and decreasing your stress will go a long way too!
It is important not to allow stress to consume us. We need to keep up with meditation and move our bodies every day to protect ourselves from physical and emotional constraints. The Liver organ in Chinese medicine is all about the free flow of circulation within the body. With improved awareness, we are better able to observe any sensitivities that may begin to occur.
Poor liver health is associated with allergies because it makes the liver less effective in removing toxins from the blood (such as antibodies and chemicals). Such poisons trigger the immune system to overreact and release inflammatory chemicals (histamines, etc.), which can result in itchy rashes, hives, and other skin conditions.
Some people find it challenging to adhere to a strict diet because they have numerous chemical and food sensitivities. These issues are typically linked to the liver's diminished capacity to metabolize chemicals and proteins in the detoxification pathways.
Chinese medicine has a long history of successfully treating allergic reactions. Many herbs can help reduce symptoms as well as modulate the response of the immune or digestive systems. Based on your unique presentation, a customized herbal combination can help ease your symptoms and address any other health issues that may be worsening your allergic response. You may try our Allergy Tamer for relief from congestion and watery eyes. Our Liver Support formula has also been designed to help support your body's natural cleansing processes, enzyme production, and natural liver detoxification. And Quercetin-Histablock supplement with zinc and bromelain fight free radicals to support your immune system.
Our job as acupuncturists is to find the underlying causes of your allergy attacks and help your immune system be as strong as it can be. You do not have to spend another season living with allergies. If you have any concerns about your specific allergies, please do not hesitate to contact your local Tao of Wellness office for assistance.