Spring Allergies Anyone?
What thoughts come to mind when you think of springtime? Warmer weather, birds singing, trees and flowers blooming? There is an upsurge of energy as everything moves upward and forward. There is an excitement in the air full of hope and promise.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are five main elements in our environment: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, which serve to interpret natural phenomena, including the human body, in health and disease. It is during these seasonal or “elemental” changes that we see individuals who only experience allergies during a particular time of year. Spring is “Wood” time; there is a fresh quality in the air, a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, a vibrant quality, as everything comes alive after the cool and dormant months of winter. Spring is also time to put those New Year Resolutions into motion. Just as plants and trees push up through the ground and blossom around us- we are also motivated to make changes and “grow”. The energy of the spring season supports these changes and gives us a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
With theses seasonal changes in our foliage also comes a new release of pollens, grasses and molds. As our bodies adjust to the changes in the environment- allergies often flare up, a pre-existing sinus condition may become aggravated and the immune system is affected. People who suffer from seasonal allergies approach the change in the seasons with dread, where runny/stuffy noses, itchy eyes and sneezing become the norm. It is estimated that each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergy related diseases. There are many types of allergens- inhalants (things we breath), ingestants (things that come in contact with our digestive system), contactants (things we touch) to name a few.
There are many reasons we have allergies, such as a weakened immune system or a build up of toxins in our bodies from unhealthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Allergies run in families so in some cases we have inherited them. Emotional factors can also play a part- stress and anger combined with any of these other factors also inhibits and weakens the immune system.
What IS an allergy? From the Western medical perspective it is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that one would normally consider harmless. The body creates antibodies to attack the “invader”, leading to reactions ranging from slight itching, swelling, coughing, wheezing, fatigue, digestive and intestinal upset, headaches, and hives to more serious reactions.
A holistic perspective based on Oriental medical principles, also considers the effect that an allergic substance has on the energy flow of the body. When contact is made with an allergen, it causes blockages in the energy pathways called meridians. Quarterly Seasonal Acupuncture treatments (Spring season’s time frame is March 17th-23rd), Acupuncture, acupressure, herbal and nutritional supplements and NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques) are some possible ways to remove these energy blockages and reduce and eliminate allergic symptoms.
Nambudripd’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) is an innovative treatment for allergies that synthesizes Oriental Medical theory with other medical modalities. It is completely natural, painless and non-invasive and can be used safely on anyone including newborn infants, the elderly and even pets. So why not give alternative medicine at try? Let’s “spring forward” into a healthier tomorrow!