Simple Tips for Easing Those Allergy Woes
Allergy season is in full swing! That means that a lot of you are likely struggling with runny noses, sinus congestion, sneezing, itchy + watery eyes, and itchy skin. If an antihistamine is your current BFF during the Spring/Summer - we’ve got a secret to share with you - with a little help, you won’t need to be constantly taking meds throughout the season.
Here are just a few of the tips and tricks our practitioners recommend to help you ease your allergy woes.
Our Acupuncturist Recommends (by Heather Rule)
Whether you are experiencing a stuffy nose and sneezing, sore throat, or itchy watery eyes, acupuncture and many other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities can help a lot with seasonal allergies by aiding circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
Gua Sha
This is a technique of stroking the skin with a smooth flat tool to bring redness or Sha to the surface of the skin. When we use it for allergies we choose points that release heat, benefit the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
You can find a simple Gua Sha routine for reducing allergy symptoms on our Tiktok feed. This is an essential tool for relieving congestion and it will also leave you feeling super relaxed.
Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) Tea Eye Rinse for itchiness and redness
Steep a bag of Chrysanthemum tea in warm water. Allow water to cool to room temp and gently rinse itchy eyes until you start to feel relief. You can also use the tea to make a compress for the eyes, or simply brew yourself a cup to drink and enjoy the benefits that way.
Food
Nutrition is an essential component of TCM and very important in the treatment of seasonal allergies. Any time we are dealing with congestion and inflammation it is really important to avoid excess dairy and sugar. At this time we should support and nourish the lungs by eating foods that are white in colour and have an acrid or pungent flavour (like white onion, garlic, cabbage, leeks, apples, pears, radish, potatoes, etc).
For more information on how acupuncture can help manage allergies, book an appointment with Heather here.
Our Naturopathic Doctor Recommends (by Dr Alisa Murli)
The most common complaint from patients with allergies is that they’re going through a vicious cycle: suffering from their allergy symptoms, taking medications to temporarily alleviate their symptoms, and then back to suffering again - rinse and repeat.
Here are Dr Alisa’s top 5 naturopathic (evidence-based) treatments for combating allergies and stopping the cycle once and for all.
Spirulina
Yep. That nasty green powder that the ‘healthy people’ drink (it comes in capsules too, don’t worry). Make sure it’s an organic source!
Probiotics
But wait! Not all probiotics are created equal. Some probiotics may actually make your symptoms worse. The right probiotics work by decreasing the immune response that causes the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.
Stinging Nettle
AKA the plant that you definitely want to avoid touching if you see it in the forest! Nettle, in the correct form and dosing, decreases symptoms of allergic rhinitis by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin C
Popularly used for improving your ability to fight off a cold, vitamin C also acts as a mast cell stabilizer. This means that it decreases the histamine response, which is responsible for producing the symptoms of allergies.
Quercetin
Similar to vitamin C, quercetin also acts as a mast cell stabilizer and decreases inflammation in your airways.
These are all great options for combating allergies and do not need to all be taken together to be effective. Remember, consult a Naturopathic Doctor before taking any supplement to ensure correct dosing and that it is a good fit for you. Book a 20 minute complimentary appointment with Dr Murli here to find out how she can help!
Our Chiropractor Recommends (by Dr Aliya Visram)
It’s not a coincidence that your allergies might be worse when you are suffering from elevated levels of stress. Case in point - the pandemic stress has definitely amplified allergy symptoms this year leaving many people wondering -- wtf?!
When people are feeling stressed out, the body releases cortisol (the stress hormone) which puts the body into fight or flight mode kicking your immune system into overdrive to help fight against allergens. Chronic or sustained high levels of stress comprise the immune system functioning and the immune cells can’t keep infections, diseases or allergies at bay.
To make matters worse, once allergies are kicked into high gear, the combination of stress, allergic symptoms, nights of restless sleep and fatigue definitely leave you feeling utterly defeated!
Never fear - there are few things you can do:
Stay Stress-Free
Easier said than done, we know. Managing stress levels with meditation, mindfulness and yoga will certainly help ease allergy symptoms.
Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep can help balance the body and help with healing.
Exercise daily
A conundrum I’m sure. Often outdoor exercise exacerbates allergies. However, try exercising - running or walking - at times or spaces where allergies aren’t as prominent.
Get that immune system pumping
Having an optimally functioning nervous and immune system will help things feel balanced and aligned helping you feel your very best.
For more information about available services + how she can help, or to book an appointment with Dr Aliya click here.
This post was written by wellbe’s practitioners. If you have any questions regarding allergy relief or would like to book a visit with a member of our hive, click here.