7 Steps to Relief From Pesky Allergies
By Shelly Murray
AaaaaaChoo! If you’re like most of us, you’re probably are well stocked with Kleenexes this allergy season. Unless you live on another planet, you no doubt know the pollen count is out of control. Sneezes, watery eyes and tissues abound and, if you’re one of the many allergy sufferers, life can be pretty miserable right now. Here are some tips to help you make it through the season:
1. Use a Netti-pot or buy some Nasopure and use it twice a day, morning and night, more if need be. This helps clear the nasal passages of mucus. After using, you’ll need to rehydrate the nasal passages with unrefined sesame oil (found easily online or in the health market of most grocery stores in the cooking oil section). Take a Q-tip, dip it into the oil and ring the inside of the nostrils with it, then pinch nostrils and inhale deeply. This will also protect against other bacteria getting into the nose.
2. Increase Vitamin C through not only the food that you eat, but by also taking some extra Vitamin C. We recommend Longevity Plus brand called bio En’R-G’y and you can buy it here if you like.
3. Eliminate dairy from your diet. Don’t panic – we’re not saying you must stay away forever, just during the worst of the allergy season. Dairy is very mucus forming and staying away from it can really eliminate a lot of your discomfort.
4. Local honey offers great benefits when it comes to making it successfully through allergy season and you can find great resources in this recent post, written by Jeni Yadon.
5. Pay attention to your liver! According to our acupuncturist, Shamayne Tate, springtime is about reawakening from the deep rest of winter. Chinese medicine associates the liver with springtime, and the liver is critical when it comes to detoxing our bodies and strengthening our overall health. As such, Shamayne encourages incorporating greens into every meal, and the more bitter, the better. Fresh young sprouts can also help to support and improve the liver’s function. Sour is the taste associated with the liver, so try and use apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for your salad dressings and add limes to your water for a crisp refreshing taste.
6. Think it and it will be. Imagine new possibilities. See your life moving upward and outward beyond the obstacles. Visualize your dreams and goals taking shape and new life and you’ll be amazed at the changes you’ll see.
7. Breathe. Never underestimate the power of breathing. If the liver becomes out of balance, congestion is a natural result. We also tend to become frustrated, angry and impatient. Remember to take deep renewing breaths, take the space we need to center ourselves and to be like a new growing tree-flexible yet strong. And, if you want to know more about breathing, Rafael Duran, our Yoga instructor, has some tips you can use.
And there you have it. Seven simple steps that will get you on your way to feeling better quickly and helping you make it through the pesky allergy season. Always know that we’re here to help if you have any questions or concerns!
-
Janice
-
Janice
