Summer finally arrives.
The sun comes out. The flowers bloom.
Most people grab their sunscreen and head outside. But what do you do?
You close the windows, grab your antihistamines and hide in the house.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy being outdoors?
Allergies are widespread. According to WebMD, 20% of the population suffers from allergies or asthma, and 55% of the population tests positive for one or more allergens. Allergies are the 5th leading chronic disease in the US and cost the US health care system $7.9 billion annually.
If you can’t live with your runny nose, congestion or watery eyes, but you don’t want to take antihistamines or get allergy shots, what can you do to relieve your symptoms?
What are Allergies?
Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. Over exposure to allergens, exposure to too many allergens at one time or a generally low immunity may cause watery eyes, runny nose or sneezing.
While allergens vary from foods to furs to pollens, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers when your allergies start to be more important than what causes your allergy symptoms. TCM looks at how all your organ systems work together. Knowing when your immune system first becomes overloaded gives clues about which organ system needs balance.
Acupuncture Allergy Relief at Home
TCM provides several options to relieve your allergy symptoms. Be sure to begin these routines early, before your symptoms start. It’s easier to keep your immune system balanced than to recover once it’s overwhelmed.
- Avoid dairy. According to TCM, dairy is an irritant to the immune system. Even if you don’t notice sensitivity to dairy, reducing or eliminating it may relieve your symptoms.
- Avoid allergens. Avoiding allergens may mean declining foods to which you are allergic, refraining from petting animals, or purchasing allergy-free pillows or bedding. To reduce pollens, shower after being outside. Pollens can be trapped in your hair causing you to breathe them in while sleeping.
- Avoid multiple allergens at once. One theory, called the “Total Load Theory,” states that while exposure to one allergen may not be enough to trigger your symptoms, exposure to several allergens at the same time may. It’s as if your “allergy bucket” has to be overflowing before your symptoms start. For example if you’re allergic to cats and grass pollen, stay away from cats while the grasses are blooming. During other times of the year, you can play with kitty.
- Use a neti pot. The neti pot is a great way to rinse your sinus cavities, clear mucous and reduce swelling so you can breathe easier. Follow the directions with the pot. Always use distilled water instead of tap to avoid introducing bacteria into your sinuses.
- Breathe peppermint. Inhaling the scent of a drop of peppermint essential oil can reduce congestion and improve your breathing. One way to do it is to put a drop of the oil in your palm and rub your hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale. Another way is to put a couple drops on a cotton ball and keep it in a small bottle to carry it with you to inhale it anywhere. If you don’t have an empty bottle, buy a small plastic travel container from a supermarket (usually by the travel size soaps and shampoos).
- Practice acupressure. There are several acupoints that are easy to stimulate and may reduce your symptoms.
- UB1 – Use your thumbs to gently hold the inner corner of your eyes, just under of the inner end of the eyebrows. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds.
- LI20 -Use your index fingers to press each side of your nostril, about 1/8” from the opening and just under the cheekbones. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds.
- LI4 – Gently pinch the web of flesh between the index and thumb of your hand. Feel for a tender spot just above the “V” of the bones. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds and repeat on the other hand.
If these self-help treatments aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, give us a call or make an appointment. Acupuncture is stronger than acupressure and will give you more relief. Plus we can recommend acupressure points and other self-help tips that are specific to your constitution. With a personalized allergy self-help plan you’ll enjoy being outdoors again. Read more about acupuncture for allergies and more tips here.
