Puffy eyes, Runny nose, Sneezing and headaches….. ?
Slowly but surely we are moving into the allergy season. The combination of sun, fresh flowers and grass and warm air could be the end of a good spring or summer.
Good News! although the seasons are unavoidable, the need for antihistamines and a constant supply of tissues can be avoided with a few simple steps.
Hydration: Make sure you are well hydrated. On average drinking 2 –2.5 litres of fluids (includes drinks and soups) daily will ensure that your body functions can be optimised.
Supplements: Start taking supplements now so that your body is fully protected when the allergy season starts. These are called ‘essential’ because the body is unable to synthesize them and they have to be obtained directly from food sources. Supplements are to be taken not necessarily as a treatment, but to support general health. They will top-up any existing nutrient deficiencies. To get the most benefit choose a formula that is right for your health needs. Here are some recommendations;
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – strengthens the immune system
- Acidophilus/probiotics- support the gut, and helps the immune system
- Multivitamin/mineral – supports vitamin and mineral deficiency or added requirements
- EPA/DHA fish oils – provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are not normally produced in the body
- Quercetin – anti-oxidant and anti- histamine action
Honey: Honey is one of the best natural allergy treatments. In particular if you can find honey that has been produced locally. Take a teaspoon full of honey daily for at least 6 wks before the allergy season starts.
Acupuncture & Acupressure: Effective both as a treatment and prevention for allergies and headaches, acupuncture regulates the body functions thus reducing the allergy response. The best part is that you can do it YOURSELF, but can prolong the effects of acupuncture treatments therefore requiring less frequent treatments. A great time to start is 4-6 weeks before the allergy season, but if you miss this preventative window you can still use it. It is not usual for people to experience immediate clearing of sinuses and heaviness of the head.
Specifically, there are 7 acupuncture points that can work wonders. All it takes is a little concentration and your fingers. Stimulating the points is not a substitute for real acupuncture but is excellent as a preventative measure and for treatment of sudden allergy attacks.
So, where to press?
Six points on the face. Three on each side, Bladder 2, Stomach 2 and Large Intestine 20. All three points are pressed with firm circular pressure symmetrically on each side moving in the direction shown on the picture.
The seventh point is Spleen 5, located just below and distal to the medial malleolus (prominent bone on the inner ankle). In Chinese medicine allergies are linked to ‘dampness’ and this point acts on it. Dampness in the body is not healthy and acts like heavy sludge causing obstruction. You need only hold and press this point on one leg and massage it gently with tiny circular movements. The easiest position is to sit cross legged.
Seasonal allergy sufferers no longer need to stay indoors or suffer its effects. No more, thanks to acupuncture !
Note: This is a revised version of an previous post published 13/6/2016.