ALLERGIES

What are Allergies?

The term allergy may be used to describe the reaction produced by the body when it encounters something foreign. When an allergic reaction occurs, the body responds by producing antibodies and/or releasing specific chemicals called histamines. When released into the system, these histamines trigger an inflammatory response otherwise known as an allergic reaction. Common allergens include certain drugs, dusts, moulds, insect bites, plants and foods.

Benefits of Massage for Allergies

Massage therapy may relieve many symptoms of allergies, as well as create feelings of relaxation and good health in the allergic individual via massage’s healing power of touch.
Through touch, massage pushes down on nerve cell receptors under the skin, activating the nervous system and stimulating the release of mood-enhancing chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin. Massage also generates a calming effect through the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the body’s level of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) that are often found responsible for an allergic response.
Massage works by stimulating the release of natural endorphins, creating a natural high that may help relieve a person from their allergic symptoms. Brain activity is also altered with massage, with the alpha brain waves being increased producing a state of relaxation.
The reduced level of stress hormones and state of relaxation combined also strengthen the immune system which is then able to react less to certain allergens.
Allergic individuals are likely to also experience a stabilization of blood sugar, increased immunity and improved lung function from massage therapy which all combined help reduce the severity and rate of allergic reactions.

Massage Reduces Stress That May Trigger Allergies

Massage induces the body into a state of relaxation, inciting a biological mechanism that inhibits the brain from releasing chemicals that trigger a physical allergic reaction. Massage also reduces stress levels and therefore keeps your allergies in check by lowering the heart rate, regulating blood pressure and by improving blood circulation.

Massage Alleviates Symptoms of Allergies

Mucous resulting in the nose and throat from an allergic reaction may be cleared with massage. Phlegm is loosened with a gentle tapping on the area above the chest, and with long slow strokes from the chest to the throat that encourages mucous expulsion.
Sinus allergy symptoms may also be relieved with a good sinus/facial massage. This works to clear any allergy sinus congestion by using acupressure techniques upon the head and face, and by using finger pressure to stimulate mucous expulsion via the mouth and nostrils.
Massage should be seen only as a complimentary therapy for symptoms of allergies, and is in no way a replacement for required medications. If you are interested in trying a massage to help relieve you of your allergy symptoms, please speak to a massage professional for more information.

MASSAGE FOR SINUSITIS

A massage can help clear mucus from your nose and throat.  Ask a friend or family member to do this for you:  While you lie flat on your back on a surface like a table where your head can be lower than your feet, he or she should gently tap the area above the chest, which loosens phlegm, and follow with long, gentle strokes away from your chest and toward your throat to move the phlegm out.


 YOGA POSES SUGGESTED:


Kapalbhati


Nadi Shodhana


Sarvangasana




AYURVEDIC TRETMENT

Things to avoid when suffering from allergies

• Heavy foods, Including dairy, Meat, Nuts

To reduce symptoms, try the following

• Have a hearty meal for lunch, and then a very light meal for dinner, perhaps only broth
• Stay away from dairy and wheat products, instead choosing fresh fruits and in-season vegetables
• Get a full night’s sleep
• Drink plenty of warm water
• Exercise every morning

There are three main types of allergies, each with its own remedies. The first is excessive dryness, or vata allergies. The second is inflamed sinuses, or pitta allergies. Finally, the third type of allergies is called kapha allergies and occurs when you are congested.

Vata remedies

• Drink three or four cups of ginger root tea per day
• Massage with sesame oil

Pitta remedies

• Massage with coconut oil.
• Drink Neem leaf tea three or four times a day.
• After each meal, drink a mixture of a quarter of a cup of warm milk and half-teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Kapha Remedies

After each meal, drink a glass of warm water mixed with a half-teaspoon of licorice.· Take a half-teaspoon of sitopladi with honey three times a day; this should be done on an empty stomach· Follow a liquid diet one day per week o This liquid diet is the same type you would follow as part of a normal ayurvedic cleansing program, and is primarily fruits and vegetables that have been liquefied; warm or cold is not important in this case
Ayurvedic medicine has also found that eliminating allergens from your body will help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. If you suffer from allergies all year long, you might want to consider visiting an ayurvedic practitioner. If you are able to visit an ayurvedic practitioner, he or she may be able to design a diet with your allergies in mind. Eating this specially designed diet, which may include the use of such allergy reducing spices as sage, cumin, and cayenne pepper, may help to prevent the allergies from occurring. Your life might benefit from this, not only because of reduced allergies, but also a better food lifestyle.